#SPEDN [email protected] btcmap.org/merchant/3108 The Bitcoin Diploma students tapped their NFC cards and smiled as their sats arrived instantly. ⚡ In that small moment, they felt the future of money right in their hands. 💳✨

It's moments like this that keep us going. If you've ever felt it, you know: nothing else compares. The Surfer Kids' Phumlisa "Ama" Madiavula - Western Cape U8 Champion!!!

We are building a Bitcoin circular economy in a South African township. Rebecca Hair Salon is one of the local businesses proudly accepting Bitcoin. btcmap.org/community/bitcoin-ekasi/merchants

#SPEDN [email protected] btcmap.org/merchant/21226 Step in, shine bright, and let your hair do the talking, Rebecca Hair Salon – where every style is a masterpiece.

#SPEDN ⚡️[email protected] btcmap.org/merchant/34059 At the recent The Surfer Kids Surf Series Comp at the Point, we distributed 35 NFC to showcase fast and simple Bitcoin payments. Surfers and spectators could tap a card and pay instantly using the Lightning Network. Out of the 35 cards handed out, 20 were used for real transactions during the event. For many people, it was their first time spending Bitcoin with a tap. The system ran on our operated by Slu and Bongani, keeping payments self-custodial and open source. This setup let new users experience Bitcoin payments without downloading a wallet or scanning QR codes, making onboarding smooth during a busy event. A great example of Bitcoin working at a community event. Set up your own Bolt Card system: bitcoinekasi.com/nfc/ ⚡️

#SPEDN [email protected] btcmap.org/merchant/27155 Today a car wash owner paid a grocery shop with Bitcoin.⚡️ No banks. No fiat conversion. Just sats moving between merchants. This is how a Bitcoin circular economy grows. Bitcoin is money. 🟠

🙏🏽🧡

Good morning! Hamba ngothando, always ♥️

UPDATE: New Ekasi Support Center As previously announced, we originally planned to begin construction in early 2026. Unfortunately, however, there's been a delay. During the final stages of the land transfer, it became clear that the municipal boundary lines didn’t match the reality on the ground - part of the property overlapped with a public road. The municipality now needs to complete a subdivision and consolidation. This means construction will likely only begin in early 2027. The delay is frustrating, especially since we flagged the issue early in the process. But the process ensures that the project proceeds on a solid legal footing. We don't want to own part of a public road. The good news: our agreement with the municipality remains unchanged, including the 90% discounted land purchase price. The project continues moving forward. We’re building the center in phases. Phase 0 - 1 will deliver the core Ekasi Center: classrooms, offices, meetup space, thrift shop and reception. Future phases will add accommodation for fellowships and interns, a larger event space, workshops & a maker space, and recycling initiatives. Architectural plans are complete — and all architect fees have been paid in Bitcoin. The renders below detail all 4 phases of construction. It is unfortunate that the project is delayed. But, if you've ever visited us, you'll know that this particular location is well worth the wait. We'll keep posting updates as we progress. For information, and to make a donation, please visit: http://support.bitcoinekasi.com

#SPEDN [email protected] btcmap.org/merchant/58 Bitcoin Diploma students proudly spent the rewards they earned for attending their weekly classes, using their satoshis to buy goods and experience how Bitcoin works in real life. 💰⚡

At the Bitcoin Ekasi Center thrift shop, a shack owner receives her portion of sats and uses them to shop for items she needs, showing how Bitcoin is being used in everyday life.