Have you ever felt like there’s a universal rule petrol attendants receive in training to brighten our days as soon as we drive up to their pump stations? A woman shared a lovely post, appreciating how these men and women manage to turn the mundane task of filling up fuel into a surprisingly refreshing and heartwarming experience.
South Africa (03 November 2025) – Many South Africans will agree when we say petrol attendants are one of the best and friendliest service providers in our country. Whether you’re filling up fuel or happen to have trouble with a flat tyre or even find yourself running on empty, they’re almost always (pretty much always) happy to help!
It’s like there’s this unwritten universal rule they all learn in training to just brighten our days as soon as we drive up to their pump stations.
And you don’t have to take our word for it, Durban-born Saffa Marike Els agrees, and penned a touching video post, appreciating how these dedicated men and women extend the most beautiful human experiences that make this country so special.
“Filling up your car here is nothing like anywhere else in the world.
“You pull up, roll down your window — and within seconds, a friendly petrol attendant jogs over with the biggest smile, ready to help. They ask how much fuel you’d like, fill up your tank, check your oil, wash your windscreen, even check your tyre pressure — all while chatting, laughing, and radiating pure kindness and energy,” writes Marike.
Marike, who currently lives in Australia, went on to share that SA petrol attendants’ kindness and friendly service offer a refreshing experience that almost makes the expensive fuel prices feel worth it!
“Because it’s not just about the fuel — it’s about the service, the human connection, the care.”
She also admired how this industry gave meaningful work to people who might not otherwise have an opportunity, and even disclosed that she was inspired to nurture and extend the same sense of joy, service, energy, and genuine care to the people she mentors through her business. A business where people leave feeling seen, supported, and grateful they stopped by.
What a lovely appreciation post to those who truly deserve it! Here’s to applauding and celebrating these incredible service providers who don’t just give us the fuel to keep going, but deliver smiles, light, hope and inspiration to our days!
Sources: Marike Els
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