Johannesburg — GOOGLE's analysis of South African internet users in the past year revealed that Julius Malema and former Springbok Joost van der Westhuizen were among the most popular searches, as were second-hand goods sites and social networks.

The annual analysis shows some interesting facts about South African internet users and what was occupying their minds.

In the top 10 most-searched-for list, only one bank made the grade and that was Absa in 10th place.

In first place was Facebook, followed by Yahoo, then came games, searches for the lyrics of songs, second- hand goods site Gumtree, Google, Gmail and finally news searches.

The most searched-for politicians were Nelson Mandela, followed by President Jacob Zuma , African National Congress Youth League president Julius Malema, Democratic Alliance head Helen Zille, followed by Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe, former finance minister Trevor Manuel , the Congress of the People's parliamentary leader Mvume Dandala, former police chief Jackie Selebi, Independent Democrats leader Patricia de Lille and Botswana's President Ian Khama.

An analysis of searches for Zuma and Malema showed that interest in both peaked in April before and during the general election.

Searches for Zuma drop dramatically in June and stay steady until the end of the year.

Searches for Malema drop off rapidly in June but pick up again in October, during the gender debate on world 800m woman's champion Caster Semenya, ending the year almost at the same level as Zuma.

Stephen Newton, country manager, Google SA, said yesterday that the survey revealed what interested South Africans this year .

"In SA, some of the fastest risers include Facebook and Twitter, indicating the importance of social media, as well as websites for second-hand goods such as Gumtree and Junkmail, which may indicate the impact of the recession on the economy," he said.

In the fastest-growing search category, the South African Revenue Service would be interested to know that e-filing came third, behind Facebook and Gumtree.

In fourth place was Absa internet banking, Yahoo mail, Gmail , searches for quotes, social site Twitter, Standard Bank and Junkmail in 10th place.

The most searched-for celebrities were: radio disc jockey and television presenter DJ Sbu (real name Sbu Leope); socialite Khanyi Mbau; actress Charlize Theron; paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius; disc jockey and talk- show host Gareth Cliff; comedian Trevor Noah; former Springbok rugby player Joost van der Westhuizen, whose love life is believed to have contributed to his recently released book selling out on the first print run; cabaret artist Nataniel, singer Lira and pop star Danny K.

The most searched-for sporting events were: Super 14 rugby tournament; Indian Premier League (cricket); Cape Argus cycle race; Fifa Confederations Cup; Comrades Marathon; Currie Cup (rugby); FA Cup (UK soccer ); British Lions rugby tour; Absa Premiership (soccer) and the Nedbank Golf Challenge.