The conclusion was that we will purchase $ billion of bonds each week, as previously announced, but that we will extend the period over which we do this until at least mid February next year. This conclusion reflected a number of considerations. The first and foremost is the delay in the economic recovery and the associated increase in uncertainty about the future.
The “big five” theme was adopted after the unbanning of political parties and the release of political prisoners, reflecting what was considered as a design that would be acceptable to all South Africans. The currency was last upgraded in 2005 when enhanced security features on the “Big Five” banknote series were added.