SARB honours Maxeke, 1956 women with new R2 coin
One of the coin depicts the women of 1956 assembled in front of the union buildings.
The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has released two new R2 coins to honor the legacy of Charlotte Maxeke and the women who took part in the 1956 Women's March. One coin showcases Maxeke's portrait, recognizing her as the first black South African woman to earn a university degree 125 years ago. The second coin depicts the women from 1956 standing in front of the Union Buildings.
During the coin launch, Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago emphasized the importance of acknowledging women's role in the liberation struggle, stating that women's contributions are integral to South Africa's history. He noted that women's leadership, sacrifices, and achievements are often overlooked, and by featuring Maxeke and the 1956 women on circulation coins, the bank aims to acknowledge their central role in the country's story.
These two coins mark the first commemorative circulation coins to honor women, as part of the 1956 Izimbokodo project led by the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation.
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