Two new coins for South Africa

The South African Reserve Bank has launched two commemorative circulation coins honouring Charlotte Maxeke’s graduation and the 1956 Women’s March.

Commemorative circulation coins are regular money with special designs that honour important historical events, famous people, or major anniversaries.

In this case, the two coins, which will be used in everyday cash transactions, honour significant milestones in the advancement of women in South Africa.

The first R2 coin commemorates 125 years since Charlotte Maxeke became the first black South African woman to graduate with a university degree.

The second coin commemorates 70 years since the 1956 Women’s March, when 20,000 women marched to the Union Buildings to protest apartheid pass laws.

The coin is part of the Milestones of Freedom programme, launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa in June 2026.

The South African Reserve Bank Governor, Lesetja Kganyago, said that these R2 coins are the first commemorative circulation coins in South Africa to feature women.

He added that the coins serve to correct a long-standing historical imbalance in national memory where women’s contributions have often been overlooked.

Kganyago added that the launch forms part of a broader freedom program by the South African Reserve Bank.

In June 2026, the central bank released a R2 coin commemorating the 1976 Soweto youth uprising.

The Reserve Bank also plans to issue another coin later this year to mark 30 years since the adoption of the South African Constitution.

“Let me remind members of the public that these coins remain ordinary tender and their face value, however beautiful they may be,” Kganyago said.

“They belong in circulation to be passed from one person to another to pass the story of those great women. Keep the coins circulating.”

Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, said these coins are a significant moment in the country’s history.

“For generations, women stood at the forefront of resistance, organised communities, and sustained families during periods of oppression,” she said.

“They have made immeasurable contributions to the liberation struggle. Yet, their contributions have too often been overlooked.”

“Today, South Africa affirms that our national story cannot be told without recognising the central role played by women.”

Chikunga highlighted that Charlotte Maxeke shattered expectations and expanded possibilities for generations of women to follow.

“Her achievement was a declaration that black women were entitled to knowledge, dignity, leadership and equal participation in society,” she said.

“Maxeke understood the transformative power of education, saying it equips citizens to challenge injustice, participate meaningfully in the economy, and unlock opportunities.”

South African Reserve Bank launch photos