2024 in South Africa was a year of viral moments, shocking celebrity scandals, and political drama, with unforgettable trends and personalities dominating the headlines.
South Africa’s digital landscape in 2024 was nothing short of electric, as countless headlines dominated social media and search engines.
From shocking deaths and controversial political moves to viral music and internet sensations, the year was a rollercoaster of moments that left fans and followers gripped in fascination.
Google’s Year in Search report for South Africa reveals the most searched topics, celebrities, and events that sparked nationwide debates, stirred emotions, and captivated the masses.
One of the most heartbreaking moments of the year was the untimely death of South African film star Mpho Sebeng, whose passing was widely mourned, capturing the nation’s heart.
The talented actor’s untimely demise became one of the most searched losses, with fans pouring out their grief on social media.
Sebeng’s death, along with that of global pop star Liam Payne, left the entertainment industry reeling. The tragic passing of these beloved figures prompted a wave of tributes, and the hashtag #RIPMphoSebeng trended for days.
Another loss that stunned South Africa was that of former Minister Pravin Gordhan, whose death in 2024 prompted an outpouring of respect and reflection on his lengthy political career.
The nature of his passing sparked significant media coverage, leading to a spike in searches about his life, legacy, and political influence.
While the nation mourned, the year’s events were far from just sorrow and loss—there were also viral moments and exciting breakthroughs that kept South Africans on the edge of their seats.
One of the most unexpected and captivating stories was that of rapper Shebeshxt, whose year was filled with headlines both personal and professional. The tragic death of his nine-year-old daughter in a car accident shook fans to their core.
As the news broke in June, Shebeshxt became one of the most searched musicians in the country, with many following his emotional journey.
Despite the heartbreaking personal challenges, the rapper remained a prominent figure in the media, keeping his fans engaged and rallying behind him during his time of grief.
In the world of music, there was no shortage of buzz. Nigerian megastar Burna Boy set South Africa’s music scene ablaze with his collaboration on the viral song “Tshwala Bam,” alongside TitoM and Yuppe.
The song quickly climbed to the top of the charts and became a cultural phenomenon. What started as a local hit exploded globally, with “Tshwala Bam” surpassing 100 million streams in record time.
The song became synonymous with dance challenges, and its infectious beat inspired a viral trend, with fans from across the world joining in the “Tshwala Bami” dance challenge.
The track’s success saw TitoM and Yuppe earn accolades, including the Best Viral Challenge award at the Metro FM Music Awards, further cementing their place in the music industry.
Meanwhile, South African sensation Tyla continued her meteoric rise on the global stage, earning her spot as one of the top-searched music artists.
Tyla’s back-to-back wins in the international music scene, including her Grammy win, kept fans hooked on her every move.
South Africans were eager to know more about her journey, her future plans, and her undeniable talent.
She secured a place in the Top 10 Music Searches for the year, proving just how much the world is paying attention to South Africa’s rising stars.
Despite the overwhelming positive attention surrounding South African artists, there was also significant controversy this year, most notably surrounding American R&B star Chris Brown.
Brown’s South African performance sparked an intense debate after a petition titled “Stop Chris Brown from Performing in South Africa: No Stage for Abusers” garnered over 50,000 signatures.
The petition, led by the organization Women for Change, was a response to Brown’s history of alleged abuse.
While the petition created a stir, Brown’s concert proceeded as planned, and the discussions on social media became a reflection of the country’s ongoing struggle with issues of gender violence and accountability.
In politics, 2024 was a year full of drama, with prominent figures making headlines for both personal and professional reasons. The dramatic exit of Floyd Shivambu from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) shocked the political scene.
Shivambu, a key player in South Africa’s political landscape, became the second most searched person in the country after his controversial departure from the party.
His bold political moves, along with his dramatic statements and strategic shifts, fueled heated debates, and many waited to see what would come next for him.
On the opposite side of the political spectrum, Mr. Charisma Gayton McKenzie dominated the search charts, with his promises of change and his growing influence.
His powerful speeches and political maneuvers throughout the year were widely discussed, leaving a lasting impact on South Africa’s political discourse. His political rise saw his name synonymous with hope for many, but also skepticism for others.
One of the most unexpected surprises of 2024 was the drama surrounding Miss South Africa 2024, Chidimma Adetshina. The pageant became a media frenzy, especially after Adetshina’s jaw-dropping first-runner-up finish at the Miss Universe pageant.
The attention on Adetshina, particularly surrounding her participation in the drama-filled event, skyrocketed her to the Top 10 Most Searched Personalities of the year.
Her success brought her both admiration and criticism, as people took to social media to express their opinions on the pageant’s controversies.
As the year unfolded, one viral trend caught South Africa’s attention, and it was the global fascination with the word “demure.”
Initially sparked by a playful TikTok challenge, the search for the meaning of the word soared in South Africa, with many people curious about its significance and usage.
The trend’s lasting popularity speaks to the cultural influence of social media and how viral moments can shape the year’s conversations.
The sports world was also electrified, with UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus du Plessis stealing the show as the most searched athlete in South Africa.
His victories in the UFC garnered widespread attention, making him a household name and a symbol of South Africa’s sporting prowess.
Dricus’ rise to the top of his sport was celebrated nationwide, and his career trajectory became a source of pride for South African fans.
In the world of entertainment, actor Leon Schuster’s health struggles raised concerns among his fans, with searches surging as news of his battle with illness surfaced.
Schuster, a beloved figure in South Africa, became the focal point of widespread support, with fans praying for his recovery and offering messages of encouragement during a difficult time.
The year also saw South Africa take center stage in global sporting events, with the Africa Cup of Nations topping the list of most searched events of the year.
As the country celebrated its sporting achievements, people remained glued to their screens, following the highs and lows of both local and international teams.
From viral music to political drama and celebrity controversies, 2024 in South Africa was a year filled with unforgettable moments.
What remains clear is that the nation is as dynamic and engaged as ever, with every headline, song, and controversy sparking passionate discussions that will continue to shape the cultural landscape in the years to come.
