Temu Tops South Africans’ Searches
In a year of fierce online engagement, Temu, the e-commerce platform owned by PDD Holdings, emerged as the most searched term in South Africa. Its affordable prices and extensive product range have made it a sensation, capturing the attention of shoppers eager for bargains and convenience.
The surge reflects South Africans’ growing appetite for online marketplaces, particularly those that deliver cost-effective options without compromising variety.
General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi: From Headlines to Search Engine Fame
Coming in second place is General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, whose visibility skyrocketed due to media coverage and political controversy. His July accusations against senior political figures and police officials for corruption sent search volumes soaring as citizens sought clarity and updates.
Social media commentary and news discussions amplified interest, turning Mkhwanazi into one of the year’s most talked-about figures in both traditional and online media.
Big Brother Mzansi Shows South Africa’s Reality TV Obsession
Reality TV remains a national obsession, with the “How to” category dominated by Big Brother Mzansi. Fans were particularly eager to know “How to vote on Big Brother”, demonstrating the interactive nature of the show and its grip on the public imagination.
The fierce competition between fan favourites Sweet Guluva and Uyanda had audiences flooding comment sections and social media, influencing outcomes and keeping conversations alive long after episodes aired. Unsurprisingly, the show has already been greenlit for Season Six in 2026.
Gambling and Global Affairs in Focus
The second most searched “How to” query was “How to log in to Hollywoodbets”, underlining the growing popularity of online gambling among South Africans.
International events also captured attention. Searches spiked following Donald Trump’s announcement prioritising Afrikaners for US refugee status, prompting over 10,000 inquiries in just 18 hours to the South African Chamber of Commerce in the USA (SACCUSA).
Meanwhile, political and economic affairs kept South Africans informed, with queries about the G20 summit and the Budget speech appearing among the most common “When is” searches.
Practical Concerns: Retirement and Policy Awareness
Financial literacy also emerged as a key trend, with citizens seeking guidance on the new two-pot retirement system, highlighting interest in understanding policy changes and navigating online withdrawals.
This blend of shopping, politics, entertainment, gambling, and personal finance paints a vivid picture of South African online behaviour in 2025—curious, engaged, and deeply connected to both local and global events.
What It Reveals About South Africa
From the rise of affordable e-commerce to active engagement in reality TV, South Africans continue to blend entertainment with practical concerns. Google’s Year in Search not only reflects the hottest topics but also serves as a lens into the values, interests, and curiosities of the nation.
Whether logging in to cast a vote for a reality TV favourite, checking financial policy updates, or exploring global migration news, 2025 was a year of curiosity, connectivity, and engagement for South Africans.
Source: IOL
Featured Image: X{@joy_zelda}
