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<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nDespite this, there are new technologies that have been launched in South Africa that are trying to turn this trend around. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This new digital alternative is not only changing the way South Africans tip attendants, but it is also changing what attendants earn every month. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tipped, a South African digital tipping platform created by Kimlynn Temple, launched at the end of 2024 and has changed how everyday service workers like petrol attendants and car guards receive tips. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Temple, the average tip processed through the Tipped platform is R30, a figure she called \u201ca surprising stat\u201d that signals a shift in consumer behaviour. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This figure applies broadly to car guards and fuel attendants, but Temple highlighted that petrol attendants see a consistent and meaningful benefit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following this, another South African fintech startup, Tappy, began its national rollout in December 2025. The company said it aimed to target the millions of service workers left behind by the cashless shift. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWith 50,000 devices already distributed, its low-cost wearable platform enables instant tips and payments without the need for cards, apps, or even a bank account,\u201d it said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Transactions flow through major card networks, supporting Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Tappy\u2019s own system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Workers see earnings instantly in their Tappy Wallet, with funds transferable to a bank account in seconds. Approved by the South African Reserve Bank, the platform uses end-to-end encryption and stores no personal data on the device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n