GETTING cash bouquets this Valentine’s Day might seem sweet, but the Central Bank of Eswatini (CBE) has warned that the gesture could land recipients and givers in trouble.
CBE Head of Strategy and Communication Mandla Luphondvo said the bank does not encourage the practice, noting that there are safer and more creative ways of gifting money, including the use of digital platforms.
“Banknotes have delicate security features that can be easily damaged. Defacing money compromises its integrity and is considered an offence,” Luphondvo explained.
He added that damaged notes are costly for the central bank to replace.
“There are costs involved when notes are damaged because the bank has to issue new ones and the production process is done outside the country,” he said.
Luphondvo also raised concerns about the practical implications of using damaged currency. Banknotes that are mutilated may not be accepted by machines designed to recognise them.
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“Our banknotes have security details that are not easily visible and if those features are damaged, the note may be rejected by machines,” he said, citing parking payment machines as a common example.
Despite the warnings, Luphondvo encouraged the public to embrace modern, innovative digital platforms as safer alternatives.
“We support the use of innovative platforms that allow people to transact securely without risking damage to physical currency,” he said.
The warning is backed by law. Section 44 of the Central Bank of Swaziland Order, 1974 states:
“Any person who cuts, tears, perforates or in any other way whatsoever mutilates any note issued by the bank, without the permission of the bank, shall be guilty of an offence,”
punishable by a fine or imprisonment.
Similar cases have been reported elsewhere on the continent. In Ghana, authorities cautioned against money cakes, reminding citizens that currency is state property and must be handled with care.
In Nigeria, officials have acted against the traditional practice of spraying money at weddings and parties, citing concerns about legality and public safety.
