SARS eFiling, Candy Moloi and ‘Kissing Booth’ dominate Google search queries this week

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.

This week, SARS eFiling, Candy Moloi, Netflix’s ‘Kissing Booth 2’ and President Cyril Ramaphosa’s comments regarding schools made headlines.

South Africa’s top Google searches

SARS eFiling — 200 000 searches

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is set to launch an auto-assessment programme in August. Some taxpayers received communication already “indicating why they will not be auto-assessed, or alerting them to their 2019 return submission findings”.

In addition, SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter said that statements provided to SARS by employers, insurers and financial institutions will inform the auto-assessment process.

“If you are auto-assessed, you will be notified per SMS in August – so there will be no need for you to call us or visit a branch. The SMS will direct you to eFiling or the SARS MobiApp to either “Accept” or “Edit” the return.

Also read:

• SARS auto-assessment: New tax return initiative to be launched in August

Candy Moloi — 100 000 searches

Candy Moloi, a vetern actor most notably known for her role as Vho-Mkhadzi in the SABC soapie Muvhango, passed away on 29 July, just days after another vet in the industry, Elize Cawood, lost the battle to cancer.

Tshamano Makhadi, who also starred in Muvhango, has remembered Moloi in a moving Facebook post, reflecting on an encounter he had had with her. Makhadi said:

“It was in this meeting where film producer, Dave and I had visited the home of Mme Candy Moloi in Johannesburg. More than anything, we had come to present an offer for a role in a film which we believed she will play so well. This was a way to honor her talent, and contribution to television over the many years.”

Also read:

• Candy Moloi, veteran actress of Muvhango fame passes away

‘Kissing Booth 2’ — 100 000 searches

The Kissing Booth 2 landed on Netflix on 24 July 2020, with the tagline, “Rules can be broken, but so can hearts”. So the teen movie follows Elle and Lee, best friends who were born at the exact same time in the same Los Angeles hospital.

The film also stars SA actress, Frances Sholto-Douglas. TheSouthAfrican.com journalist, Erene Oberholzer, talked to Sholto-Douglas about her role. The acclaimed actress said:

“From getting to play with and develop my character to hanging out with the most enthusiastic, hilarious cast and crew members; it was non-stop excitement.”

Also read:

• SA actress Frances Sholto-Douglas talks ‘The Kissing Booth 2’
• Movie reviews: Hollywood and Bollywood streaming teen romance

Cyril Ramaphosa — 100 000 searches

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced earlier this month that schools will officially close for a month as the coronavirus pandemic continues impact the South African economy and our livelihoods.

He said that schools will be closed from 27 July until 24 August, while Grade 12 will be asked to return on 3 August after a one week break, and Grade 7 must go back to class on 10 August after two weeks off.

Also read:

• Just in: Ramaphosa confirms schools will close for four weeks
• Ramaphosa suspends classes: What happens with the school year now?
• Private schools remaining open divides public opinion
• Temporary closure of schools nothing but a PR stunt – EFF

Other newsworthy events: