2010-05-26: Statement: Public Information Campaign on Upgraded R200 Notes Kicks off Today

The South African Reserve Bank today announces a public information campaign designed to inform the public, retailers, traders, and commercial banks about the key features distinguishing the upgraded R200 notes.

The old R200 notes have been recalled and must be exchanged at commercial banks on or before Monday, May 31^st. Anyone holding old R200 notes after this date will have to exchange them at one of the six Reserve Bank branches or at the Bank's headquarters in Pretoria.

The public information campaign is designed to reach as many South Africans as possible with a simple set of messages. Radio spots which run until Monday, May 31^st will encourage listeners to watch TV or buy the Sunday Times, City Press, or Rapport this weekend in order to receive an explanation and see pictures of the security features on all upgraded banknotes.

The TV campaign will run on all SABC channels and on e-tv for at least two weeks. A second insert into all major Sunday newspapers follows on June 13^th.

A pamphlet campaign targeting World Cup visitors at all international airports will inform all arriving guests about the appearance and security features of South Africa's money.

The key messages of the campaign are:

• May 31st is the absolute deadline for exchanging R200 notes at commercial banks
• After May 31st, old R200 notes can only be exchanged at one of seven Reserve Bank offices
• Banks will exchange the old R200 notes until the close of business on Monday, May 31st
• Banks are not allowed to charge for exchanging the old notes
• ATMs only issue upgraded R200 notes, they do not issue old notes

If anyone misses the deadline of Monday, May 31^st to exchange their old R200 notes, they can still be exchanged in future at any Reserve Bank office.
The South African Reserve Bank has branches in:

• Bloemfontein
• Cape Town
• Durban
• East London
• Johannesburg
• Port Elizabeth
• The Reserve Bank head office is in central Pretoria and will also exchange old notes after May 31st

Ahead of the World Cup, the message on South Africa's money is clear:

• The latest security features available internationally ensure that all of South Africa's upgraded banknotes are secure
• It is important for everyone to know their money
• This includes shopkeepers, traders, and government departments who can be sure that South Africa's banknotes and coins are safe
• It is not acceptable for business owners to refuse upgraded R200 notes

To check the upgraded banknotes, look, feel and then tilt them. Check for at least three security features. These are some of the key features of South Africa's upgraded banknotes:

• Banknote Paper
  The special quality of banknote paper and the raised print give it a distinct feel. Unlike normal paper, banknotes have a distinct crackling sound when handled
• Coat of Arms
  The South African Coat of Arms is used prominently in the front top left corner, in the gold shimmering band on the back, and in the silver shining strip in the security thread of the R200 banknotes
• Watermark
  The watermark includes the note's value number. When the banknote is held up to the light the watermark and the value number are visible, with the light shining through
• Windowed security thread
  On the R200 banknotes the silver shining strip security thread is 4mm wide. The words SARB and RAND and the note's value number appear when held up to the light and a Coat of Arms appears in the thread when tilted
• Colour changing ink
  On the R200 banknotes, the note's value number on the front bottom right is printed in ink that changes colour when you tilt the note
• Diamond shapes
  There are five diamond shapes with a raised feel on the front of the R200 banknote that assist the blind
• Gold shimmering band
  This is a very prominent feature, in gold colour on the back of all banknotes. When tilted, the Coat of Arms and the banknote's value number appear

Statement issued by Brian Hoga, South African Reserve Bank, May 26 2010

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