Big changes are coming to your wallet this year! The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has officially announced a fresh redesign for the R50 and R100 notes. But don’t panic — your old notes are still good for now.
This upgrade is all about security, accessibility, and keeping up with international currency trends. So, what’s changing, why now, and how will it affect you? Let’s break it down.
Reason
Why is SARB shaking things up? Well, in today’s world of clever counterfeiters and high-tech printing, it’s crucial for our money to stay one step ahead. This isn’t about economic trouble — it’s a proactive move to modernize the look and feel of the R50 and R100 notes while making them tougher to fake.
Here’s what’s driving the update:
- Stronger anti-counterfeit technology
- Longer-lasting, more durable notes
- Better features for the visually impaired
- Alignment with global currency standards
- Improved public confidence in our cash
The bottom line? Safer, smarter, and more accessible money for everyone.
Design
Now, you might be wondering — will my money still look familiar? The answer’s yes, but with a few clever updates. The key images and colors we all recognize stay the same, but several security and tactile features are getting a modern boost.
Check out what’s new:
| Feature | Current R50 | New R50 | Current R100 | New R100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Red | Red | Green | Green |
| Main Image | Nelson Mandela | Nelson Mandela | Nelson Mandela | Nelson Mandela |
| Security Thread | Metallic | Windowed | Metallic | 3D thread |
| UV Feature | Standard | Enhanced | Standard | Multicolor UV |
| Microtext | Limited | HD microtext | Limited | HD microtext |
| Tactile Features | None | Raised lines & dots | None | Raised lines & dots |
| Counterfeit Protection | Outdated | New tech | Outdated | Holographic features |
Security
The new notes will feature advanced ink that changes color with light angles, high-definition microtext, improved security threads, and UV features. Not to mention, there’ll be raised textures and tactile marks to help visually impaired South Africans easily tell notes apart.
Plus — expect QR codes on the notes soon. Yes, your cash will be scannable, making it easier to check authenticity using mobile banking apps or SARB’s own verification tools.
Accessibility
A big win for inclusivity: SARB is adding new tactile features like raised lines and textured shapes to help those with limited or no vision handle their money independently. It’s part of a growing international trend towards accessible banking for all.
Timeline
The note rollout isn’t happening overnight. It’s carefully planned to avoid chaos and keep transactions smooth. Here’s the expected schedule:
| Phase | Activity | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Public education campaign | April 2025 | June 2025 |
| Phase 2 | First bank distributions | July 2025 | August 2025 |
| Phase 3 | National availability | September 2025 | Ongoing |
| Phase 4 | Old note withdrawal begins | October 2025 | Early 2026 |
Impact
So, what does this mean for you? Not much hassle, actually. Your old R50 and R100 notes will still be legal tender for quite a while, even after the new ones hit circulation. Banks, ATMs, and shops will gradually swap them out, and you won’t need to rush to exchange your cash.
On the upside, these upgrades should cut down on fake notes and make life easier for visually impaired citizens. So it’s a win-win.
FAQs
When do new notes enter circulation?
They’ll start appearing in banks from July 2025.
Are old R50 and R100 notes still valid?
Yes, they remain legal tender during the rollout.
What security feature is new on the notes?
New color-shifting ink and 3D security threads.
Will the note design look completely different?
No, colors and Mandela’s image stay the same.
How will the visually impaired benefit?
Raised textures and tactile lines for easy identification.
