It’s often assumed that us South Africans, tucked away at the bottom of Africa, are a rather conservative bunch when it comes to the hanky panky.

Google would argue not, and argue that point convincingly, because we actually have the third highest Google search rate for sex toys in the entire world.

We’re pipped to the post by the U.S. and the UK, but I think in this case a silver medal ain’t all that bad. The global sex toy industry is valued at around $15 billion (R220 billion), and a fair chunk of that is spent right here at home.

More details from TimesLive, quoting business owners and those in the know:

Jo Kotze…said the industry was booming as “more couples were exploring toys to improve their bedroom lives”.

She said the average shopper spent more than a R1000.

Bonnie Brunton…said her clients spent between R1000 and R7000 on high-end sex toys…

“Some are shy when they first arrive, while others walk in and know exactly what they want,” she said….

“Demand continues to grow. People want to spice up their lives and there really is nothing wrong with that.

“Sex is something that we don’t talk openly about, but that doesn’t mean that people are not researching and exploring ways to try new things,” Brunton said.

And try new things we do – a quick chat with the folks at Désir confirmed this, a spokesperson saying the demand has never been higher.

One look at their top three selling sex toys (HERE) and it becomes even more clear – us Saffas have a kinky side and we’re not afraid to show it.

Of course not everyone is buying these toys to spice up a relationship either:

A Cape Town sex toy “collector” said she bought her first sex toy at 26 and the second was a gift from an old flame when she turned 30.

“Why did I buy a toy? I was single and I don’t believe in one-night stands. Sexual frustration cannot be relieved by running alone. As a woman you have to take charge of your sexual urges,” she said.

Amen sister and well played to the people of South Africa – viva le sexual revolution.

[source:timeslive]