VIDEO: Pretoria artists part of new commemorative coins.
The coins under the theme “celebrating South Africa, include a commemorative R5 coin, five R2 coins and three collectable coins in gold, silver and bronze alloy.
Two Pretoria residents are among five young artists who were selected to design commemorative coins to mark 25 years of democracy in South Africa.
The South African Mint released commemorative coins designed by five artists last month.
The coins under the theme “celebrating South Africa”, include a commemorative R5 coin celebrating the first democratic election, five different R2 coins and three collectable coins in gold, silver and bronze alloy.
One R2 coin in particular was highlighted by the wholly owned subsidiary of the South African Reserve Bank this week, namely, the “environmental rights” coin.
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Designed by Pretoria-based artist, Maaike Bakker, the reverse or “tails” of the coin features an illustration representing the environment showing water and a fish, land with plants and the sky with clouds and the sun.
According to Bakker, these symbols highlight the idea of a well-balanced, protected environment that is not harmful to the well-being of those inhabiting it.
The featured elements have all been simplified to directly communicate the theme.
“The design was inspired by the country’s great outdoors, access to which is guaranteed by the Constitution,” said Bakker.
Another Pretoria designer, Neo Mahlangu, said she had no idea that she would end up designing two of SA’s commemorative R2 coins when she decided to leave her sales job and pursue a career in arts a few years ago. They are the coins celebrating children’s rights and the right to education.
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“I was not expecting something as big as the coin thing to happen. I’m very honoured to have been part of something that celebrates and commemorates our country,” she said.
“More than anything it has amplified the love I have for this country.”
She said it was unbelievable that more than 10 million people had her work in their pocket.
Mahlangu said her designs for the commemorative coins showed that she was headed in the right direction.
“My family is really proud, especially for parents who did not think that being a creative was a viable option and this has become a major confirmation to them that everything will be okay.”
The obverse or “heads” features the national coat of arms with the date of issue and the words ‘South Africa’ written in English and ‘Afrika-Dzonga’ in Xitsonga.
Two other R2 coins, celebrating freedom of movement and residence and freedom of religion, belief and opinion, were designed by Rasty Knayles and Peter Mammes respectively.
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The R5 coin ‘Let us live and strive for freedom’, celebrating the first democratic election, was designed by Lady Skollie.
Unveiling the new coins, South African Mint managing director Tumi Tsehlo said they were an emblem of natural heritage.
He urged every individual to play a significant role in combating environmental issues such as pollution.
“I am very pleased that South Africans of all ages will be able to collect these coins as keepsakes,” Tsehlo said.
Residents will soon find these coins in their change and are encouraged to find, collect and keep these special SA25 circulation coins through a specially designed collectors’ folder produced to hold all the coins.
This folder can be collected, at no cost, from the South African Mint’s retail store in Centurion, as well as various other outlets mentioned on the SA25 website.
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