National Tekkie Tax Day

Person wearing tekkie-inspired clothing, surrounded by futuristic technology, coding in a vibrant, high-tech city setting.. — National tekkie tax day illustration

Hey there, fellow internet dweller! Are you ready for a tekkie-tastic adventure? Well, hold onto your keyboards because today we're diving into the fascinating world of National Tekkie Tax Day!

When is Tekkie Tax Day?

It's national tekkie tax day on the 27th May.

History of National Tekkie Tax Day

Ah, National Tekkie Tax Day, a day that celebrates both being tech-savvy and giving back to the community. This fabulous day originated on May 27, 2016, when the internet exploded with excitement over all things tekkie. With 15 online mentions, it was clear that the tekkie culture was gaining momentum. So, what exactly is National Tekkie Tax Day? It's a day to raise awareness and funds for various charitable causes, all while celebrating the wonderful world of technology. It's like combining the power of coding with the warmth of philanthropy - a match made in digital heaven! The idea behind National Tekkie Tax Day is simple but ingenious: tech enthusiasts exchange their ordinary shoes for tekkies (aka sneakers) to show solidarity and support for the upliftment of communities. And hey, who doesn't love a good excuse to rock some comfy footwear?

Doing Good in Tekkie Style

On this special day, individuals and organizations alike can participate in a wide range of activities. From charity walks and sports events, to coding workshops and fundraising drives, there's something for tech lovers of all ages and interests. Not only does National Tekkie Tax Day promote awareness and engage people in giving back, but it also encourages creativity and innovation. Tech wizards unite to find unique ways to contribute to society, using their geeky skills for a more compassionate world.

Did You Know?

Did you know that on the first National Tekkie Tax Day, a record-breaking 100% of participants experienced an instant boost in their tech knowledge? Yep, the power of tekkies knows no bounds! So next time you're in need of an upgrade in your coding abilities, just slip on a pair of tekkies and watch the magic happen.

History behind the term 'Tekkie Tax'

2013

The Birth of Tekkie Tax

In 2013, a group of South African charities came together to create a unique fundraising initiative called Tekkie Tax. The name 'Tekkie Tax' is a clever play on words, combining the term 'tekkie' (which is the South African word for sneakers) and 'tax'. This initiative aimed to encourage individuals and companies to donate to multiple charities by purchasing special Tekkie Tax shoelaces.

2013

The birth of tekkie tax

In 2013, a new term was coined in South Africa - 'tekkie tax'. It referred to the South African version of the international movement known as 'Giving Tuesday'. Tekkies, which is the South African term for sneakers, became a symbol for this day of giving, encouraging people to trade in their professional shoes for tekkies and support various charitable organizations.

2012

Inception of the Tekkie Tax campaign

In 2012, the idea for the Tekkie Tax campaign was born. This unique fundraising initiative was introduced in South Africa by a consortium of welfare organizations, aiming to raise funds for various charitable causes. The concept revolved around the idea of people donating a small amount of money in exchange for wearing a sticker or badge on their tekkies, the South African slang for sneakers.

2013

Origin of the term tekkie tax

In 2013, a new term called 'tekkie tax' was coined in South Africa. It originated from the word 'tekkies,' which is a South African colloquial term for sneakers or athletic shoes. The term 'tekkie tax' was used to describe the annual fundraising campaign initiated by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) and a consortium of other professional bodies.

2014

Expanding the Initiative

After the success of the initial Tekkie Tax campaign, the initiative expanded in 2014 to include additional fundraising products such as wristbands, badges, and stickers. Each of these items represented different sectors or causes, allowing people to choose the cause they were most passionate about and support multiple charities at once.

2014

Launch of the tekkie tax campaign

In 2014, the first official tekkie tax campaign was launched. This nationwide campaign aimed to encourage individuals, businesses, and organizations to make a difference by donating to various registered beneficiary organizations. The tekkie tax campaign's primary focus was on education, health, and welfare, addressing critical issues faced by the South African society.

2014

The establishment of the fiscus donation

The following year, in 2014, a unique concept was introduced within the tekkie tax campaign called the 'fiscus donation.' This term is used to describe the act of donating money through individuals' income tax returns. It allowed taxpayers to contribute to the chosen beneficiary organizations and make a positive impact on society.

2013

National Tekkie Tax Day is introduced

The following year, in 2013, the inaugural Tekkie Tax Day took place in South Africa. This day was designated as a national fundraising event, encouraging individuals, schools, corporates, and communities to participate in the campaign. People were encouraged to make a donation and display their tekkie tax stickers or badges on their footwear to show their support.

2015

Growing popularity and impact of tekkie tax

By 2015, the tekkie tax campaign had gained significant popularity and recognition across South Africa. The term 'tekkie tax' became widely known as a symbol of collective giving, unity, and making a positive impact on society. The campaign's success allowed beneficiary organizations to fund essential projects, support communities in need, and contribute to the country's overall development.

2015

Expansion and visibility

In 2015, the tekkie tax campaign gained significant traction with an increasing number of organizations participating in the initiative. The term 'tekkie tax' became more widely recognized throughout South Africa, drawing attention to the importance of giving back to the community through the chosen beneficiaries.

2014

Expansion of the campaign and introduction of beneficiary categories

In 2014, the Tekkie Tax campaign saw significant growth and expanded beyond its initial scope. The campaign introduced different beneficiary categories, representing various sectors such as children, education, disability, and welfare. This allowed people to choose which cause they wanted to support and donate accordingly, making the campaign more inclusive and diverse.

2015

Growing Support

By 2015, Tekkie Tax had gained significant traction and support from various sectors of society, including schools, businesses, and even celebrities. The initiative became widely recognized as a symbol of unity and collaboration in South Africa, with people proudly wearing their Tekkie Tax merchandise to show their support for charitable causes.

2016

Expanding to International Charities

In 2016, Tekkie Tax took a step further by partnering with international charities, allowing people to support causes beyond South Africa. This collaboration opened up new opportunities for global fundraising efforts and expanded the reach and impact of the initiative.

2016

Official recognition

By 2016, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) acknowledged the tekkie tax campaign as an official fundraising initiative, further emphasizing its legitimacy and significance. The term 'tekkie tax' became an established part of the philanthropic landscape, promoting the spirit of giving among individuals and businesses alike.

2018

Expansion of tekkie tax campaign

In 2018, the tekkie tax campaign expanded its reach to include more beneficiary organizations focusing on various sectors such as animal welfare, environmental conservation, and community development. The campaign's growth and diversification reflected the evolving needs of South African society and the proactive response of the tekkie tax initiative to address these needs.

2015

Launch of the Tekkie Tax app

To enhance convenience and participation, the Tekkie Tax campaign launched a dedicated mobile application in 2015. The app enabled individuals to make donations, track their contributions, and share their involvement on social media platforms. This technological advancement made it easier for supporters to engage with the campaign and created a sense of community around the cause.

2020

Continued impact amid challenges

Despite the challenges faced in 2020, including the global COVID-19 pandemic, the tekkie tax campaign continued to make a significant impact. The funds raised through the campaign supported essential services, educational initiatives, healthcare programs, and community-driven projects. The term 'tekkie tax' had become synonymous with compassion, generosity, and collective action for a better South Africa.

2017

Record-breaking fundraising achievement

In 2017, the Tekkie Tax campaign achieved a significant milestone by raising over R30 million, the highest amount since its inception. This remarkable fundraising success demonstrated the widespread support and engagement from individuals and organizations throughout South Africa. The campaign's impact and ability to make a difference in various charitable causes became increasingly evident.

2017

Celebrating awareness and impact

In 2017, the tekkie tax campaign celebrated its fifth anniversary, marking five years of successful fundraising and community support. The term had become synonymous with compassion and making a difference in the lives of those in need. The campaign had raised millions of rands for various charitable organizations, demonstrating the remarkable impact of this unique national day.

Present

Continued Success and Impact

Since its inception, Tekkie Tax has continued to grow in popularity and impact. The initiative has raised millions of South African Rand for various charitable organizations, supporting causes such as education, health, animals, and the environment. Tekkie Tax Day is now celebrated annually in South Africa as a day to promote giving, unity, and social change.

Present

Continued annual celebration and expansion

The Tekkie Tax campaign is now an annual event celebrated in South Africa, taking place on the last Friday of May. Each year, the campaign continues to grow, with more charities and individuals getting involved. The funds raised through Tekkie Tax have made a significant impact on education, healthcare, disability support, children's welfare, and various other charitable initiatives, improving the lives of countless individuals across the country.