Nelson Mandela banknotes to be issued by South Africa

Saturday, February 25, 2012

South Africa is to issue a complete set of banknotes bearing the image of its first black president, Nelson Mandela.

Mr Mandela, now 93, was released from prison on 11 February 1990 after 27 years in prison.

President Jacob Zuma said the banknotes were a "humble gesture" to express South Africa's "deep gratitude".

Mr Mandela won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for his campaign against white minority rule (apartheid). He was elected president the following year.

Known affectionately by his clan name "Madiba", he has now retired from public life.

Speaking at the central bank in Pretoria, President Jacob Zuma called Mr Mandela's release "the beginning of a new era of hope".

"With this humble gesture, we are expressing our deep gratitude as the South African people, to a life spent in service of the people of this country and in the cause of humanity worldwide," he said.

Advance notice of the news conference at the central bank had briefly rattled the markets, jittery about the state of South Africa's economy.

No date for the release of the new notes has yet been announced. Production has already begun, but the latest edition of the currency will only be distributed towards the end of the year.