New Commemorative Banknote of Botswana
New Commemorative Banknote of Botswana
The Bank of Botswana presented the country's first-ever commemorative banknote with a denomination of 50 Pula. This event took place as part of the celebration of the Golden Jubilee – the 50th anniversary of the financial institution. The banknote is a limited edition and will serve as legal tender, circulating alongside the current 50 Pula banknote featuring the portrait of the first president, Sir Seretse Khama.
The choice of the 50 Pula denomination is symbolic: it reflects the 50 years of the bank's existence. Previously, Botswana issued commemorative coins, such as a 50 Pula coin for the bank's 40th anniversary, a 2 Pula coin for the Commonwealth Games, and a 5 Pula coin for Pope John Paul II's visit. The new banknote is the first of its kind in history.
Obverse Design: Heritage and Economic Significance
The design combines elements of Botswana's heritage and modern achievements, retaining the tourism theme of the current banknote.
The obverse features the renovated bank headquarters "Pula Thebe" in Gaborone, symbolizing the institution's role in the country's financial system. It also showcases the "Motswedi" diamond – the second largest in the world, found at Lucara Botswana's Karowe mine. This mineral highlights the significance of mining to the economy. Also present are the coat of arms with zebras, a shield with the 50th-anniversary logo, and text in English.
Reverse Design: Olympic Successes
The reverse side is dedicated to the Olympic successes in Paris. It features Botswana's first gold medalist, sprinter Letsile Tebogo (winner of the 200m), and silver medalists in the 4×400m relay – Bayapo Ndori, Busang Kebinatshipi, and Anthony Pesela. These athletes inspire youth to high achievements, although the bank acknowledges the contribution of previous athletes. The text is bilingual: in English and Setswana.
The banknote has a size of 144 × 72 mm, is made of paper, and its colours are brown, green, and red. It was printed by De La Rue. Security features include a watermark with zebra stripes, electrotype "50" and "Cornerstones"; a windowed ANIMA thread with demetallised "50" and an animated runner.
Courtesy: New Commemorative banknote of Botswana
