Money for nothing

How money bouquet ban affects entrepreneurs
As Valentine’s Day approaches, the Bank of Namibia (BoN) has issued a warning that has a major impact on the youth business community.
Ndapandula Lilonga
  • 3 Hours Ago

The central bank has cautioned that turning banknotes into decorative bouquets is illegal and "costly to the country".

While the BoN moves to protect the national currency, young student entrepreneurs who rely on this creative trade now find their livelihoods in the crossfire.

For student entrepreneurs, these bouquets are often more than gifts; they are a source of income. Hileni Penda, who launched her business last year to cover study materials and transport, expressed her dismay at the regulation.

"The warning has made some customers hesitant," Penda said. "As a student entrepreneur, I rely on this business for daily expenses. Any decline in orders has a direct impact on me."

She emphasised that the lack of clear guidance makes it difficult to plan or promote her business confidently.

Martha Nangolo, owner of petalsandparcelsbykatyepa, shared a similar struggle. Having specialised in gift hampers and cash bouquets for over a year, she saw immediate repercussions after the warning circulated last week.

"I was shocked because cash bouquets are a big part of my business," Nangolo said. "Some customers have reduced or postponed orders, while others have opted for hampers without cash entirely. It creates mistrust and confusion."

Nangolo added that losing her "best-selling item" has created fear about sustainability and her ability to support herself.

Both women noted that they are not trying to damage currency, but are simply packaging money creatively to meet customer demand.

The legal cost of creativity

While the entrepreneurs advocate for their services, the BoN maintains that the practice is a criminal violation. BoN spokesperson Kazembira Zemburuka told our sister publication, Namibian Sun, that folding, stapling, or gluing notes "significantly affects the quality and lifespan of banknotes". Because deteriorated notes must be replaced, this trend carries a significant "cost implication for the country".

According to an announcement by the BoN last week, those found violating Section 24 of the Bank of Namibia Act, 1997, face severe consequences. The Act makes it an offence to wilfully cut, tear, mutilate, or attach anything to a banknote.

Consequently, cash bouquet vendors can now be fined up to N$50 000 or face three years in prison.

While the BoN is currently focusing on "public education", Zemburuka warned that "ignorance of the law is never a defence", adding that continued non-compliance could lead to police action.