SA's top Google personalities
When it comes to tracking South Africans’ interests Google offers an intriguing insight into the habits of SA’s web surfers. The search giant’s annual Zeitgeist list – a list of the most popular search terms – for 2008 throws up some interesting results.
Politics
When it comes to political personalities there are not too many surprises, with Jacob Zuma and Thabo Mbeki topping the list. Given the year’s political upheaval and the battle between Zuma and Mbeki, this is not really surprising. Finance minister Trevor Manuel makes third spot following speculation over his possible resignation.
The top ten politicians searched for in 2008 were:
– Jacob Zuma
– Thabo Mbeki
– Trevor Manuel
– Julius Malema
– Kgalema Motlanthe
– Helen Zille
– Fikile Mbalula
– Mbhazima Shilowa
– Mongosuthu Buthelezi
– Blade Nzimande
Sports
On the sporting front it is perhaps no surprise that "soccer" tops the list and "football" in fourth spot. Interestingly "surf" squeezed in ahead of tennis and netball although it was less popular than athletics and cricket.
When it comes to sports teams, the Sharks rugby team tops the list ahead of Kaizer Chiefs. In fact rugby and soccer teams dominate the list with just the Proteas breaking the monotony.
The top ten sports searched for in 2008 were:
– Soccer
– Golf
– Rugby
– Football
– Athletics
– Cricket
– Surf
– Tennis
– Netball
The top ten teams were:
– The Sharks
– Kaizer Chiefs
– The Lions
– Mameodi Sundowns
– Bafana Bafana
– Orlando Pirates
– Stormers
– Springboks
– Cheetahs
– Proteas
Celebrities
When it comes to local and international celebrities musicians dominate both lists. The ongoing fascination with Chuck Norris pushed that yesteryear start into top spot, followed by newcomer Chris Brown. Britney Spears’ tantrums secured her a top three position ahead of Hannah Montana star Miley Cyrus and Heath Ledger who died in January of 2008.
South African celebrities were led by DJ Sbu, DJ Fresh and DJ Cleo. Kelly Khumalo and Danny K rounded out the top five. Swimmer Ryk Neethling was the only personality in the top 10 who is not a musician or actor.
The top ten international celebrities searched for in 2008 were:
– Chuck Norris
– Chris Brown
– Britney Spears
– Miley Cyrus
– Heath Ledger
– Celine Dion
– Leona Lewis
– Jonas Brothers
– Madonna
– Rihanna
The top ten local celebrities searched for in 2008 were:
– DJ Sbu
– DJ Fresh
– DJ Cleo
– Kelly Khumalo
– Danny K
– Ryk Neethling
– Khanyi Mbau
– Connie Ferguson
– Gareth Cliff
– Loyiso Bala
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