Google’s summary of its most popular search results for the year shows DStv, the Springboks and the late musician AKA were among the most searched-for terms in 2023.

The internet giant’s annual Year in Search results for 2023 show the topics, terms, people and events that captured South Africans’ collective imaginations this year.

“Year in Search provides an annual analysis that reveals the top trending lists and spotlights what the world searches to see, learn and do. In South Africa, this year’s results show a heightened interest in celebrities, sporting events, special observed days, notable personalities who have passed on and technology,” Google said in a statement.

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DStv’s internet-based streaming service, DStv Stream, was the top search related to technology, with the newly released iPhone 15 placing second in the category. Among the most searched-for tech topics were the doomed Titanic submarine, WhatsApp GB and Mark Zuckerberg’s self-proclaimed Twitter competitor, Threads.

Top 10 people searched in 2023

Thabo Bester
Cyan Boujee
Nadia Nakai
Dr Nandipha Magudumana
Andrew Tate
Derick Hougaard
Steve Harvey
Sim Dope
Anele Tembe
Tyla

On a more sombre note, the list for the most searched-for celebrities who passed on was filled with a few South African favourites. Top of the list was rapper and musician Kiernan Forbes, popularly known as AKA. Another musician, Costa Titch, was second with other notable homegrown talents South Africans lost in 2023 including TV veteran, investigative journalist and Carte Blanche presenter Derek Watts, writer and activist Zoleka Mandela and former IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi.