SOUTH AFRICANS have been busy on the internet this year.
From pondering about Pokémon Go, Euro 2016, Olympic Games Rio 2016 to wanting to know what a blesser is and, sometimes, how to tie a doek and how to prepare battered jackfruit.
Google announced its annual Year in Search yesterday – the top searches in South Africa this year.
Previously called Google Zeitgeist, the Year in Search provides a snapshot of the trends, people and happenings that captured the nation’s interest during the year. Google also announced the top 10 “what is” and “how to” questions for the year.
According to Google, Pokémon Go, Euro 2016, Olympic Games Rio 2016, Donald Trump and the Election Results made the top five trending searches by South Africans.
This year’s overall trending searches from South Africa have a decidedly global feel, while last year’s top searches – load shedding and xenophobia – were distinctly local issues. This shows South African eyes are turned to the world at large, according to Google.
The internet giant said local news only got a look-in at number five on the list – Election Results – and that could refer to the local or the US elections.
President Jacob Zuma, Public Protector, the Gupta family, Thoko Didiza and Wits student activist Mcebo Dlamini topped the top trending South African politicians and prominent figures list. Musician Mandoza and car racing driver Gugu Zulu, both of whom passed away this year, topped the top-trending South African celebrities lists.
Top trending overall searches:
Pokémon Go, Euro 2016, Olympic Games Rio 2016, Donald Trump, Election Results, Mandoza, IEC, Mall of Africa, Caster Semenya, US Elections 2016
Top trending South African politicians and prominent figures:
Jacob Zuma, Public Protector, Gupta family, Thoko Didiza, Mcebo Dlamini, Pravin Gordhan, Sipho Pityana, Brian Molefe, Thuli Madonsela, Khwesi
Top trending South African celebrities:
Mandoza, Gugu Zulu, Emtee, Babes Wodumo, Gareth Cliff, Nasty C, Rapulana Seiphemo, Nyembezi Kunene, Ayanda Mabulu, Duke Soul
Top trending South African TV shows:
Cash Gang, Uzalo, Muv- hango, Isibaya, Idols SA, Beintehaa, Bigg Boss 9, Skeem Saam, The Voice South Africa, Antara Nur Dan Dia
Top trending ‘how to's’:
How to download Pokémon Go, How to build a strong business relationship, How to lose belly fat, How to heat up cosmetic oil for production, How to remove bookmarks, How to make slime, How to tie a doek, How to deal with poor confidence, How to cope with being alone, How to prepare battered jackfruit
Top trending ‘what is’ searches:
What is Pokémon Go? What is Java? What is globalisation? What is a blesser? What is Brexit? What is the weather today? What is meant by restorative justice?