Under the distinguished patronage of Alderman Geordin Hill-Lewis, Mayor of the City of Cape Town
2026 Annual General Meeting
of the Western Cape Numismatic Society held in Durbanville on 21 February 2026
The Annual General Meeting of 2026 will be remembered in our society's history as one of the best gatherings that many of us interested in numismatics have ever experienced. Who would have believed that, when our society was established during the COVID-19 pandemic, within five years we would witness such phenomenal growth, and that the Mayor of Cape Town, Alderman Geordin Hill-Lewis, would accept our invitation to become our esteemed patron?
The meeting was held in Durbanville, with 50 guests attending. Our President, Jonathan Odes, opened the proceedings by welcoming everyone and paying tribute to our late President, Waldo Human. We were very happy that his wife, Rolene, could also be in attendance.
Honorary Life Memberships were then bestowed on Brian Hern, the author of various catalogues on the coins, tokens, and medallions of South Africa, and posthumously on Natalie Jaffe, who, among her many contributions to numismatics, was the President of the South African Numismatic Society (our forerunner) from 1996 to 2010.
Certificate of Honorary Life Membership
Presented to Brian Hearn
In grateful recognition of a lifetime devoted to the advancement of South African numismatics.
Through his scholarship, publications, guidance, and unwavering commitment to excellence, he has enriched our understanding of South Africa's coinage and inspired generations of collectors and researchers.
The Western Cape Numismatic Society proudly acknowledges his enduring legacy and confers upon him Honorary Life Membership as a mark of our highest respect and appreciation.
With admiration and gratitude
Posthumous Honorary Life Membership
The Western Cape Numismatic Society honours the memory of
Natalie Jaffe
For her extraordinary stewardship of City Coins and her lifelong dedication to the advancement and integrity of South African numismatics.
Through resilience, professionalism, and unwavering commitment, she strengthened the organised numismatic trade and enriched generations of collectors.
Her legacy endures as a lasting pillar of our numismatic community.
With admiration and gratitude
The new committee for 2026 was then announced: Jonathan Odes as President, Gary Willicott as Vice-President, Thomas van der Spuy as Liaison Officer, Derick Rabe as our Webmaster, and Pierre Nortje as Secretary. Pierre was awarded the Walter Bergman Floating Trophy for Numismatic Endeavour. The President's ceremonial hammer (gavel) was then presented to Jonathan Odes by our Patron, the Mayor of Cape Town, who gave a short speech touching on the importance of every generation being the caretakers of the past.
L-R: Thomas van der Spuy, Gary Willicott, Jonathan Odes, Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, Roline Human, Piere H. Nortje, Derick Rabe
Jonathan Odes receiving the ceremonial President's Hammer from Mayor Hill-Lewis
Pierre Nortje receiving the Walter Bergman floating trophy for Numismatic Endeavour. A well-deserved recipient.
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis was awarded the WCNS Silver Medal, the first time this medal has been awarded, in celebration of his acceptance of the ceremonial role as Patron of the Western Cape Numismatic Society.
A surprised and happy mayor accepting his silver medal from WCNS President Jonathan Odes.
Thomas van der Spuy delivered an insightful presentation on his recent research visit to Berlin, undertaken with a group of South African numismatists during the World Money Fair. The delegation conducted focused research at the Münzkabinett (Coin Cabinet) at the Bode Museum, where Thomas managed to sponsor a 1900 ZAR 1 Pond through the Münzkabinett sponsorship program. This sponsorship will link this coin to the WCNS for eternity. Thomas also secured approved access to the Geheimes Staatsarchiv Preußischer Kulturbesitz (German Secret State Archives), where a substantial amount of previously unexamined documents were discovered. These findings are expected to help clarify several outstanding questions surrounding the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek coinage.
Thomas van der Spuy gives feedback on his trip to the Berlin International Coin Show and his even more exciting visit to the German Secret State Archives, which captivated all and sundry in the room.
The sponsorship certificate for the 1900 1 Pond gold coin housed in the Münzkabinett
Student member Joel Potgieter then gave the second talk of the day on his favourite subject: the collecting of ancient coins. This was thoroughly enjoyed by all attendees, including the Mayor. A lucky draw competition was then held, the prize being the wonderful book by Professor Francois Malan of the University of Pretoria on the South African Gold Sovereign. The draw was won by Jandre Jacobs.
Joel Potgieter is seen explaining some interesting facts about ancient coins during his well-researched presentation.
Jandre Jacobs receiving his book won in the lucky draw from Pierre Nortje
Our newly elected Vice President, Gary Willicott, provided feedback on a plan for a 2026 membership drive, followed by Jonathan Odes, who discussed the proposed membership fees for the year. With the introduction of our new logo setting the tone, there are exciting initiatives to grow WCNS’s social media presence, which will partly rely on volunteers. These efforts, including a refreshed website, will be driven by our younger, energetic, and tech-savvy members.
The formal proceedings were then followed by a wonderful spit braai fit for a king and a live auction by the Bassani group, where the proceeds were donated to our society. All the visitors also received a wonderful gift from the South African Numismatic Grading Society (SANGS), being an encapsulated silver tickey in mint state condition.
This short video gives a peek at the fantastic 2026 Western Cape Numismatic Society Annual General Meeting.