BRICS Unveils First Official Banknote — A Symbol of Unity or Controversy?

In a bold move toward reshaping global financial narratives, the BRICS alliance—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—has unveiled its first official banknote at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum. The 200-denomination note, rich in symbolism, features a floral arrangement of member flags on the reverse and national emblems on the front.

But while the design aims to reflect unity, reactions have been anything but harmonious. South African viewers voiced frustration over the use of Afrikaans to label their country, sparking debates about linguistic representation and cultural sensitivity. One user quipped, “Zulu must be there, that’s the most spoken language,” while another asked, “How much is it worth in dollars?”—a question that remains unanswered, as the currency is not yet in circulation.

This moment marks a fascinating intersection of currency design and geopolitics, where a banknote becomes more than just a medium of exchange—it’s a canvas for identity, diplomacy, and public sentiment.