Nelson Mandela to be featured on banknotes in South Africa
November 7, 2012
Nelson Mandela has long been the person who unites South Africa, even though the country is divided in a number of ways. In order to honor the former president, the government sent out a new set of banknotes featuring Mandela's image, according to Reuters.
The government announced the creation of the new notes on the 22nd anniversary of Mandela's release from prison, which occurred earlier this year. He served 27 years in jail for his opposition to the white-minority rule, according to the news source.
Mandela, who is known by his clan name, Madiba, was South Africa's first black president when he was elected in 1994. The 94-year-old has been an advocate for human rights and democracy and even though he rarely makes public appearances anymore, he is known across the globe, the media outlet reports.
"Madiba does represent something special not just in South Africa but in the world," Reserve Bank Governor Gill Marcus told the news source. "He is really an extraordinary man and this is a way in which we pay tribute to him."
This is not the first honor in which the country has dedicated to the leader. There have been numerous universities, roads and buildings dedicated to his name. In addition, there is a giant bronze statue of him in the Sandton City mall in Johannesburg, which is a major tourist attraction. According to Mail & Guardian, those in South Africa consider Mandela as the most loved leader of the country of all time.
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