[imagesource: bigtunaonline / 123rf.com]

Google is a wonderful tool but it does have its downsides.

Instead of sitting around arguing over which bloke has won the most tennis grand slam singles titles, like the good ‘ol days, we just pick up our phones and Google and there’s your answer.

20 each for Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal, and Novak Djokovic.

Pete Sampras way back in fourth with 14 gives you an idea of the greatness we have witnessed over the past 15 or so years.

But I digress because we’re here to talk about South Africa’s top Google searches in 2021.

Let’s get stuck in starting with the top general searches. These are based on the company’s annual “Year in Search” report, says TechCentral:

1. Sassa status check
2. Euro 2020
3. Premier League
4. Shona Ferguson
5. PSL
6. Pakistan vs South Africa
7. Election results
8. Killer Kau
9. DMX
10. Wimbledon

Sassa searches featuring atop that list is a reminder of just how desperate the economic situation is for the majority of South Africans.

The additional R350 social relief of distress (SRD) grant will be paid through until at least March of next year.

That desperation is backed up by the top “How to” searches:

1. How to apply for R350 grant?
2. How to register for vaccine?
3. How to check matric results online?
4. How to register to vote online?
5. How to check Sassa balance?
6. How to tie a tie?
7. How to make money online in South Africa?
8. How to claim UIF online?
9. How to drink ivermectin for Covid?
10. How to apply for NSFAS?

I’m a big fan of number six in among all the drama.

Perhaps unsurprisingly the most searched for movie or series is Squid Game, with Bridgerton, Red Notice, Black Widow, and Skeem Saam making up the rest of the top five.

Skeem Saam is a local series now into its 10th season, with well over 2 400 episodes in total.

The three most searched for local public figures are Jacob Zuma, Mpura, and Ace Magashule.

Globally, it’s Christian Eriksen, Alec Baldwin, and Gabby Petito.

The search engine giant has also released its annual ‘Year In Search’ video to tug on the heartstrings:

[source:techcentral]