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KZN tornado and KFC proposal dominate Google search queries this week

From the weather in KZN to proposals in KFC, it’s been an eventful week. This is what South Africans searched on Google.

by Cheryl Kahla

16-11-2019 14:18

in Online

Image via Pexels

What a week it’s been, from South African uniting joyously when a man proposed in the KFC, to being torn apart again as a tornado wreaked havoc in KwaZulu-Natal.

Thanks to Google Trend analysis, we can glean data on what South Africans have been asking Google. Fun fact: the search engine processes more than 40 000 search queries per second.

If you’ve missed any of the highlights this week, fear not! We’ve collected all the major headline in one place. Here’s what we wanted to know from Google this week.

South Africa’s top Google searches this week

KZN tornado – 200 000 Google searches

South Africans generated more than 200 000 search queries for “Tornado in Durban” on Tuesday as a tornado hit a substatio n New Hanover after several days of heavy rain and storms in KZN.

Two people were reported killed and 20 injured as a result. Just two days later, another tornado hit Bergville. Streets and homes were flooded as heavy rainfall increased.

Also read:

https://twitter.com/rhipkin/status/1194282434742882305

KFC Proposal – 100 000 searches

The term “KFC proposal” received more than 100 000 search queries on Friday as a then unidentified couple went viral after a man was caught on video proposing to his girlfriend at a KFC.

Social media responded to KFC’s call to help find the couple, resulting in corporate and private citizens pledging donations of everything from grocery vouchers, wedding venues and entertainment, to honeymoon accommodation.

Also read – KFC proposal: South Africa showers cash-strapped couple with gifts

Enhle Mbali – 50 000 searches

South Africans generated more than 50 000 search queries for “Enhle Mbali” following newspaper reports that she had filed papers to divorce her celebrity DJ husband, Black Coffee.

Until now, Enhle Mbali has either made inferences about her broken marriage to close friends, like DJ Zinhle, or kept to herself. When forced to speak about, Mbali pleaded for privacy, for the sake of her children.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/B4rgvP7nNSP/?utm_source=ig_embed

Xolani Gwala funeral – 20 000 searches

South African generated more than 20 000 search queries for “Xolani Gwala funeral” as the veteran broadcaster, who succumbed to colon cancer, was laid to rest.

Reacting to the shocking news, fans and colleagues of Gwala took to social media to send messages of condolence to his family and friends.

Also read – Xolani Gwala: Political leaders pay tribute to veteran radio host

Patrick Shai – 20 000 searches

Acclaimed 7de Laan actor Patrick Shai trended after he sustained 11 rubber bullet shot wounds when police opened fire on protesters in Dobsonville, Soweto.

News reports allege that the 7de Laan actor did not participate in the electricity protests, but was trying to intervene between protesters and the police.

iPhone 12 – 20 000 searches

And of course, Apple fans generated more than 10 000 search queries for “iPhone 12” on as it emerged that the technology giant is already working on the next version of its flagship phone.

The phone is due to be released in 2020.