President Cyril Ramaphosa has opened the renovated South African Reserve Bank headquarters and unveiled the SARB Museum in Pretoria along with a new limited-edition R2 coin.
The museum features exhibits on the central bank's 105-year history, past governors, the evolution of money and South African heritage including works by artist Esther Mahlangu. It is intended to educate the public, particularly young people, and promote financial literacy through exhibitions and a schools outreach programme.
Ramaphosa highlighted the Reserve Bank's role in controlling inflation for the benefit of the poorest in society. He praised the institution for opening its doors to the public and called on Governor Lesetja Kganyago to advance financial education across the country.
The Reserve Bank also launched a commemorative two-rand coin marking the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Soweto student uprising. Kganyago noted that while such coins do not gain monetary value they connect South Africans through shared history.
The museum will open to the public on a date still to be announced. Kganyago said further commemorative coins are planned, including one for Charlotte Maxeke in August and another in December for the 30th anniversary of the Constitution.
