Happy Pula Day 2024!
On the 23rd August 1976, Botswana’s ceased to use the South African Rand, and formed the Pula as the official currency of the Republic of Botswana. We celebrate Pula Day on the 23rd August each year.
At the time of independence in 1966, Botswana was a member of the Rand Monetary Area (RMA) and the South African rand served as the national currency. However, with the decision, announced on 6 September 1974, to withdraw from the RMA, the country was committed to introducing a new currency.
The name Pula was chosen - meaning ‘rain’ or ‘blessings’ - made up of 100 thebe (‘shield’) and was overwhelmingly supported by a poll of public opinion.
Initially, banknotes of P1, P2, P5 and P10 were launched and 1t, 5t, 10t, 25t and 50t coins were put in circulation on Pula Day 1976.
20 Pula note introduced in 1978
50 Pula note introduced in 1990
100 Pula note introduced in 1993
200 Pula note introduced in 2009
Thomas de la Rue and Company and the Royal Mint, both from Britain, were chosen to design and supply the notes and coins, respectively.
At launch in August 1976, one Pula would buy one Rand, or U$1.15
You can get even more Pula information from the Bank of Botswana HERE
FPIMyMoney123™ Seminar
Money Smart Week
The Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa is participating in MoneySmartWeek 2024 by bringing you a free online webinar that will increase your financial knowledge and help you make better financial decisions.
FPI webinars are aimed at consumers of financial products and are hosted by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals.
On Tuesday the 27th of August will be a FPIMyMoney123™ Consumer Education workshop which will deal with basic financial principles, such as debt, budgeting, savings and investments.
Follow the link below to register for this free webinar.
