The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has launched two new commemorative R2 circulation coins celebrating the remarkable legacy of Charlotte Maxeke and the thousands of women who marched against apartheid pass laws in 1956.

The coins were unveiled as part of a national effort to commemorate pivotal moments in South Africa’s history and recognise the contribution of women to the country’s struggle and development.

One of the coins honours Charlotte Maxeke, marking 125 years since she became the first black South African woman to obtain a university degree.

The second commemorates the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Women’s March, when more than 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against apartheid pass laws.

First circulation coins to feature women

The SARB says the two coins are significant because they are the first commemorative South African circulation coins to feature women.

Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago said the coins were intended to ensure that the contributions of women are properly recognised.

“Too often, women’s leadership, sacrifice and achievements are overlooked,” Kganyago said.

“By placing Charlotte Maxeke and the women of 1956 on our circulation coins we affirm that women’s contributions are central to the story of South Africa.”

He added that the country’s liberation history could not be told without acknowledging the women who helped shape it.

Charlotte Maxeke honoured on R2 coin

The first coin commemorates 125 years since Maxeke graduated with a university degree.

Its design features a profile silhouette of Maxeke wearing an Edwardian collar from 1910.

The design was also inspired by the beads Maxeke wore during her early years, reflecting one of the looks associated with the pioneering activist and educator.

Maxeke’s achievement represented far more than an academic milestone.

She became a prominent figure in South African history, with her education, leadership and activism helping to challenge social and racial barriers facing black South Africans and women.

The coin therefore uses her legacy to represent education, empowerment, leadership and social transformation.

Women of 1956 take centre stage

The second R2 coin commemorates 70 years since the Women’s March of 1956.

On 9 August 1956, more than 20 000 women gathered in Pretoria and marched to the Union Buildings to protest against the apartheid government’s discriminatory pass laws.

The coin’s design depicts four women from different cultural backgrounds standing in the foreground and holding placards while facing the Union Buildings.

According to the SARB, the composition is intended to emphasise the women not simply as historical figures, but as active participants in a deliberate act of resistance.

The design places the protesters and the institution they confronted in direct visual relationship.

Part of Milestones of Freedom

The coins form part of the Milestones of Freedom programme, launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa in June 2026.

The programme aims to commemorate significant moments and people in South Africa’s journey towards freedom.

The SARB says the two coins celebrate women whose courage, leadership and determination helped shape the country’s history.

For South Africans, the coins will now carry those stories into everyday life – turning ordinary change into a reminder of two extraordinary chapters in the country’s history.