COMMUNITY EXCHANGE SYSTEM STARTED IN CAPE TOWN

The Community Exchange System, started in February 2003 as the Cape Town Talent Exchange, now has more than 27 000 members around the world. This trade system that does not use regular currency is used to market or procure goods and services. Members trade in "Talents", which are received when one member provides another with their marketed good or service. The Talents earned can then be used in exchange for any other member’s goods or services. A "Talent" is roughly equal to R1. The Cape Town Exchange, now part of the international group of Community Exchange Systems, has traded 1 639 293 "Talents" in the past year. Most of the exchange process takes part on-line on the exchange’s website. There are also monthly exchange markets at Novalis Ubuntu Institute on Rosmead Avenue in Kenilworth. The exchange system reached 400 members at the end of its first year. There are now 4 833 registered members in the Cape Town area. The most popular items and skills that are traded include alternative healing, permaculture, web design, second-hand goods, arts and crafts, clothing and various home businesses.