South African Woman's Generous Tip Sparks Debate Online

Holifil

03 Apr, 2025

A South African woman decided to spread some kindness by tipping a server generously, sparking a heated discussion on social media.
Former waitress Jeanett Leotla explained her reasoning for the generous tip in a viral Facebook post, shedding light on the challenges faced by service staff.
Many social media users criticized Leotla for sharing her good deed, arguing that tipping should not be necessary.
A seasoned waiter shared insights into how tipping works in restaurants and the importance of fair wages for service staff.

Jeanett Leotla, a former waitress from South Africa, took to Facebook to share an inspiring act of kindness. In her viral post, she revealed that she had tipped a server generously after enjoying a meal at a restaurant. Her intention was to highlight the value of recognizing hard work and the challenges faced by those in the service industry. However, her post ignited a fiery debate online.

Mzansi was divided over a woman's generous tip to a waiter. Image: jeanett.leotla.1 Source: TikTok

Leotla shared that she had tipped a waiter R250 on a R1000 bill, amounting to a 25% tip. Her decision stemmed from her own experience as a waitress, where she understood the struggles of relying on tips to make ends meet. By doing so, she hoped to make a meaningful difference in the life of the server who provided exceptional service.

Why Tipping Matters: A Former Waitress Speaks Out

Servers play a crucial role in enhancing the dining experience, whether through their attentiveness, friendliness, or ability to make meals enjoyable. Jeanett Leotla, having walked in their shoes, knows firsthand how tough the restaurant industry can be. She emphasized the significance of tipping, explaining:

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“When it comes to tipping in a restaurant, I always feel like I could do more because I was once a waitress. I know this money can go toward necessities like napkins, food, or even transport. I know it means a lot to tip someone after they've served you.”

Her generous act didn’t go unnoticed. After settling her R1000 bill, Leotla surprised the server with a substantial tip, leaving them overjoyed. The post quickly gained traction online, sparking both praise and criticism from netizens.

Take a look at her post below:

A woman went viral after tipping a waiter generously for her R1K meal. Image: @jeanett.leotla.1 Source: Facebook

Mixed Reactions from Mzansi

Ziyanda Duba, a Cape Town-based waitress with over six years of experience, shared her perspective on tipping. She explained that any tips she receives belong solely to her, and her bosses do not take a cut. Duba revealed that tips significantly boost her income, sometimes earning her up to R2000 in a single day:

“I work for R25 per hour, and the tips are very helpful. The most I have made out of tips is R2000 a day.”

Despite Duba's appreciation for tips, many social media users expressed dissatisfaction with Leotla's decision to publicize her generosity. Some questioned the necessity of tipping altogether, arguing that restaurants should ensure fair wages for their staff. Others pointed out that tipping is not universally applicable across all industries.

Here’s what some users had to say:

@Snipes Apple commented:

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“You’re just bragging about the bill; it has nothing to do with the tip.”

@Lilitha Lolly chimed in:

“Now that tipping waitresses is important to you, does it mean you also tip cashiers? Exactly. Why is tipping a waitress so crucial? These people get salaries just like others, and there are other workers who deserve recognition too, like those at Mr Price and Capitec.”

@Thokozani Tsotesi added:

“I also have a similar issue. Why should I tip someone for doing their job while others are struggling just to enjoy a meal? Restaurants should compensate their hardworking employees fairly without relying on tips.”

@KG Makgato voiced his opinion:

“Personally, I don’t like paying tips. I want to pay the advertised price, sit down, and eat peacefully. Is that too much to ask? If tipping is mandatory, it should be clearly stated, like ‘Burger: R70, tip: minimum R20.’ I really don’t like paying someone to do their job; their bosses should pay them. These people even expect the tip. The entire system feels rigged, but that’s just me. Don’t come to me acting all holy. No one tips me for doing my job.”

@Lungile Shoba suggested:

“Perhaps restaurants should offer options where customers can choose whether they want to be served or collect their food, sit down, and eat without being served. This way, everyone knows what they’re paying for.”

@Yvonne Mohlakoane shared her positive take:

“I tip even church workers, and it works wonders for my business. You aren’t truly rich until you can share what you have with others, no matter how small. That’s my motto.”

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