Bitcoin Ekasi: The Township One Year Later
It didnt take long to recognize that, whatever this thing was, if what was written in that magazine were real, those individuals would not have had their cash arbitrarily taken if their cash had been in self-custodied bitcoin rather than a Cypriot bank.After having purchased a little bitcoin near the top in 2013 and doing my research when the price crashed, we began accepting bitcoin payments from surf-trip clients in mid-2015. I continued to inform Luthando about all things Bitcoin and he would go into the area, spend his bitcoin salary buying groceries at Kwallos and speak to other shop owners, demonstrating and explaining the practical benefits of Bitcoin.Kwallos Shop, Nosihle and Luthando – January 2022It took about 3 months to onboard the 2nd and 3rd shop owners and, in the interim, we started paying bitcoin incomes to our 3 junior coaches who assisted Luthando in running The Surfer Kids program. The meme “Bitcoin repairs this” suddenly became genuine, as I saw it affecting seemingly unrelated social problems in favorable ways.And the more I experienced this, the more determined I became to drive this task forward as far as possible– because its one thing to think that Bitcoin can alter the world, however to see it and experience it right in front of me, that really lit the orange fire inside of me.It was around that time when some momentum began constructing, both on the ground and on our Bitcoin Twitter profile, that Michael Peterson contacted me and provided the support of Bitcoin Beach.
Their eventual success later on that afternoon (when they bought 2 cool beverages with sats sent over the Lightning Network) could be called the moment Bitcoin Ekasi was born.Above: Aug. 5, 2021– Bitcoin Ekasi is born.But the seeds that grew the task were sown long previously. It didnt take long to recognize that, whatever this thing was, if what was written in that publication were true, those individuals would not have had their money arbitrarily seized if their cash had been in self-custodied bitcoin rather than a Cypriot bank.After having actually purchased a little bitcoin near the top in 2013 and doing my research when the cost crashed, we started accepting bitcoin payments from surf-trip customers in mid-2015. I continued to inform Luthando about all things Bitcoin and he would go into the area, spend his bitcoin salary buying groceries at Kwallos and speak to other store owners, demonstrating and explaining the useful benefits of Bitcoin.Kwallos Shop, Nosihle and Luthando – January 2022It took about three months to onboard the second and third shop owners and, in the interim, we started paying bitcoin wages to our three junior coaches who assisted Luthando in running The Surfer Kids program. Bitcoin put him in the position where he could decide what– and when– he would contribute to the household.Above – The Surfer Kids Junior Coach – LukhangeleThese sorts of experiences and practical usage cases energized me since for the very first time I personally saw a really real-world effect of what bitcoin could do in someone elses life. The meme “Bitcoin repairs this” unexpectedly became real, as I saw it impacting relatively unrelated social problems in positive ways.And the more I experienced this, the more inspired I became to drive this project forward as far as possible– because its one thing to think that Bitcoin can change the world, however to see it and experience it right in front of me, that really lit the orange fire inside of me.It was around that time when some momentum began constructing, both on the ground and on our Bitcoin Twitter profile, that Michael Peterson contacted me and provided the support of Bitcoin Beach.
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Other Questions People Ask
What impact has Bitcoin Ekasi had on local businesses one year later?
One year after its inception, Bitcoin Ekasi has significantly impacted local businesses by enabling shop owners to accept bitcoin payments. This transition has not only increased customer engagement but also provided a more secure and decentralized form of currency compared to traditional banking systems. The success of Kwallos and other shops demonstrates how bitcoin can empower local economies and foster community resilience.
How has the community responded to Bitcoin Ekasi in the past year?
The community's response to Bitcoin Ekasi has been overwhelmingly positive, with many residents embracing the use of bitcoin for everyday transactions. As individuals like Luthando have shared their experiences, more people are becoming aware of the practical benefits of using bitcoin, such as financial autonomy and reduced reliance on banks. This grassroots movement has sparked interest and participation among local shop owners and residents alike.
What lessons can be learned from Bitcoin Ekasi's first year of operation?
Bitcoin Ekasi's first year has taught valuable lessons about the importance of community engagement and education in cryptocurrency adoption. By actively involving local residents and shop owners in the process, the initiative has demonstrated that practical use cases can drive acceptance and understanding of bitcoin. Additionally, the collaboration with initiatives like Bitcoin Beach highlights the power of support networks in fostering successful cryptocurrency projects.
What role did education play in the success of Bitcoin Ekasi?
Education has been a cornerstone of Bitcoin Ekasi's success, as individuals like Luthando have taken the initiative to inform others about bitcoin's benefits. By sharing knowledge and practical experiences, they have helped demystify cryptocurrency for local residents and shop owners. This focus on education has empowered individuals to make informed decisions about their finances and embrace a new economic model.
How did Bitcoin Ekasi evolve from its initial concept to its current state?
Bitcoin Ekasi evolved from an initial concept into a thriving community project through grassroots efforts and real-world applications of bitcoin. The journey began with early adopters like Luthando, who demonstrated the practical uses of bitcoin in everyday life. As momentum built, support from initiatives like Bitcoin Beach helped solidify its foundation, leading to increased participation and acceptance within the township.