CAPE TOWN, July 4 (Xinhua) -- The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) on Wednesday announced the issuing of banknotes to commemorate the birth centenary of late president Nelson Mandela.

A public awareness campaign is underway across all media platforms to introduce South Africans to a commemorative series of banknotes and a five-rand circulation coin to honor the centenary, the bank said.

The commemorative banknotes and the five-rand circulation coin will be in circulation from July 13 this year.

July 18 of this year is the 100th anniversary of Mandela's birth, a moment which will be celebrated in South Africa and across the globe. The United Nations designates July 18 as Nelson Mandela International Day, which is an occasion to reflect on his life and legacy, and to follow his call to "make the world a better place."

"This is a proud moment for the SARB and indeed for our country," said SARB Governor Lesetja Kganyago.

"It is the first time in the history of the SARB that we issue a series of commemorative banknotes, and there is no more fitting an occasion than the 100th birthday of Madiba (Mandela's nickname)," he said.

Importantly, this is all about celebrating the values that live within every South African and about turning the moment of money exchange into a moment of mutual respect, the governor said.