Valentines: BoN warns lovebirds against cash bouquets
Central
Valentine’s
As Valentine’s Day approaches, the Bank of Namibia (BoN) has warned Namibians against turning banknotes into decorative bouquets, saying the practice is illegal and costly to the country.
In a reminder issued ahead of 14 February, the central bank cautioned that folding, stapling, gluing or otherwise altering banknotes for artistic or decorative purposes amounts to defacing currency and is prohibited under the law.
BoN spokesperson Kazembira Zemburuka told Network Media Hub that the reserve bank is focusing on public education rather than immediate punishment. “For us, it’s about reinforcing and re-educating the public,” he said, adding that the practice significantly affects the quality and lifespan of banknotes.
“When banknotes are handled roughly, they deteriorate faster. That means we have to spend more money printing new notes,” Zemburuka explained. “This ultimately has a cost implication for the country.”
Zemburuka also emphasised that banknotes are national symbols that should be treated with respect. “A banknote is a national symbol of the country and should be treated with dignity, just like the national flag or coat of arms,” he said.
Section 24 of the Bank of Namibia Act, 1997 makes it an offence to cut, tear, perforate, mutilate, write on or attach anything to a banknote without the Bank’s permission. This includes assembling notes into bouquets, even if the money remains physically usable.
While BoN says it does not intend to immediately involve law enforcement, Zemburuka warned that continued non-compliance after awareness campaigns could lead to police action. “Ignorance of the law is never a defence,” he said.
The warning has left some florists uncertain about their position. One flower shop owner, who requested anonymity, said vendors are caught between customer demand and legal restrictions. “We’re not the ones damaging the money or selling it,” the florist said. “But if the Bank confirms that the practice is illegal, we will comply and look at alternatives.” - [email protected]
