Marino establishes first chamber of its kind in SA
“Cryptocurrency is relatively new. It started just over 10 years ago, so everyone is still learning a lot.”
With the hopes of empowering cryptocurrency investors, Edenvale businessman Vincent Marino founded South Africa’s first Chamber of Digital Commerce.
Founded in May, Marino explained the SA Chamber of Digital Commerce (SACDC) was formed to promote interest in digital currency.
Its mission is to advance the adoption and acceptance and use of digital assets and blockchain-based technologies.
Marino said the chamber is registered as an NPC and is in the process of being registered as an NPO and a Section 18 organisation.
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Marino said he decided to form the chamber after investing in cryptocurrency himself several years ago.
He said since he got involved, he noticed many scam sites, pyramid schemes and the lack of regulations surrounding cryptocurrency.
“We as investors need to speak to government and before the white papers and laws are passed,” said Marino.
The six main functions of the chamber include:
• Address important concerns and issues for the digital community.
• To deliver products or services to the digital community in an environment in which individuals and organisations can feel safe and prosper.
• Work with governments and other regulators to promote and better serve the interests of the digital community.
• To combat the proliferation of cryptocurrency pyramid schemes.
• Work with the education departments to ensure blockchain skills curriculum is available in schools and communities across South Africa.
• To provide education and guidance to support the creation and implementation of supportive policies, programmes and funding in SA.
He said the chamber has four directors, one of which is a cryptocurrency miner themselves.
“I hope the SACDC will be like any other business chamber,” said Marino.
He said the SACDC will host workshops for its members where they can learn more and empower themselves.
“Cryptocurrency is relatively new. It started just over 10 years ago, so everyone is still learning a lot.”
Although the SACDC is not SA Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI)-affiliated, as the two focus on separate interests, Marino said the SACCI has asked him to keep it updated on its progress.
When asked about the reception of the new chamber, Marino said it had been mixed.
“The camber is still growing. We are looking for people who are interested in learning more about mining cryptocurrency,” said Marino.
For more information on the SACDC visit its Facebook page or contact Marino on 082 257 3213.
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