Why the Big 5 (Lion, Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo and Leopard) and are on South Africa’s Banknotes

For many tourists and travellers, South Africa’s banknotes are a colourful and beautiful surprise when visiting the country for the first time. And, in 2023, the South African Reserve Bank released new banknotes and coins, showcasing the country’s ‘family bonds’ and ‘deep ecology’.

But, why are the big five animals on South Africa’s money? Well, the Big Five animals (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) are featured on South Africas banknotes for a few reasons:

“The upgraded banknotes continue to pay homage to South Africa’s first democratically elected president, Nelson Mandela, with his portrait featured on the front of all five denominations while the Big 5 animals are depicted as a family.”

The South African Reserve Bank, 2023
Image showing the new designs and big five animal imager on South Africa's banknotes
South Africa’s new banknotes, released on 3 May 2023. Picture Supplied: The Reserve Bank

The Imager Behind South Africa’s Paper Currency: from Jan van Riebeeck to the Big 5 to Nelson Mandela

In 1961, the rand was introduced, replacing the pound, just months before South Africa left the Commonwealth to become a republic. Between 1961 to 1991, the banknotes’ front face had the face of Jan van Riebeeck, with the first issues carrying just his face.

The later issues had various additional symbols accompanying Jan van Riebeeck’s face, including the protea, Cape Dutch Architecture, vines, the Voortrekker Monument, the Great Trek, Union Buildings, and the springbok.

The transition of South Africa’s paper currency from imagery of Jan van Riebeeck (1961 – 1991) to the Big 5 Series (1991 – 1994) was an important shift following the end of Apartheid.

Interestingly, the third banknote series (1978 – 1991) introduced the image of lion alongside Jan van Riebeeck, marking the first use of a Big 5 animal on the Rand currency. The image of a male African lion is still featured on South Africa’s R50,00 (fifty Rand) banknotes.

Easily recognised on the back of South Africa’s paper currency, the incorporation of the Big 5 animals first appeared on the South African Rand (ZAR) banknotes in the early 1990s, between 1992 and 1994. The Big 5 series was the country’s fourth issue of the Rand currency and marked a significant redesign following the end of apartheid.

The Mandela Series Banknotes (2012 – 2023) were introduced in 2012, with an image of former president Nelson Mandela on the obverse side and the Big 5 animals now on the reverse side. The latest series (2023 – current) introduced a family image of each of the Big 5 animals.

Why the Big 5 Feature on South Africa’s Banknotes

The Big Five animals (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) are featured on South Africa’s five banknotes for a few reasons, including Tourism, National Pride and the Cultural Significance. These Big 5 animals prized for their importance to the country’s economy and their profound symbolism amongst all the many different cultural groups and beliefs of the South African people.

1. Tourism

The Big Five are a major draw for tourists visiting South Africa. Their presence on the currency highlights the importance and contribution of safaris parks and game reserves to the country’s economy. In Africa, wildlife tourism employs more than 25 million people.

Tourism also drives 8.6% of South Africa’s economy, and continues to grow. The Big 5 animals contribute so much to the country’s economy, it’s no surprise to see them featured on South Africa’s paper currency.

2. National Pride

The big five animals are a source of national pride for South Africa. Having them on the currency showcases a part of what makes the country unique. The Big Five animals are something nearly every South African knows — with even children learn about them in school.

The Big 5 have become deeply entwined in South Africa’s national identity, and its people are proud to be a nation blessed with such incredible wildlife.

3. Cultural History

South Africa has a rich and diverse wildlife heritage, and the Big Five on the country’s banknotes pay homage to the importance of the nation’s wildlife throughout the history of our country and its people.

Many iconic African animals, for example, like the leopard and lion, are prized for their status and symbolism in traditional African dress and ceremony.

The Southern White Rhinoceros, a prominent member of the Big 5, seen on South Africa’s R10 (Ten Rand) note – The Big Five animals on South Africa’s banknotes.

South Africa’s Big 5: A Legacy of Resilience and Renewal

The introduction of the Big Five on banknotes in the early 1990s marked a significant moment in South Africa’s history. The design, launched as part of the fourth issue of the Rand currency, coincided with the end of apartheid and the dawn of a new democratic era. Today, these animals continue to symbolise the resilience and unity of South Africa.

A Big 5 Family-Makeover for South Africa’s Banknotes

Although some design changes were made (with the big five getting a “family-makeover”), South Africa’s banknotes continue to proudly feature each of the big five animals on the back and former president, Nelson Mandela, on the front — earning the paper currency the locally-coined ‘Randela‘ nickname.

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