Live from Bitcoin Beach in El Zonte, El Salvador, I’m joined by Hermann Buhr-Vivier, the inspiring founder of Bitcoin Ekasi in South Africa. Hermann shares the incredible story of how he’s using Bitcoin to transform a South African township, starting with a surf program that’s been running for over a decade. We talk about how Bitcoin integrates into their circular economy, the struggles and triumphs of building grassroots adoption, and how paying coaches and local merchants in Bitcoin is creating generational wealth.

We dive into their latest projects, like building a permanent education center, the buzz around the Bitcoin Bowl skate park, and even how they’ve been painting murals on shacks to spread Bitcoin awareness. Hermann also gives us an inside look at the bigger picture—supporting Bitcoin adoption projects across Africa and hosting a Bitcoin conference in Cape Town this January.

Whether it’s onboarding merchants, empowering kids to save, or watching a community transform through proof-of-work, Hermann’s story will leave you inspired. Oh, and if you’ve ever dreamed of a Bitcoin-friendly surf trip to South Africa, Hermann’s got you covered too! Don’t miss this one.

- Mike

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Follow Bitcoin Ekasi:
X: https://x.com/BitcoinEkasi
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0BJ9ZD6JXKzJUtXfhy2pSg
Website: https://bitcoinekasi.com/
Unravel Surf X: https://x.com/UnravelSurf

Browse through this quick guide to learn more about the episode:
0:00 - Introduction
1:25 - What’s New at Bitcoin Ekasi? Latest Updates and Community Impact
2:22 - What Are the Plans for Bitcoin Ekasi’s New Community Center?
4:37 - What Is Bitcoin Ekasi and Why Was It Started?
7:06 - How Has Apartheid’s Legacy Shaped South African Townships Today?
10:34 - How Did Bitcoin Ekasi Integrate Bitcoin into Its Programs?
12:26 - What Made Bitcoin a Lifeline for Businesses in South Africa?
13:38 - What Challenges Do People Face When Adopting Bitcoin for Payments?
15:18 - How Did Bitcoin Ekasi Onboard Coaches and Local Shops?
18:09 - How Did Bitcoin Change the Financial Lives of Surf Coaches?
20:15 - Can Bitcoin Help Build Generational Wealth for Low-Income Families?
23:59 - What’s the Shack Painting Program and How Does It Promote Bitcoin?
26:33 - What Is a Bitcoin Circular Economy and How Does It Work?
27:36 - What Is Bitcoin Ekasi’s Vision for Its New Education Center?
30:17 - Why Do Bitcoin Communities Need Physical Spaces for Education?
32:38 - What Is the Bitcoin Diploma Program and How Does It Work?
34:08 - What Is the Bitcoin Bowl and Why Is It a Big Deal in South Africa?
39:24 - Why Is Bitcoin Important for South Africa’s Economy?
43:05 - When Is the 2024 Bitcoin Conference in Cape Town?
45:57 - What Are the Most Exciting Bitcoin Projects Across Africa?
50:50 - Which African Countries Are Adopting Bitcoin the Fastest?
54:50 - How Are Bitcoin Projects in Africa Overcoming Challenges?
1:01:12 - Can Bitcoin Help Kids Develop Financial Skills for the Future?
1:02:44 - How Can You Support Bitcoin Ekasi and Join a Surf Tour?
1:05:03 - What Are Bitcoin-Friendly Surf Tours in South Africa Like?

Live From Bitcoin Beach