A new version of Nelson Mandela's 46664 HIV and Aids awareness bangle has been launched for those with platinum tastes, but a copper budget.

The bangle, already available in silver, gold and platinum, is now available in sparkling copper or "worn-look" copper at a more modest price so that the Nelson Mandela Foundation can increase its pool of people who are "cuffed to their personal responsibility to end HIV and Aids in Africa".

"MyCopper MyResponsibility"

The sparkling copper, at R189, includes a healing copper inlay that provides an indicator of acidity in the body, the promoters explained on Wednesday.

The "worn look" copper with the byline "MyCopper MyResponsibility" will retail at R69,99.

It is hoped the bangles will eventually be sold globally.

"Significantly, the impact of the initiative will not only be on providing ongoing funds to both the Nelson Mandela Foundation and involved schools, but also on creating job opportunities, stimulating entrepreneurial ventures in those making the bangle and boxes they come in," the promoters said in a statement.

The bangles can be purchased from Tiger Eye and Out Of Africa stores and a range of curio and gift shops, from the 46664 website www.46664.com/bangle, or the call centre 0860-9-46664.

For the more flush, it costs R1995 for the silver bangles to R54 948 for 18-carat gold and R67 260 for 24-carat gold. The platinum bangle costs R135 660.

The number 46664 is derived from former president Nelson Mandela's prison number when he was incarcerated on Robben Island as prisoner number 466 in 1964.

The statement added that: "At the time of Mr Mandela?s release in 1990 South Africa recorded 120,000 people living with HIV. Today the number of South Africans living with HIV and Aids exceeds 5.5 million."

The 46664 project raises funds to support the ongoing 46664 campaign and HIV and Aids projects in sub-Saharan Africa.