Petrol Attendant Shares His Salary Online, Sparks Debate

• A young petrol attendant went viral on TikTok after openly sharing his age and salary, sparking a wave of reactions online
• The post has drawn thousands of likes and comments, with many people debating the realities of income and the cost of living
• Viewers were encouraged to reflect on their own situations, turning the comment section into a space for personal stories and discussions

South Africans have been buzzing online after a petrol attendant shared his salary in a viral TikTok, sparking wide debates about income, respect for everyday jobs, and the realities of making a living.

A TikTok post has stirred conversation across South Africa after a young petrol attendant openly shared his monthly salary. The video was uploaded by user @bajike.general1 on 23 August 2025, and within just three days, it has already attracted massive attention with over 39,700 likes and 3,960 comments.

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In the post, a 23-year-old petrol attendant is seen in uniform, while text on the screen reveals his age and salary, "Age: 23, Salary: R9,500." The caption challenges viewers to reflect on their own lives and earnings. The video has sparked a flood of reactions online, with many praising the young man for being transparent about his income. In his caption, the creator wrote:

“Hey guys, it’s very important to stick to your level, be real. If there was no forecourt attendant, who was going to fill up your cars?”

His words struck a chord with viewers, many of whom applauded him for shining a light on the dignity of hard work and the necessity of petrol attendants in daily life.

Petrol attendant ignites pay discussions

Some commenters expressed surprise at the figure, noting that R9,500 is higher than what many young people in different sectors earn. Others used the post to highlight the importance of appreciating jobs that are often overlooked or undervalued.

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The comment section has since turned into a space for people to share their own salaries, job experiences, and personal reflections. Some shared admiration for his honesty, while others debated the cost of living in South Africa and whether such a salary is enough to sustain a young adult in today’s economy.

The post also raised discussions about salary transparency, a topic that often remains taboo. By sharing his income publicly, the young petrol attendant not only encouraged open dialogue about wages but also highlighted the value of essential workers who keep everyday services running.

Mzansi reacted to the video

Kwera900 said:

"Age: 35, Salary: R70,000, Job: Mobile Crane operator."

SH Sambo said:

"Age: 19, Salary: depends on Betway."

Liziwe Matloha said:

"Age: 40, three kids, Zero income, unemployed. Congratulations to everyone, I still have hope ukuthi one day nami kusazokhanya."

Clyde Killion said:

"Age: 19 years, Salary: R10,800, Job: Petrol attendant."

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TopLessMadala said:

"Age: 35, 20 rooms at R2,500 each room, Unemployed."

Dubz said:

"Age: 26, Total Income: R93,000, R4,000 from property rentals, the rest from farming."

Nosipho Nkabinde said:

"Age: 26 years, one kid, Salary: R59,000."

Simphiwe said:

"47 years, three dependents, Single parent, father died in 2021, family took over all his assets, including imfuyo. I recently lost my job as a cashier due to negligence caused by my mental struggles. Now unemployed, receiving a social grant for two kids, paying R1,500 for electricity and R250 for water. Ukuthi siphila kanjan nami angazi, praying God remembers me."

Check out the TikTok post below:

3 Briefly News stories about salaries

• Glen Gabela has finally addressed what he was doing with the R50,000 salary he received while working on Uzalo.
• A young South African man gained widespread admiration after using his first salary to surprise his family with a meal.
• A South African content creator who creates posts about budgeting went viral after she shared how she survives on her salary.

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Updated by Hilary Sekgota, Human Interest HOD at Briefly News.

Proofreading by Roxanne Dos Ramos, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News