“That Moonwalk Was Smooth”: Dancing Petrol Attendant Leaves Customer Beaming With Joy, SA Wowed

• A petrol attendant’s engaging customer service style has captured widespread attention online
• The video showcasing the young man's playful interactions, following his company recognition, was widely shared on TikTok
• Social media users largely responded to the attendant’s antics positively, celebrating his entertaining approach to work
• Briefly News spoke with Siphosethu Daphula, a local petrol attendant, to get his professional perspective on the dancing culture at local filling stations

A delightful encounter at a petrol station became a talking point across the internet, sparking joy among many viewers.

The clip, posted on TikTok by @sihle_nkocy, garnered over a million views and thousands of comments from many users who found his antics charming.

The video features @sihle_nkocy, who has been celebrated at his company for his lively customer service and engagement with customers. After completing the service, he playfully withholds the receipt from a woman, creating a moment of light-hearted teasing.

Each time the customer reaches for her receipt, the attendant pulls it back, showcasing a variety of impressive dance moves. His repertoire includes dynamic isipantsula steps, fluid breakdance sequences, and even Michael Jackson's iconic moonwalk, much to the lady's amusement. The charming exchange left her visibly laughing throughout.

Work hard, and play harder

We at Briefly News spoke with Siphosethu Daphula, a seasoned petrol attendant at a local Engene filling station, to learn more about his insights on the engaging customer service style displayed in a video.

The video shows the man playfully holding the receipt and dancing. We asked if it is common for petrol attendants to engage customers in such a lively way. The man responded:

"To that extreme, it's quite rare, to be honest. Most of us try to be friendly and helpful, maybe with a quick joke or a pleasant chat. But his dancing and teasing with the receipt, that's next level. It takes a lot of confidence and a very specific type of customer to pull that off."

We asked if he's come across such entertainment in his 10 years of experience being a petrol attendant. He shared:

"Yes, actually. At my previous job in Kuilsriver, there was a young coloured guy who was very fond of Amapiano music and often did dance challenges. He would dance a bit while serving, but not to the guy in the video's extreme. It was more subtle, a little show off, just to lighten up the mood. So, it's not unheard of, but what we see in the video is unique."

When asked what his advice was for petrol attendants who might want to make their interactions with customers more memorable and positive. The experienced petrol attendant said:

"My advice is just be genuine and find your way to connect. You don't have to be a dancer. It could be remembering a customer's usual order, complimenting them on their haircut or hairstyle, a friendly word about their day, or just offering excellent service with a smile. When you're authentic and happy in your work, it shines through and customers feel it."

What you pay per pump

South Africa's petrol prices are closely linked to international oil markets and the Rand's value against the US Dollar. The country brings in a large amount of its refined fuel, as its refineries can't make enough. The price drivers pay at the pump includes not just the cost of buying fuel from overseas, but also various government taxes and levies, like the General Fuel Levy and the Road Accident Fund levies. It also includes transport and sale costs, as noted by the Fuels Industry Association. These taxes form a big part of the overall cost, often sparking public debate.

SA applauds the man's bravery

The clip amassed an impressive 1.5 million views, 145K likes, and 1.2K comments from entertained users. Many expressed their fondness for his spirited and cheerful personality, appreciating his fun-loving way of engaging with customers. Some commentators, however, admitted they might have grown impatient if the dance continued for too long.

Despite this, a significant number of people pointed out that the woman in the video appeared genuinely happy, suggesting that her enjoyment was the most important aspect of the interaction.

User @salif507E said:

"Come try for Nigeria, my country, with a typical Yoruba day 🙄."

User @Nuel the Maverick 🇳🇬 added:

"Sha, don’t try it in my country, Nigeria 🇳🇬, everything makes us angry now ☹️."

User @SARNDY NATION 🇿🇦 shared:

"Knowing my patience ngingakshiya kanjalo nkabyam (I'd leave you there), 😂😂🤞🏾 dope content though."

User @scott06 added:

"She's also enjoying meaning she's not late🔥."

User @chessation commented:

"The happiest people on earth don’t earn more because they’re being treated unfairly, but they continue to make a profit for their employers because of the love they have for the job."

User @Sthembele said:

"That moonwalk was too smooth🔥."

Watch the TikTok video below:

3 Briefly News articles about petrol attendants

• A male petrol attendant warned a customer not to date women with cars, saying they always filled up with small amounts and that they would finish his money.
• A TikTok user had Mzansi in a huge debate after sharing a clip showing a massive petrol fill-up of over 840 L at over R17K price.
• An Engen garage petrol attendant was told to pay R3,900.50 after a customer sped off without paying his bill, and social media users offered to help her.

Source: Briefly News