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The South African Town Where You Can Pay for Almost Everything With Bitcoin
The small coastal town of Witsand, nestled along the Western Cape Garden Route between Heidelberg and Swellendam, has emerged as a pioneer in Bitcoin adoption in South Africa.
From Humble Beginnings to Widespread Adoption
Spearheaded by local programmer Edwin Jones, the “Bitcoin Witsand” movement has grown from just a handful of merchants to most businesses in the town accepting cryptocurrency payments.
The initiative gained national attention after travel journalist Joe Nakamoto (real name Joseph Hall) visited in January 2024 and documented his experience in a YouTube video. Nakamoto demonstrated using Bitcoin for everyday purchases including groceries, restaurant meals, gym access, fuel, and water sports.
Rapid Growth in Bitcoin Acceptance
According to Jones, adoption accelerated dramatically in 2023:
- 2019-2022: Only 3 merchants accepted Bitcoin
- 2023: 27-28 businesses onboarded
- April 2025: 45 establishments listed on BTC Map
Overcoming Adoption Challenges
Eldry Hill, owner of Ellie’s on Main restaurant and Jones’ first convert, has become a key advocate for the movement. She outlined several strategies that helped drive adoption:
Addressing Merchant Concerns
Key initiatives included:
- Bitcoin-based micro-loans to local businesses
- Guaranteed exchange rates for Bitcoin-to-rand conversions
- Community education about cryptocurrency benefits
“The repayment mechanism is crucial,” Hill explained. “We encourage businesses to accept Bitcoin payments which are then used to repay loans in Bitcoin, creating a circular economy.”
Community Resistance and Infrastructure Challenges
Despite its success, the Bitcoin initiative has faced skepticism from some of Witsand’s 600 residents. Concerns include:
- Fear of unwanted development and loss of small-town charm
- Infrastructure strain during peak tourist seasons
- Perception of Bitcoin as a personal agenda by a few individuals
The town has previously dealt with water scarcity issues during high season when the population swells to 3,000+. A R9-million solar-powered desalination plant, launched in 2019, now provides up to 300kℓ of water daily during peak periods.
Embracing Change
Hill remains optimistic: “Resistance to change is natural. Criticism isn’t personal – it’s often a precursor to eventual engagement and adoption.”
As Bitcoin Witsand approaches near-total adoption, its focus shifts to becoming a real-world example of cryptocurrency’s potential, joining the ranks of Bitcoin Beach in El Salvador and Bitcoin Ekasi in Mossel Bay.
Source: MyBroadband
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