Witsand leads the way as more Garden Route towns adopt Bitcoin

Witsand, known for its fynbos, whale watching, and flatwater kiting spots, has become one of the first towns to adopt Bitcoin for everyday transactions. In this town, residents and visitors can buy petrol, groceries, surf lessons, and more using Bitcoin. This trend is growing along the Garden Route, particularly in Plettenberg Bay. In an interview with Biznews, Witsand resident Eldry Hill explained that this shift is a response to the significant depreciation of the rand against the dollar, providing a hedge against South Africa's monetary policy. Hill noted that Bitcoin is particularly suited for individuals in South Africa who are considered unbankable, as it does not require a traditional bank account and allows people to earn Bitcoin through work. Early adopters in Africa, she said, can benefit from Bitcoin's scarcity and it is an attraction for tourists from the Bitcoin community.