The Rand

I've always liked the look of South Africa's money. Each note is a different size and vibrant color and features one of the Big Five on the reverse. In November of last year, new banknotes were launched - featuring the smiling face of Nelson Mandela on the front and still retaining the images of the Big Five on the back.

The Big Five - lion, Cape buffalo, African elephant, rhinoceros and leopard - refer to the most celebrated animals in African game reserves. The term was coined by big-game hunters for the five most difficult animals in Africa to hunt on foot, referring to the degree of danger involved rather than the size of the animals.  Subsequently the term was adopted by safari tour operators for marketing purposes.

The new bills feature enhanced security.  Among other things, the ink used shifts color in changing light and there’s a hidden water mark image of Mandela.  The notes also have embossed lines to help visually impaired people find the right bill.

You might as well start familiarizing yourself with the currency now in preparation for all the shopping we're going to do in December!