Petrol jockey blues
A petrol attendant discovers a colleague stealing through an anonymous tip received during his tea break. After discreetly alerting the manager, the truth comes out, saving the garage’s reputation. The experience highlights the power of honesty and community, reflecting the spirit of “umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu” in everyday life.
I’ve been working as a petrol jockey in Joburg for a few years now. You know, greeting customers with a big “Howzit?”, checking oil, cleaning windscreens — I love it. I take pride in my work; it feels good to make people’s day a bit better.
One morning, during my tea break, I got an anonymous message through Honestli. It said one of my colleagues, Sipho, had been pouring extra petrol into containers and selling it on the side, pocketing the money. Yoh, I couldn’t believe it at first. Eish!
But the message felt sincere, not like skinner. It wasn’t someone trying to start trouble; it was someone looking out for all of us. I decided to talk to the manager quietly. He checked the cameras and, sure enough, it was true.
It was hard seeing Sipho get into trouble, but I knew it had to be done. If that carried on, our whole garage’s name would’ve been dragged through the mud. I felt relieved that someone cared enough to send that message without drama.
Here in Mzansi, we say “umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu” — I am because we are. That day, I really felt it. That one honest, anonymous message protected all of us.