South Africans will soon find history jingling in their pockets. The South African Reserve Bank on Wednesday launched two commemorative circulation coins honouring the women whose courage, leadership and sacrifice helped shape the country’s path to freedom, equality and justice.
The first R2 coin marks 125 years since Charlotte Maxeke became the first Black South African woman to graduate with a university degree. The second commemorates 70 years since the historic 1956 Women’s March, when more than 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against apartheid pass laws.
Part of the Milestones of Freedom
The coins form part of the Milestones of Freedom campaign, launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa in June 2026 to commemorate key moments in South Africa’s democratic journey while strengthening service delivery and promoting social cohesion. As the coins change hands in shops, taxis and spaza stores across the country, they will carry the stories of South Africa’s heroines through communities and across generations.
Speaking virtually at the launch, held at the Reserve Bank’s head office in Pretoria, Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga described the moment as a significant one in the country’s history.
Today, South Africa affirms that our national story cannot be told without recognising the central role played by women.
Chikunga reminded South Africans that Maxeke earned her degree in 1901, at a time when both racial discrimination and gender barriers sought to limit opportunity. “She shattered expectations and expanded possibilities for generations of women to follow. Her achievement was far more than academic. It was a declaration that Black women were entitled to knowledge, dignity, leadership and equal participation in society,” the Minister said, adding that Maxeke understood education as a transformative power that equips citizens to participate meaningfully in the economy and unlock opportunities for growth.
Honouring the marchers of 1956
The Minister paid moving tribute to the leaders of the Women’s March, which she called a defining example of democratic participation and active citizenship. Lilian Ngoyi, she said, became extraordinary because she organised; Helen Joseph became a symbol because she embraced sacrifice; Rahima Moosa left a legacy because she invested herself in justice; Lillian Diedrickse used her linguistic prowess to organise and facilitate inclusion; and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn spent decades ensuring the story of the march continues to inspire new generations.
A legacy that keeps circulating
Through the coins, South Africa affirms that it values the courage, leadership and contributions of its women, and that their legacy must continue to inspire. As the Reserve Bank’s new R2 pieces begin to circulate, every purchase becomes a small act of remembrance, placing women’s stories quite literally in the hands of the nation.
Source: SAnews.gov.za
Photo: commons.wikimedia.org
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