SARB launches museum to boost transparency, financial literacy
President Cyril Ramaphosa officially launched the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Museum at the institution's Head Office Campus in Pretoria. The museum aims to enhance public understanding of the central bank's role and foster financial literacy.
Tracing South Africa's economic heritage
The new SARB Museum embodies the central bank's commitment to transparency and accountability, aiming to deepen public understanding of its role in the economy.
It features a dedicated school outreach programme, complementing the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) Schools Challenge to inspire careers in economics and central banking.
The museum explores the evolution of money, value, trust, and institution-building in South Africa, from early exchange forms to the SARB's establishment in 1921 and its role in a democratic nation.
Its collections include archaeological items dating back 75,000 years, a numismatic collection spanning over 300 years, and South Africa's first minting press from 1891.
Art and commemorative currency
The SARB Museum features two art galleries, showcasing the institution's collection of over 1,200 artworks, now accessible to the public.
Permanent installations by South African artists Esther Mahlangu, Helen Sebidi, and Mary Sibande are highlighted.
The museum's launch coincides with Youth Month and the release of a new R2 coin commemorating 50 years since the 1976 Youth Uprising.
This is part of a 2026 commemorative series on education, with additional R2 coins for Charlotte Maxeke's 125th anniversary and the Constitution's 30th year, plus a R5 education tribute coin.