EERSTERUST TIME BANK

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

POWERED BY THE CYCLOS PLATFORM

 

1. What is the Eersterust Time Bank?

The Eersterust Time Bank is a exclusive local community platform where members exchange time and skills instead of money. For every hour you help someone, you earn 1 Service Credit (SC). You can then use your time credits to receive help from another member within the community. It runs on CYCLOS, a secure and user-friendly community exchange system.

 

2. What is CYCLOS and how does it work?

CYCLOS is an online platform designed for community currencies, barter networks, and time banks. It tracks your time credits, manages your profile, lets you offer or request services, and provides transaction records — all in one place. Think of it as your time bank account.

 

3. Who can join the Eersterust Time Bank?

The time bank is open to all residents of Eersterust and people who are actively involved in the community. Whether you're retired, unemployed, a student, or working – you have something valuable to offer.

 

4. How do I sign up?

1. Visit our  Eersterust Time Bank portal : https://asdf.cyclos.org/EERTB)
2. Create an account with your contact details
3. Choose your skills/services you can offer
4. Complete your profile and start connecting!

Need help? Drop us and email: info@ecportal.co.za

 

5. What kind of services can I offer or receive?

Popular services include:

• Homework help and tutoring
• Transport to appointments
• Cooking or baking meals
• Garden help or planting
• Cleaning or organising
• Teaching a language or computer skills
• Sewing, mending, or crafts
• Elderly care or companionship
• Event support or decorating
• For a more complete list see our Marketplace

If it's helpful and community-focused, it belongs in the Time Bank.

 

6. How are time credits calculated in the Eersterust Time Bank?

It’s simple: 1 hour = 1 Service Credit (SC), no matter the task. The Eersterust Time Bank tracks your transactions automatically once the service is confirmed by both parties. If you sign up, you will receive SC30! Users may decide to pay for services using SCs and money. In some cases users may charge more than 1 SCs for a highly skilled service or complex task, even if it is not an full hour.

It is important to agree on the amount of SCs or transaction before services commence.

7. How do I pay for work done?

• Confirm that the work is completed
• Log into your Eersterust Time Bank account
• Click on Pay User
• Select a user, short description and the number of SCs agreed upon
• Click submit

8. How do I request a payment in the Eersterust Time Bank?

After completing a service:

• Log into your the Eersterust Time Bank account
• Click on Receive QR payment
• Enter the number of hours and a short description
• Click on generate QR Code
• Share the QR code or link with the person that has to pay you
• Once the person scans the QR code or clicks on the link, they will be prompted to authorize the payment.
• Once the payment is authorized, they SCs will appear in your account.

 

9. Can I use the system on my phone?

Yes! The Eersterust Time Bank is mobile-friendly and offers a simple, app-like interface. You can:

• Offer and request services
• Message other members
• Log and view time credits
• Edit your profile 

No computer needed!

 

You will require the following link :

https://asdf.cyclos.org/EERTB

To use the Eersterust Time Bank you must register as a time bank user.

10. Is there a fee to join or use the platform?

No. It’s completely free.

The Eersterust Time Bank is supported by LINAM CONSULTING through its innovation arm, DIVERSITON, and powered by LINAM HOSTING and presented through EERSTERUST COMMUNITY PORTAL.

 

11. What if I don’t have any special skills?

You don’t need formal skills to join. You can:

• Visit a senior for tea
• Help someone clean
• Walk a dog
• Assist with small errands
• Help set up a community event

Everyone has something to offer.

 

12. Can I donate my time credits?

Yes. you can  transfer service credits (SC) to other members or causes (like schools, elderly programs, or people in need). 

 

13. Can I trust people in the system?

Yes. Members agree to a basic Terms and Conditions when joining. Eersterust Time Bank includes:

• Member profiles with reviews
• Messaging features
• Admin and moderator oversight

 

14. What happens if something goes wrong?

If someone doesn’t show up, performs poorly, or breaks trust:

• First try to resolve it respectfully
• Leave fair feedback on their profile
• Contact the time bank admin for mediation if needed

We promote accountability and kindness.

 

15. Can organizations or groups join?

Yes! NGOs, schools, churches, and local co-ops can join as institutional members. They can:

• Offer group services (like hall hire, tutoring, events)
• Earn and spend credits
• Sponsor community projects

The Eersterust Time Bank supports organizational accounts.

 

16. What if I don't have time to earn credits now?

You can still join. However, we provide 30 Service Credits (SC 30) upon  registration to each new member.  The system is designed for flexibility and compassion. All you need to do is to replenish you SCs, by selling your services to other Eersterust Time bank users.

 

17. Is time banking legal and taxable?

Time banking is not taxable, because it’s not a commercial transaction. You’re exchanging services within a community framework. However, businesses using it commercially should consult a tax advisor.

 

18. Can I use time credits to buy goods or just services?

Primarily, the Eersterust Time Bank supports service-based exchanges, but some members may offer goods as gifts or part of a service. Any goods exchange must be non-commercial and voluntary.

 

19. How does the Eersterust Time Bank benefit the community?

Time banking increases the Eersterust community wealth by:

• Strengthening neighbourhood ties
• Supporting vulnerable people
• Building skills and confidence
• Encouraging mutual aid
• Reducing reliance on cash
• Celebrating every person’s value

In short, it helps build a more caring, connected, and resilient Eersterust.

 IMPORTANT NOTICE