Latest news with #R358
IOL News
3 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Afrimunt launches limited-edition Afrikaans is 100 commemorative coin collection
Afrimunt released a commerative coin to celebrate a century of the official recognition of Afrikaans as a language. The above picture is a collection of old South African coins. In a dazzling celebration of South African culture and heritage, Afrimunt has unveiled its highly anticipated limited-edition Afrikaans is 100 commemorative coin collection, achieving unprecedented sales figures for privately minted coins in the country. The event showcased the remarkable craftsmanship behind these coins and saw the gold 1 oz. coin being sold for a staggering R358 000, a price that reflects its high demand and symbolic significance. The silver 1 oz. coin also made waves with a final sale price of R53 200, while the bronze 1 oz. coin closed at R30 200 — marking the highest prices ever recorded for private gold, silver, and bronze coins in South Africa. Launched in collaboration with Bassani's auction house and ITickets, the Afrikaans is 100 commemorative coin commemorates a century of the Afrikaans languag, which was officially recognised on 8th May 1925. The initial batch of 30 limited-edition gold coins was released for direct purchase at R124,000 each, and they were eagerly snapped up within mere minutes, signifying the profound connection and pride South Africans hold for their language and culture. With only 70 gold coins remaining and the next exclusive release set for Cape Town, the anticipation among collectors and investors is palpable. "This isn't just a coin – it's a living tribute to a century of Afrikaans culture," declared Albertus Potgieter, spokesperson for Afrimunt, highlighting the emotional resonance that these coins carry beyond their monetary value. The event reached a defining moment when it was announced that Coin No. 47 is destined for President Donald J. Trump, instantly elevating not only the coin's prestige but also its global relevance. Dillion Bassani, founder and CEO of Bassani Auction House, expressed astonishment at the overwhelming interest from buyers. "The response exceeded our wildest expectations," he said. "This is much more than just a coin – it represents the resilience of Afrikaans and the people who have lived it for a century." He also added that each coin is individually numbered and packaged in a protective capsule, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a detailed history booklet. Landon Coleske, historian and project manager of the commemorative coin at Bassani, emphasized the significance of Afrikaans, stating, "Afrikaans is the third most widely spoken language by South Africans – with more than seven million speakers." He believes that this explains the overwhelmingly positive reaction to the coin, describing it as a symbol of pride for Afrikaners and all South Africans. With an event that combined artistry, culture, and an impressive debut in the realm of collecting, Afrimunt's Afrikaans is 100 commemorative coin collection is poised to remain a notable piece of South African history, capturing the hearts of both collectors and the broader public.
IOL News
06-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
BOSA calls on Finance Minister to protect school feeding schemes in upcoming Budget
The National School Nutrition Programme is a vital lifeline for over 9 million poor learners across the country. As the countdown to the national budget speech on 21 May begins, Build One South Africa (BOSA) makes its first and urgent appeal to the Minister of Finance: Do not cut a single cent from school feeding schemes. The National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) is a vital lifeline for over 9 million poor learners across the country. In many cases, the meal provided at school is the only guaranteed meal a child receives in a day. We call on Minister Enoch Godongwana to ring-fence and look to increase funding for school feeding schemes. In addition, we must ensure that red tape, corruption, and fiscal pressure do not rob children of their basic right to nutrition, as has been the case in at least three provinces. Across KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, the Northern Cape and the Western Cape, food delivery to schools has been disrupted by a toxic mix of unpaid suppliers, contested tenders, and budget constraints. Learners are already going hungry, and the situation is deteriorating. In KwaZulu-Natal, many service providers have not been paid for March and April 2025. This follows last year's R2 billion tender scandal that led to rotten food and over 5,400 schools without meals. In Gauteng, more than 1 million learners were affected by delays in finalising a new NSNP contract in 2024. Legal wrangling over tenders continues to undermine meal delivery, with teachers reporting empty plates and hungry children, especially during winter. In the Northern Cape, a looming R358 million education budget shortfall threatens future delivery, despite the province's effort to decentralise procurement. And in the Western Cape, while feeding continues, a R3.8 billion staffing shortfall and a 21% vacancy rate in education posts signal dangerous fiscal strain. Any government that allows children to go hungry while billions are spent on ministerial perks and luxury motorcades has lost its way. BOSA rejects any budget that sacrifices the health and dignity of poor children for the sake of austerity or patronage. Roger Solomons - BOSA Acting Spokesperson
