How do we bring cryptocurrencies to the African continent?

Bheki Gumede, Head of Operations, Yellow Card South Africa

I met with Bheki Gumede at a blockchain conference in India, online in time of COVID, and was impressed with his energy and vision. Accordingly, I linked up with him again to talk about his work in bringing access to cryptocurrencies in Africa. I noted while doing research ahead of our conversation that he had a very interesting quote on his Linkedin profile and so we began there.

‘Knowledge without positive action is a wasted effort.’

Bheki is very clear in his explanation of this quote.

“Whenever we go into the world to acquire knowledge it’s usually for a specific reason. We may want to use that knowledge to help our business, to skill or empower ourselves, but in the grander scheme of things, I believe we should also and always use that knowledge to assist and empower others, not just ourselves but those less fortunate than us. If we don’t use our knowledge to share and empower others then we have wasted that opportunity.”

Bheki’s thinking reminds me of a grumpy old miser who hoards his gold under the bed, no good to him nor anyone else. Knowledge must be shared to have value.

Bheki has 15 years background in IT and until six years ago he was working in one of state owned organisation, (called a parastatal in South Africa) as an IT consultant. Around the same time, he started a journey to find himself and his true path in life. How was he meant to contribute to this world other than just making a living?

This question and journey would lead him to blockchain, but it was not without its complications. Listen here to find out what Bheki did next.

Your host is Jillian Godsil, award winning journalist, broadcaster and author. You can find our more about her recent book here: https://persons-of-interest.io/