Clicks, TRESemme and Capitec dominate Google search queries this week
Clicks and TRESemme came under fire for a racially insensitive ad, A Capitec glitch caused unauthorised deductions and three suspects were arrested for the murder of Thandeka Mdeliswa. Here are the results from Google Trends.
This week, Clicks and TRESemme came under fire for a racially insensitive ad, A Capitec glitch caused unauthorised deductions and three suspects were arrested for the murder of Thandeka Mdeliswa.
Thanks to Google Trend analysis, we can glean data on what South Africans have been asking Google this week. Fun fact: the search engine processes more than 40 000 search queries per second.
South Africa’s top Google searches
Clicks — 400 000 searches
On Sunday 6 September, the phrase Clicks advert garnered approximately 200 000 searches, followed by another 200 000 searches on Monday for the search term Clicks, after the pharmaceutical company issued an apology.
Furthermore, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) launched an investigation into the Clicks hair scandal. In addition, the SAHRC has expressed concern over the advert:
“The Commission has launched an own-initiative investigation into this matter. [SAHRC] has further written a letter to and called for a meeting with Clicks, for the retail store to explain itself concerning the content of the advert”.
Also read:
- Clicks agree to sponsor medical studies as EFF call off protests
- Zozibini Tunzi hits back at Clicks: ‘This is disrespectful to black lives’
- Julius Malema warns EFF fighters will ‘attack’ Clicks on Monday
- EFF gives 24-hour ultimatum to Clicks over ‘racially insensitive’ hair advert
- Clicks advert: Thuli Madonsela and Julius Malema debate ‘peaceful protest’
Capitec — 100 000 searches
Thousands of Capitec customers woke up on Friday to a technical error and unauthorised deductions. Capitec has since apologised to its clients and said it was determining how the error occurred.
“We are aware of a technical issue between us & another bank that has caused Capitec clients who transacted on this bank’s card machines to be double deducted. Our IT team is working to rectify the issue. The transactions will be reversed within the next 24 hours”.
Capitec on Twitter
Thandeka Mdeliswa — 50 000 searches
Thandeka Mdeliswa was trending on Friday 11 September, following the arrest of three suspects linked to the actress’ death. Moreover, the suspects are due in court on Monday, 14 September 2020.
Mdeliswa, also known for her appearances on Mzansi Magic and SABC shows, was shot dead in a ‘GBV incident’ on Thursday 3 September. SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Leonard Hlathi said:
“Police on Friday arrested a 27-year-old man in connection with the murder and other two suspects aged 24 as well as 29, for unlawful possession of the firearm believed to have been used in the murder”.
TRESemme — 50 000 searches
The search term TRESemme garnered more than 50 000 searches. South African stores pulled the product from shelves for TRESemme’s involvement in the racist Clicks advert, following pressure from the EFF.
Makro, Dis-chem and Checkers were the some of the first stores to pull TRESemme from its shelves.
Also read:
- #2MonthsNoWeaveChallenge trends after Clicks hair debacle
- DA calls for Cele to condemn EFF vandalism as Clicks delists TRESemmé