Finance Minister Trevor Manuel is to be the guest of honour at the launch of a new 24-carat gold legal tender coin — called the Cheetah — on Thursday at the De Wildt Cheetah Centre in North West, the South African Mint said.
A census of the endangered species will be announced at the same ceremony.
The Cheetah coin — which has a face value of R100 — is part of the Natura coin series.
A limited edition of these special coins would be made available locally and internationally.
Natanya van Niekerk, designer of the Natura series, said: ”To bring the beauty of these animals and intrinsic value of gold together in a coin series is an honour and highlight in the rich history of South African coins.” – Sapa