SA Mint captures the freedom of movement on new R2 coin
All the commemorative circulations coins, including the collectable range, use a typeface created by Garth Walker for the Constitutional Court
A new R2 commemorative coin, themed Freedom of Movement and Residence, has been released into circulation by the South African Mint.
The SA25 themed Celebrating South Africa coin series features five commemorative R2 circulation coins, a commemorative R5 coin and three collectable coins in gold, silver and bronze alloy.
Freedom of movement and residence was heavily restricted by the apartheid government in its pursuit of racist policies.
When thousands of people gathered in Sharpeville on March 21, 1960 to protest the detested pass laws of the apartheid regime that forced all black South Africans to carry a pass book or the dreaded dompas, an oppressive tool to control their movement, the police shot and killed 69 protesters and many others in different parts of the country. The following week, Nelson Mandela burned his pass in protest of the atrocities at Sharpeville.
Designed by artist Rasty Knayles, regarded as a pioneer of the local graffiti movement, the right is symbolised by a plane, a bird holding a key and a minibus taxi on the reverse (tails) of the coin.
The obverse (heads) features the national coat of arms together with the date of issue, 2019, and the words South Africa written in English and Afrika-Dzonga’ in Xitsonga.
All the commemorative circulations coins, including the collectable range, use a typeface created by Garth Walker for the Constitutional Court. The typography as reflected on the commemorative coinage was created in 2003/04 as a unique way-finding system font for the Constitutional Court of South Africa. Walker is credited for the layout of the R5 coins using the typeface.
At the unveiling, Tumi Tsehlo, the South African Mint managing director said, “Our struggle for democracy has hardly any parallel, and I can say the same about our constitution. It is regarded as one of the most progressive in the world, guaranteeing rights to all residents. The theme serves to remind all South Africans that we have come a long way.”
The bird embodies being free to move around and reside anywhere in the country. The weaver bird is a reflection of an average South African; hardworking, cheerful and respectful to fellow beings.
The key symbolises a passport, a prized document which guarantees any person holding it, free and through access across borders and return home.
The minibus taxi used by millions of South Africans and the passenger plane highlight economic activity as well as movement.
The commemorative coins are introduced in a phased manner, with the coin themed Freedom of Movement and Residence being the fourth in the series. It will be followed by the final R2 featuring Freedom of Religion, Beliefs and Opinion in August, together with the new R5 coin.
A special collector’s folder has been created for coin enthusiasts and can be collected, at no cost, from the South African Mint’s retail store in Centurion, as well as the various other outlets mentioned on the SA25 website.
The SA Reserve Bank governor, Lesetja Kganyago, announced the SA25 range of commemorative circulation coins last month as part of the celebrations to mark 25 years of SA’s constitutional democracy, together with a series of collectable coins.
The reserve bank reiterates that the new commemorative circulation coins, like all other circulation coins, are normal circulation coins that are only worth their face value – R2.
