South African Bitcoiners Launch ‘Proof of Spend’ Challenge to Turn Holders into Everyday Users
A grassroots initiative is challenging South African Bitcoin holders to stop treating their sats like digital gold and start using them as daily money.
BitcoinFriendlySA, a platform founded by Nick Darlington to map merchant adoption, has officially launched the Proof of Spend challenge. The campaign aims to recruit 100 committed South Africans, dubbed the “Founding 100”, who will spend Bitcoin every month for a full year.
How the Proof of Spend Challenge Works
To participate, members commit to spending a minimum of R250 (including shipping) in satoshis via the Lightning Network every month for 12 consecutive months.
All purchases take place on the BitcoinFriendlySA online store, which exclusively lists local products payable in Bitcoin:
Specialty Coffee: Beans from Ekhaya Coffee Roasters
Township Roasts: Coffee from Siki’s Kofee Kafe in Khayelitsha
Local Teas: Northern Plateau Rooibos
Artisanal Snacks: Natural biltong
Local Crafts: Upcycled mini surfboards supporting Bitcoin Ekasi projects
There are no subscription fees and no legal contracts. The only core requirement is consistent, pure-Bitcoin spending without converting back to the South African Rand.
Challenge Progress at a Glance
| Metric | Current Status |
|---|---|
| Target Recruits | 100 Members (“Founding 100”) |
| Active Sign-Ups | 12 Members |
| Remaining Spots | 88 Spots |
| Completed Transactions | 31 Lightning Payments |
| Total Sats Spent | 1,428,221 sats (~R16,151) |
Why Real-World Velocity Matters in South Africa
South Africa already boasts one of the most developed Bitcoin spending footprints on the continent. Residents can use Bitcoin at approximately 700,000 locations, including major retail chains:
| ACCEPTED BITCOIN MERCHANT NETWORKS IN SA | |
|---|---|
| 🛒 Retail Grocers | Pick n Pay outlets nationwide |
| ⛽ Fuel Stations | Engen service stations |
| 🍗 Fast Food & Dining | KFC, Spur Steak Ranches, Clicks |
| 📱 Payment Rails | MoneyBadger, Scan to Pay, and Zapper merchant terminals |
Despite this wide merchant infrastructure, many holders still treat Bitcoin purely as a long-term investment. Proof of Spend aims to shift that culture toward active circulation, reinforcing a circular economy where merchants receive 100% Bitcoin for local goods.
How to Join the Founding 100
Any South African resident ready to use their satoshis for daily purchases can apply for a spot at bitcoinfriendlysa.co.za/proof-of-spend.
Approved applicants gain access to a private WhatsApp community of local builders and help track proof of real-world usage across the country. Applications close once all 100 spots are filled.