SARB Advanced Security Currency – In a major development aimed at enhancing public trust and curbing financial crime, the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) is set to roll out newly redesigned R50 and R100 banknotes starting in June 2025. These advanced notes are designed with state-of-the-art security features, improved accessibility elements, and upgraded printing technologies to ensure the integrity and durability of South Africa’s paper currency. This rollout marks a significant step in SARB’s mission to maintain the safety and efficiency of the country’s payment system, as well as to align the local currency with international banknote standards.
Why the New R50 & R100 Notes Are Being Introduced
Over the past few years, SARB has observed a growing trend in counterfeit attempts, particularly targeting the R50 and R100 denominations, two of the most frequently used notes in everyday transactions. In response to this, and in keeping with its Currency Modernization Programme, the SARB decided to revamp these denominations with stronger protections.
Key reasons for launching new notes include:
- Growing concerns over forgery and fake note circulation.
- The need for a technological upgrade in banknote printing methods.
- Improving features for visually impaired individuals through tactile enhancements.
- Aligning South Africa’s currency system with global security benchmarks.
- Rebuilding public confidence in the physical cash system amid rising digital fraud.
SARB has assured the public that while the notes will look and feel different, the value, usability, and recognizability will remain intact to ensure minimal disruption to consumers and businesses.
What’s New in the R50 and R100 Notes?
The new notes have been carefully designed to strike a balance between modern security and familiar usability. While the general layout, size, and dominant color remain unchanged to avoid confusion, the internal design and materials have received significant upgrades. These enhancements not only deter counterfeiters but also improve the everyday experience of handling cash. From textured surfaces to clearer markings and longer-lasting materials, the upgrades make the notes easier to verify, more resistant to wear and tear, and safer for day-to-day transactions across all sectors of society.
New features include:
- Color-shifting ink on numeric values that changes with angle and light.
- Intaglio printing giving the notes a raised texture for easy tactile identification.
- See-through window strip embedded with 3D imaging visible under light.
- Advanced watermarking using multi-tone images of Nelson Mandela.
- Embedded security thread with micro-printing and visible metallic effects.
- Tactile lines and dots for the visually impaired to feel and recognize denominations.
- Improved durability using a longer-lasting paper-polymer hybrid material.
These changes are not only designed to combat counterfeiters but also to enhance the everyday user experience, especially for individuals handling cash frequently in retail, transport, and informal sectors.
Old vs New Banknotes
| Feature | Old R50 Note | New R50 Note (June 2025) | Old R100 Note | New R100 Note (June 2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Color Scheme | Maroon/Red | Maroon/Red (No Change) | Green | Green (No Change) |
| Portrait | Nelson Mandela | Nelson Mandela | Nelson Mandela | Nelson Mandela |
| Watermark | Basic Mandela Silhouette | 3D Multi-tone Mandela | Basic Mandela Silhouette | 3D Multi-tone Mandela |
| Security Thread | Metallic Strip | Windowed Thread + Microtext | Metallic Strip | Windowed Thread + Microtext |
| Micro-lettering | Minimal | Extensive on Serial & Value | Minimal | Extensive on Serial & Value |
| Color Shifting Ink | Absent | Present | Absent | Present |
| Tactile Identification | None | Raised Dots/Lines Added | None | Raised Dots/Lines Added |
| Material | Standard Cotton Blend | Hybrid Polymer-Cotton | Standard Cotton Blend | Hybrid Polymer-Cotton |
Impact on Daily Transactions and Cash Handling
The introduction of these new notes will not interfere with the normal functioning of payment systems. SARB has confirmed that all necessary stakeholders—banks, retailers, transport services, vending machine operators, and ATM networks—have been informed well in advance and are updating their systems accordingly.
What South Africans need to know:
- Both old and new notes will be valid and used together for the foreseeable future.
- You can spend, save, deposit, or withdraw either version of the notes without issue.
- No special exchange process is required by the public.
- SARB has advised consumers to familiarize themselves with the new designs to help detect fraud.
National Rollout Timeline & Distribution Partners
To ensure a smooth and equitable rollout, SARB has created a phased schedule for distributing the notes across provinces. The plan includes collaboration with major banks and government cash-handling units.
| Province | Start Date | Primary Distribution Banks | Denominations Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | 3 June 2025 | ABSA, FNB, Nedbank | R50, R100 |
| Western Cape | 5 June 2025 | Standard Bank, Capitec | R100 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 7 June 2025 | Capitec, FNB | R50 |
| Eastern Cape | 9 June 2025 | ABSA, Standard Bank | R100 |
| Limpopo | 11 June 2025 | Nedbank, Capitec | R50 |
| North West | 13 June 2025 | All major banks | R50, R100 |
| Free State | 15 June 2025 | FNB, ABSA | R100 |
| Mpumalanga | 17 June 2025 | Capitec, Nedbank | R50 |
| Northern Cape | 19 June 2025 | Standard Bank | R100 |
SARB will monitor the rollout and adjust schedules if demand in a particular area exceeds projections.
How to Verify the New Notes
SARB recommends following a “Feel – Tilt – Look” method:
- Feel the raised printing and tactile lines using your fingertips.
- Tilt the note to see shifting colors on the numeric values.
- Look through the note at a light source to confirm the 3D watermark and transparent strip.
- Use the official SARB Mobile App for real-time scanning and validation of currency.
- Any suspicious notes should be reported immediately to your bank or SARB.
Public Education & Anti-Counterfeit Campaign
As part of its public education initiative, SARB is launching awareness campaigns across the country. These initiatives aim to teach citizens how to recognize genuine notes and avoid scams, especially in rural and informal market zones.
Methods of outreach include:
- Live demos at banks and post offices.
- Printed guides in 11 official languages.
- Regular segments on local radio and community TV.
- Street teams conducting verification checks at taxi ranks and bus depots.
- Partnerships with schools to educate students on money handling.
With the introduction of these new R50 and R100 banknotes, the South African Reserve Bank is reinforcing its commitment to maintaining a secure, modern, and user-friendly currency system. While the changes may appear subtle to the eye, they represent a significant leap forward in banknote technology. By embracing these new notes, South Africans can continue transacting with confidence, knowing that the cash in their hands is backed by world-class security.
Who to Contact for Currency-Related Queries
For questions about the new R50 and R100 notes, suspicious banknotes, or distribution schedules, you can contact:
South African Reserve Bank – Currency Management Division
Toll-Free Line: 0800 12 10 18
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.resbank.co.za
Business Hours: Mon to Fri, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
If you encounter counterfeit currency, notify SAPS Economic Offences Unit or lodge a report via your bank’s nearest branch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Are my current R50 and R100 notes still usable?
Yes. SARB will allow both versions to circulate together for an extended period.
Q2: Can I exchange old notes for new ones?
There is no need to exchange unless you wish to. Banks will gradually replace old stock.
Q3: Will the new notes work in vending and parking machines?
Yes. All payment infrastructure is being updated by June 2025.
Q4: How can I be sure my new note is not fake?
Check the features listed above or use the SARB Mobile App for instant verification.
Q5: Will other notes like R20 and R200 also be updated?
Not currently. SARB has stated that only the R50 and R100 are being updated at this time.
Q6: What if someone refuses to accept the new note?
That’s illegal. You can report such incidents to SARB or your nearest police station.