He reported that shops located at the country’s airports, along with those based in Sandton City and Mandela Square, enjoyed revenue receipts more than 30 percent ahead of those achieved in the same period last year.
“The foot count increased at all stores, but the real action occurred at outlets most frequented by foreigners here for the World Cup,” says Demby, who added that the coins and medallions attracting the most demand were, predictably, SAGCE’s range of World Cup memorial mintings.”
As the official agent for FIFA 2010 World Cup coins, SAGCE, in conjunction with the South African Mint, assembled a two-coin limited edition “Zakumi” set. Zakumi is the name of the official mascot of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. SAGCE also offered a limited edition “Laduma” set that included all 10 gold coins commemorating the event. “Laduma” is the South African equivalent to “goal.”
“However, interest was not restricted to World Cup items, with [Nelson] Mandela coins and medallions also experiencing heightened sales, along with Krugerrands,” said Demby.
He said turnover at the “Scoin” stores could also have been influenced by buying ahead of Mandela’s 92nd birthday, which is July 18.
“Mandela coin and medallion sales rose by 50 percent in the week preceding Madiba’s birthday.”
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