Google searches South Africa

Photo: Envato Elements.

FaceApp and Johnny Clegg dominate Google search queries this week

Mandela Day, the FaceApp controversy, Jacob Zuma and Johnny Clegg’s passing had everyone turning to Google for the latest updates.

Google searches South Africa

Photo: Envato Elements.

It’s been an eventful month that saw larger-than-life news stories breaking this week. Of course our one-stop place is Google, and we turned to it for all the latest updates.

The FaceApp controversy generated more hits than Mandela Day, while Johnny Clegg’s passing generated to most search queries this week.Let’s dig a bit deeper into this week’s Google search queries report.

South Africa’s top Google searches this week

Johnny Clegg – 500 000 Google searches

Johnny Clegg garnered more than 500 000 search queries on Tuesday. The ‘White Zulu’ of Juluka and Savuka fame was an internationally acclaimed musician who was also an important figure in the fight against apartheid.

johnny clegg
(FILES) In this file photo taken on June 16, 2014, South African singer Johnny Clegg performs during the 20th edition of the World Sacred Music Festival in Fez, Morocco. – South African singer Johhny Clegg has died at the age of 66, his manager said, on July 16, 2019. (Photo by Fadel SENNA / AFP)

Tributes to Clegg have been flooding media and social media over the past couple of days. Clegg succumbed to pancreatic cancer at the age of 66.

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Mark Batchelor200 000 Google searches

More than 200 000 search queries were generated for Mark Batchelor on Monday after the former soccer star was brutally gunned down outside his Olivedale home in Gauteng.

Mark Batchelor murder suspects
KNYSNA, SOUTH AFRICA – MAY 13, Mark Williams and Marc Batchelor (right of screen) during day 1 of the 2011 MTN SuperSport Shootout from Simola Golf and Country Estate on May 13 2011 in Knysna, South Africa – Photo: Duif du Toit / Gallo Images

Investigations into the shooting are still ongoing. Batchelor played for Orlando Pirates, Wits University, Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns, Moroka Swallows and Bafana Bafana. 

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FaceApp – 100 000 Google searches

South Africans generated more than 100 000 search queries for FaceApp. The Internet went crazy over the app, which uses artificial intelligence to create a rendering of what users might look like in a few decades.

faceapp privacy
Image via Twitter: @tiredbuthyped

FaceApp went viral as users posted their aged likenesses on social media in the #faceappchallenge. Privacy experts, however, warned that the app may pose a threat to users’ privacy as it stores photos on its servers.

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Jacob Zuma – 100 000 Google searches

Jacob Zuma state capture inquiry
150719w- News -Johannesburg- Former president Jacob Zuma testifying at the Commission of inquiry into state capture in parktown,chair is Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo foto Felix Dlangamandla/Netwerk24 story Christiaan

Jacob Zuma also had his moment in the limelight again with more than 100 000 search queries on Monday as he made his first, much-anticipated appearance in front of the Zondo Commission on state capture. 

He returned to the Commission again today – only to withdraw again – after a drama-filled week. TheSouthAfrican.com’s Andile Sicetsha wrote:

“Zuma’s testimony at the inquiry has been marred by delays and refusal to respond to certain questions regarding evidence that was submitted by the commission’s previous witnesses.”

Also read:

Mandela Day – 50 000 searches

Nelson Mandela Day
A group of schoolchildren pose near a banner announcing the Mandela Day on July 17, 2011 at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg one day before Mandela’s 93rd birthday and Mandela Day. For the third year, at the request of his charitable foundation, July 18 will be observed as Mandela Day, recognised by the United Nations as a global call to volunteer for good causes for 67 minutes — representing each year of Mandela’s life in active politics. AFP PHOTO / STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN (Photo by STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN / AFP)

South Africans observed and celebrated Mandela Day on 18 July. From celebrations hosted across the country to working towards eradicating poverty and homeless, we united for a common cause.

Over the past decade, the initiative has mobilised people and organisations to focus on education and literacy, food and nutrition, shelter, sanitation, and active citizenship.

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Other noteworthy events: