The sun is beating down hard at Baragwanath taxi rank, and the heat is almost unbearable. Taxis honk, engines roar. Someone is selling a Kota while a kid is walking around with ama kip-kip. Drivers crowd in the shade. A burst of laughter spreads around the rank as Jabu is waving his phone. “I told you, my friend. Chiefs won, two-one. Now you owe me a Coke.” Siya laughs, and replies: “Eish, next time I’ll listen to your tips.” A radio suddenly bursts into a commentator’s chant, and the whole rank shouts, “Ayeye!” The afternoon rush eases for a minute. Money is being counted, and everyone is excited about the evening fixtures.
Jabu opens the Hollywoodbets mobile app and starts scrolling. A bunch of fixtures shows up. The odds are clearly displayed for each one. He taps the screen and says: “Look here, we can make a quick slip while we chill.” Siya is still new to betting, so Jabu shows him how to register in a few taps. “The registration is quick and easy, and don’t forget about bonuses” Jabu points out while scrolling. “Sho, that’s nice before month-end,” Siya says. “No need to travel somewhere to bet” Jabu says while waiting for a taxi to arrive.
Someone just said they believe that United will win tonight. Someone else thinks that Sundowns are a safe bet for the weekend. Someone else mumbles that they know who’s gonna be the first goal scorer. Everyone’s laughing. Small bets pay out. The place is buzzing. Siya checks his slip, and it turns out that he has won a small prize. He immediately buys Jabu a Coke and shares his nyama with him. “Your tip worked, my broer,” Siya says. Jabu laughs and replies: “We move.” It’s night, and the Soweto lights look pretty. Next time you’re on a break, think about the people at the taxi rank and their loud dreams. You might just be a few taps away from your own small victory, and you can get more details with a tap of your thumb.