Google on Wednesday announced its results for its 2017 Year in Search, a list the internet giant publishes annually.
The results offer a unique perspective on the year's major moments and top trends, based on searches conducted in South Africa.
The searches show a growing interest in local celebrities and events. The results also show that South Africans are increasingly using Google searches to find different people, places and businesses.
Here are some of the searches and why they got our attention this year:
1. Top South African Search Trends 🇿🇦
Dumi Masilela
Masilela, who was married to actress and media personality Simphiwe Ngema, died in a botched hijacking in Tembisa in October. He was a well-known actor in the e.tv soapie Rhythm City.
Zimbabwe
The search rate for Zimbabwe leapt up when tensions started running high in the country in November, culminating in the removal of Robert Mugabe from office.
Cyclone Dineo
When the tropical cyclone pummelled Mozambique's southern coast, South Africans worried it was moving towards South Africa hit Google....
Other top searches in this category include Fast & Furious 8, Karabo Mokoena, Joe Mafela, Joost van der Westhuizen,Black Friday,the Mayweather vs McGregor fight, and Hurricane Irma.
2. Trending personalities
Zodwa Wabantu
The controversial dancer and entertainer won a "Drama Queen of the Year" award at the ninth annual Feather Awards. She has also gone viral for her moves on the dance floor, and her recent video about Vaseline on Instagram.
Grace Mugabe
Zimbabwe's former first lady Grace Mugabe made waves for beating up a young Johannesburg woman who was visiting her two sons in Sandton. Then she tried to get herself appointed to succeed her husband, and all hell broke loose in Zim...
Hugh Hefner
Hefner, Playboy founder and controversial U.S. swinger who kept a permanent string of "girlfriends" at his California mansion, died on September 27, 2017. He was mourned and vilified in equal measure.
Other trends in this category included: Simphiwe Ngema, Mandla Hlatshwayo, Lundi Tyamara, and Chester Bennington.
3. Top TV Shows 📺
Isibaya
Millions of South Africans tune in weekly to catch the show; it's gripping storylines and talented cast keep viewers glued to their screens.
Uzalo
With almost 9.18-million viewers and more coming every day, this SABC 1 show keeps widening the gap between itself and any competitors. It's South Africa's most watched TV show.
Idols SA
Idols always sparks a search trend, as viewers are keen to get to know the new contestants every year. This year, Capetonian Paxton Fielies was crowned the winner of season 13.
Others in this category include: 13 Reasons Why, Games Of Thrones, Big Brother Naija, American Gods, Sex In The City, Big Little Lies and Riverdale.
3. Top "near me" searches ⚙️
Pharmacy near me
Dentist near me
KFC near me
Jobs hiring near me
Hardware store near me
Gynaecologist near me
Printing shops near me
Steers near me
Sushi near me
Doctors near me
4. Top searched recipes 🍽
Oxtail recipes
Sweet potato recipes
Beef stew recipes
Vegan recipes
Creamed spinach recipes
Halal recipes
Prawn recipes
Spaghetti recipes
Cauliflower recipes
Bread recipes
A look back at 2017's most unforgettable creators, music, memes and trends—all here with this year's #YouTubeRewindhttps://t.co/OkIBUjdmW5pic.twitter.com/Cnp9a4GCu5
— Google (@Google) December 12, 2017
For more information about Google's Year in Search worldwide, visit www.google.co.za/2017.