Crypto Revolution: From scepticism to strategic adoption

IOL News

26-07-2025

Sebaga Manyeula is a recognised Key Opinion Leader in Africa's fintech and digital assets space.
Image: Supplied
THE South African crypto landscape is shifting, slowly but undeniably. While institutional and regulatory frameworks inch forward, what remains most fascinating is the response of the average consumer, particularly those who, just a few years ago, viewed crypto with caution, suspicion, or outright dismissal.
From my engagement with clients and retail participants across various income brackets and investment levels, a clear distinction has emerged: those who positioned themselves early — even modestly — into well-selected crypto instruments are enjoying measurable gains, increased financial literacy, and in many cases, the freedom to navigate new economic realities.
They did not wait for the chaos to clear. They took the risk and reaped the benefit.
By contrast, many who delayed engagement now find themselves playing catch-up in a market that has matured beyond 'what is Bitcoin?' conversations. Their hesitancy was justified — often shaped by misinformation, regulatory ambiguity, or past financial traumas — but it has, in some cases, cost them opportunity.
Despite this divide, we are now seeing a faster adoption curve emerging. Consumers are no longer just curious — they are strategically positioning themselves, asking better questions, and seeking regulated access points.
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Key drivers of this growth include: Load shedding's economic pressure, prompting alternative income exploration;
Younger tech-savvy generations bringing crypto into family financial discussions;
Cross-border remittances and inflation hedging via stablecoins;
And importantly, the rise of regulated platforms that offer a sense of safety and compliance.
Looking ahead, South Africa's crypto ecosystem will evolve in these ways: Mainstream integration: Crypto will become a standard offering in fintech apps, payment solutions, and even traditional banking portfolios, especially once clear FSCA-backed product structures are widely accepted.
Crypto will become a standard offering in fintech apps, payment solutions, and even traditional banking portfolios, especially once clear FSCA-backed product structures are widely accepted. Increased regulatory trust: As frameworks mature (notably CASP licensing and cross-border tax alignment), more traditional investors will cautiously step into the space.
As frameworks mature (notably CASP licensing and cross-border tax alignment), more traditional investors will cautiously step into the space. Tokenisation of real assets: Property, commodities, and even social impact projects will be tokenised, attracting investors who want tangible returns and community engagement.
Property, commodities, and even social impact projects will be tokenised, attracting investors who want tangible returns and community engagement. Retail vs chaotic: Existing clients who embrace structured platforms and education will thrive. Those who continue to engage in pump-and-dump groups, unlicensed schemes, or speculative meme coins will face inevitable losses, reinforcing the divide between disciplined adopters and chaotic chasers.
My encouragement is this: the crypto wave is not a passing trend. It's a transformation of how we view value, move money, and build wealth.
As someone who's had the privilege of walking alongside both the sceptical and the bold, I can confidently say that the joy belongs to those who leaned in early, cautiously, yes, but purposefully.
Now, as South Africans, we must graduate from fear-driven scepticism to informed participation. Crypto is no longer the fringe. It is fast becoming the foundation.
* Sebaga Manyeula is a recognised Key Opinion Leader in Africa's fintech and digital assets space. A passionate advocate for financial inclusion, she is also the founding patron of the Give to Live Foundation, which supports abused women and children across Africa.
** The views expressed here do not reflect those of the Sunday Independent, IOL, or Independent Media. Get the real story on the go: Follow the Sunday Independent on WhatsApp.