The Ora (symbol:Φ, [ˈʊə.ra]) is the local currency of Orania, an Afrikaner enclave in South Africa .The Ora is not a full currency but serves as a token or voucher. (NOTE: Page might be slow to load due to large images ...)
First issued in April 2004. It is pegged at par with the South African rand. The name, recalling that of the town where it circulates, derives from Latin aurum, meaning "gold". The currency is not sanctioned by the South African Reserve Bank. Wiki Pedia
The first notes were issued in April 2004 to provide an internal currency for Orania as part of its quest for self-determination.
The idea of the Ora originated in 2002, when Professor Johan van Zyl argued that a community that intended to empower itself should have access to as many instruments as possible, including its own currency.
It is printed in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 Ora. Each note also advertises a local business on the reverse side.
Other than in Orania itself, the currency is also accepted in some surrounding towns. To encourage its use, some stores in Orania offer a 5% discount for items purchased in Ora.
The local banking institution, the Orania Spaar- en Kredietkoöperatief, is in charge of the initiative.
The use of the Ora as a payment method also has the effect of discouraging theft, as it can only be used within Orania.
About R400,000 to R580,000 worth of Oras were in circulation by 2011.
New notes are printed every three years to replace the ones worn out by use.
These Notes have become quite the collectors item and can demand a fair bit more than it's Rand or Ora Value. The whole background of Orania , the aesthetic appeal and the fact that sets with same serial numbers also increase value of these quite rare'ish notes.
The aim of the town is to create a stronghold for Afrikaans and the Afrikaner identity by keeping their language and culture alive.
The town residents state that anyone who defines themselves as an Afrikaner and identifies with Afrikaner ethnicity is welcome to live in Orania.
Critics accuse the town authorities of rejecting the Rainbow Nation concept and trying to recreate pre-democratic South Africa within an enclave, while residents contend the desire to preserve their linguistic and cultural heritage and protect themselves from high crime levels as their motivation,claiming the right to self-determination as provided by the Constitution of South Africa.
The town's relations with the South African government are non-confrontational, and although opposed to the aspirations of the community, it has recognised them as legitimate.
The small community has a radio station and its own currency, the Ora. The Seattle Times reported a population of 1,600 in July 2018. More than 100 businesses are located in Orania as of 2013. Due to its unusual nature, the town is often visited by journalists and documentary-makers.
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