It was a double boost for the Overberg – not only is the Southern Right Whale on the new R5 coin, but on Sunday the first Southern Right Whale was spotted in the waters of Hermanus.
“The recent announcement by the South African Reserve Bank to upgrade banknotes and coins for the first time in more than 10 years, will be a conversation starter at the Travel Indaba which started Monday,” said Dr Annelie Rabie, Overstrand Executive Mayor. “I am thrilled to see the Southern Right Whale on the R5 coin and the Cape honey bee replacing the aloe on the 10c pieces.”
The Southern Right Whales come to the shores of the Cape Whale Coast in about June each year to mate and calve in the shallow waters. But this year we are lucky to see them in early May. The first Southern Right Whales of the 2023 season were spotted in Hermanus on Sunday. “The early winter has its advantages and it is wonderful to welcome the gentle giants back into the bay,” Rabie said. . The new currency is expected to be distributed by June 2023.
