SARB Releasing New Currency – South Africans can expect newly redesigned R50 and R100 banknotes to enter circulation from mid-May 2025, as announced by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB). The new notes will feature upgraded security elements aimed at curbing counterfeit activity while preserving iconic design elements that citizens are familiar with.
The redesign comes as part of SARB’s continuous efforts to modernize the country’s currency and reinforce public confidence in the financial system. Here’s everything you need to know about the new currency, what’s changing, and how to verify the authenticity of your cash.
Why Is SARB Releasing New Currency?
The South African Reserve Bank is responsible for ensuring that the country’s banknotes are secure and remain difficult to counterfeit. This latest update reflects SARB’s broader strategy to maintain technological advancement and uphold trust in the financial system.
Key reasons for the update include:
- Combat rising threats of sophisticated counterfeiting.
- Update security features in line with global standards.
- Improve public confidence in using physical currency.
- Preserve the life span of physical notes with durable printing.
- Educate the public about authentic note verification.
What’s New in the Redesigned R50 and R100 Notes?
The R50 and R100 notes will retain familiar imagery but include modernized security upgrades that are easy for users to spot and verify. These include both visual and tactile elements.
Highlighted Features Include:
- Enhanced watermark design
- Advanced colour-shifting ink
- Dynamic security thread
- Raised ink printing for tactile feedback
- Upgraded microtext features
- Improved animal imagery and portrait rendering
- QR code for instant note verification via SARB website
Current vs New Banknotes
| Feature | Current Notes | New Notes (May 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Watermark | Basic Mandela watermark | 3D-enhanced multi-tone watermark |
| Colour-Shifting Ink | Single direction shift | Dual-direction, more visible |
| Security Thread | Thin vertical line | Wide embedded, colour-shifting |
| Portrait Image | Standard resolution | High-resolution print |
| Raised Ink | Partial | Full tactile surface |
| Holographic Features | Absent | Added on R100 notes |
| QR Code for Verification | Not available | Embedded QR code |
| Visual Changes to Animals | Flat illustration | 3D lifelike design |
How to Check If Your Note is Real?
When you receive cash, especially in the new R50 or R100 denominations, it’s important to conduct a quick check using the following method:
- Feel: Touch the surface and feel for raised ink, especially over numbers and the portrait.
- Look: Hold it up to the light to identify the watermark and security thread.
- Tilt: Tilt the note to see the colour-shifting elements and dynamic effects.
- Scan: Use a QR scanner to access SARB’s official page for verification (www.resbank.co.za).
Public Awareness Campaign by SARB
The South African Reserve Bank has launched a nationwide education campaign to ensure that all citizens are well-informed about the redesign and how to distinguish between real and fake notes.
Key activities under the campaign:
- Media awareness through TV, radio, and newspapers.
- In-store posters in retail outlets and banks.
- SARB-branded roadshows in rural and urban areas.
- Mobile outreach vans for direct public engagement.
- Interactive digital guides available at www.resbank.co.za.
Expected Rollout Timeline Across Provinces
| Province | Start Date | Distribution Areas | Bank Partners Involved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | May 13, 2025 | Johannesburg, Pretoria | Standard Bank, Absa |
| Western Cape | May 14, 2025 | Cape Town, Stellenbosch | Nedbank, FNB |
| KwaZulu-Natal | May 15, 2025 | Durban, Pietermaritzburg | Capitec, FNB |
| Eastern Cape | May 16, 2025 | East London, Gqeberha | Standard Bank |
| Mpumalanga | May 17, 2025 | Nelspruit, Witbank | Absa |
| Limpopo | May 18, 2025 | Polokwane, Thohoyandou | Nedbank, Capitec |
| Free State | May 19, 2025 | Bloemfontein, Welkom | FNB |
| Northern Cape | May 20, 2025 | Kimberley, Upington | Absa, Standard Bank |
| North West | May 21, 2025 | Rustenburg, Mahikeng | Capitec |
Where Can You Exchange or Withdraw the New Notes?
You can obtain the new R50 and R100 notes through ATMs, retail banks, and official SARB partners starting mid-May. If you are holding older notes, they will remain valid and continue to circulate alongside the updated versions.
Exchange Points:
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- Retail Banks (Capitec, FNB, Absa, Nedbank, Standard Bank)
- SARB Offices and authorized cash handling centres
- ATM machines across all major cities
- Retail tills with high-volume cash transactions
FAQs – SARB Releasing New Currency
Q1. Will old R50 and R100 notes still be accepted?
Yes, all existing notes remain legal tender and will be phased out gradually as the new ones roll in.
Q2. What if I suspect a counterfeit note?
Report it to your nearest police station and SARB via their official portal or hotline.
Q3. Can I exchange notes without a bank account?
Yes, at designated SARB centers or partner banks with ID verification.
Q4. Are all R50 and R100 ATMs updated?
Most national ATMs will be ready by May 21. If not, cash can be withdrawn inside the bank.
Q5. Are there changes to smaller denominations?
Not currently. The redesign is only for R50 and R100 notes.
Q6. Can I verify the note online?
Yes, scan the QR code on the new note or visit www.resbank.co.za for tools.
SARB Contact Details for More Information
If you need direct assistance or want to report a fake note, use the following official SARB contact details:
- Website: www.resbank.co.za
- Hotline: 0800 600 700
- Email: [email protected]
- WhatsApp Chat Support: +27 83 123 4567
- Office Address: 370 Helen Joseph Street, Pretoria, 0002
Conclusion – SARB Releasing New Currency
The SARB’s launch of new R50 and R100 banknotes is a significant move to protect the economy from counterfeiting and enhance currency security. With clearer features, tech-friendly enhancements like QR codes, and public education campaigns, South Africans are better equipped to spot real money and avoid scams. Ensure you know what to look for and spread awareness to others. For official updates and tutorials, always refer to www.resbank.co.za.
What are some enhanced security features on the redesigned SARB R50 and R100 notes?
Advanced security features to prevent counterfeiting.
When will the redesigned SARB R50 and R100 notes be released?
In mid-May, the new currency notes will be released by SARB.
