South African Mint to host international Mint Directors Conference in 2020

The South African Mint, a wholly owned subsidiary of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has announced that the biennial Mint Directors Conference (MDC) will return to South Africa in 2020. The upcoming event will mark the 31^st of its kind and will be held in Cape Town and Pretoria, in April 2020.

The MDC was created in 1962 in Lausanne, Switzerland and is the most well-known international conference where mint directors, manufacturers of coins, retailers and other stakeholders discuss matters of common interest regarding technology, markets, social contribution, and global financial affecting the currency industry.

MDC 2020 is expected to attract over 300 guests ranging from minting industry heads to various other professionals and stakeholders in the minting and related industries. The baton was passed on to the South African Mint by the state-run coin and bank note manufacturer, Korea Minting and Security Printing & ID Card Operating Corporation (Komsco), which hosted the conference this year in Seoul.

One of the highlights of the MDC is the awarding and recognition of mints’ designs in coin making and coin packaging. This year, the South African Mint was recognised for its spectacular packaging designs, winning four awards in this category.

The awards include Marketers Choice 1st Runners Up for colour coins blister packs, Best Packaging 1st Runners Up to encourage collecting for the colour coin blister packs and two 2nd Runners Up, Most Creative for the 50oz box & Best National Set for the uncirculated circulation set blister pack.

“The conference is a fantastic opportunity for the South African Mint to showcase its innovation and manufacturing capabilities and promote the country. The MDC 2020 will add further to our reputation as a world class producer of circulation and commemorative coins. It is the premier event for attracting international interest,” says Tumi Tsehlo, MD, South African Mint.

“South Africa has an impressive track record in hosting global events. We first hosted the Mint Directors’ Conference 20 years ago, in 1998, and since then South Africa has built a reputation for itself as a destination for global events and conferences including the spectacular World Cup 2010. We are confident that in 2020, the minting industry will have a similarly enjoyable experience and we look forward to showcasing the developments of our young democracy.”

The MDC 2020 in South Africa has pledged to be the most environmentally-friendly MDC conference yet. The South African Mint has appointed Reconnaissance International Ltd (RI), a global leader in currency conferences, to manage the 2020 event which will be paperless event, using digital technology at every touchpoint.

About the South African Mint: The South African Mint is the continent’s leading manufacturer of legal coin tender, as well as commemorative and rare collectible coins. With over 100 years’ experience in supplying symbols of value to the African and global markets, we pride ourselves in delivering products that represent our commitment to uniquely African design and supreme craftsmanship. We collaborate closely with our customers to develop distinct and durable monetary products that capture and preserve the heritage and pride of a nation. The South African Mint is a wholly owned subsidiary of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), established in accordance with the SARB Act.