Google reveals South Africa’s top searches of 2025

Public curiosity focused on politics, AI, entertainment, food and sport, Google says.

Google South Africa has released its 2025 Year in Search report, highlighting the fastest-rising queries and the topics that captured public attention over the past year. The report provides insight into what South Africans tried to understand, follow, debate or resolve online.

Politics and current affairs

General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi was among the most searched individuals in 2025. Interest surged in July following his accusations of corruption against senior political and police leaders. Recurring events such as Earth Day also ranked highly, reflecting continued engagement with climate change and environmental issues.

Searches related to major political and economic events were prominent, with the G20 summit and the Budget speech featuring in the top “When is” queries. Practical financial matters, including the new two-pot retirement system, were among the most searched “How to” topics, indicating public interest in understanding new policies.

AI and emerging technology

Artificial intelligence emerged as a major theme in 2025. Searches for terms such as “Google Gemini” show the growing adoption of AI tools and South Africans’ desire to understand and access new technology.

Entertainment and culture

Entertainment dominated several search categories. The top “How to” search was “How to vote on Big Brother,” reflecting strong engagement with the popular television series.

Actor Aaron Pierre led the Most Searched Actors/Actresses list after appearing on The Jennifer Hudson Show, with viral clips driving widespread online discussion. Musician Scotts Maphuma also featured prominently, following viral incidents that generated debate about his conduct and public image.

Food trends captured attention as well, with pickled fish topping recipe searches. Interest spiked during Easter and later in the year, fuelled by online content blending tradition and modern twists.

Sports and memorials

Sports-related searches were diverse. International footballer Diogo Jota, who passed away in 2025, was the most searched athlete, followed by the Rugby Championship log table. Women’s sports also featured, with the Women’s Rugby World Cup and Women’s Cricket World Cup ranking among the top ten searches.

Searches also reflected public recognition of cultural figures lost during the year, including singer Winnie Khumalo and actors Presley Chweneyagae and Nandi Nyembe, highlighting the ongoing influence of South African artists.

“Year in Search continues to highlight what matters most to South Africans,” said Kabelo Makwane, country director for Google South Africa.

Top searched losses

Winnie Khumalo
Gene Hackman
David Mabuza
Diogo Jota
Presley Chweneyagae
Diane Keaton
Charlie Kirk
Nandi Nyembe
Tendai Ndoro
Douw Steyn

Top trending ‘how to’ searches

How to vote on Big Brother
How to log in Hollywoodbets
How to apply for SAPS online
When is Sassa payment for February 2025
How to qualify for Club World Cup
How to check tax return
How to apply for two-pot system online withdrawal
How to check R370 payment date
How to apply for refugee status in USA from South Africa
How to make pickled fish

Most searched actors/actresses

Aaron Pierre
Jason Statham
Tyler Perry
Miles Teller
Jacob Elordi
Josh Duhamel
Dave Bautista
Presley Chweneyagae
Makoto Phumodi
Don Mlangeni

Top sporting trends

Diogo Jota
Rugby Championship table
Women Rugby World Cup
World Athletics Championships
FIFA Club World Cup
U20 Rugby final
School Rugby rankings
Bafana Bafana
Women Cricket World Cup
South Africa U20 Afcon

Top ‘When Is’ searches

When is Father’s Day?
When is Mother’s Day?
When is Easter?
When is Good Friday?
When is Diwali?
When is Eid?
When is the G20 summit?
When is Halloween?
When is the Budget speech?
When is Comrades Marathon 2025