FAQ

Why the Cape? Does Silicon Cape exclude the rest of South Africa?

Not at all. The whole of South Africa is most definitely included and everyone is invited. South Africa as a whole is without doubt the technological powerhouse of Africa. However, much like with Silicon Valley, we feel that an initiative and a brand like this needs a focal point, and that the Cape contains the unique mix of all of the varied ingredients that ultimately serve to bring together the right participants organically. This would already seem to be evidenced by the number of tech startups which are Cape based.

Who owns the name and the brand Silicon Cape?

You and everybody else who believes in South Africa. It is a community-owned effort. A non-profit foundation driven by a community-appointed committee is being established in due course to protect and promote the brand, website and associated IP here and around the world, however. (Please refer also to our guidelines on the use of our name and logo.)

How does CITI, Bandwidth Barn, Wesgro and other great projects fit in with Silicon Cape?

Silicon Cape doesn't exist to compete with or duplicate the great work done by these projects. They are all very complementary to each other and very necessary, and indeed Silicon Cape can highlight the opportunities that they create and work together with them. Please email us if you are one such initiative that would like to be a featured partner on our homepage.

What is the Silicon Cape Initiative?

The SiliconCape Initiative is a non-profit, public good-focused, community driven organisation. It is guided by a steering committee whose goal is to help focus energies on developing and creating the brand of the "Silicon Cape".

Silicon Cape is a broad awareness campaign and a global brand which serves to catalyse conversation, attract interest and highlight opportunities and challenges, and create a focal point that the community across the board can own and rally around.

How can I get involved?

Support the brand and share the idea of a Silicon Cape. You can also support initiatives within the brand by attending events and getting involved. "I love the Silicon Cape" or "Silicon Cape Born and Bred" are the kind of supporter badges you can see on company or personal websites, for example. One day, foreign visitors stepping out of Cape Town International Airport on their arrival might even see a billboard saying "You are now entering the Silicon Cape", or "Welcome to the Silicon Cape".