Spain advances to World Cup semifinal: Spain defeated Belgium to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal and will face France in a highly anticipated match.
Archived Pulse in South Africa
Country pulse digest
Saturday, July 11, 2026
Archived Pulse in South Africa
South African search trends show strong interest in sports events including the FIFA World Cup and local football club developments. Economic concerns focus on fuel policies and shopping mall safety issues.
Active topics
24
Search volume
104K
Leading topic
Sports
Attention mix
What the country is searching
24
Sports42% (10)
Money25% (6)
World17% (4)
Politics13% (3)
Culture4% (1)
Why people are curious
People’s curiosity in South Africa reflects multiple driving factors: sports fans follow major international and national matches influenced by 'following' and 'planning' intents. Economic concerns over fuel and retail conditions stem from a desire for 'explaining' and 'following' pricing trends and safety developments. Political and social issues trigger 'debating' and 'worrying' behaviors as the public seeks to understand litigation and xenophobic violence. Global and cultural topics attract 'following' intent, highlighting interest in prominent international events and figures.
What to know now
The pulse, explained
Shopping malls encounter closures, safety issues: South African shopping malls face challenges including closures, safety concerns, and failed sales.
Growing curiosity about South Africa's fuel policy: Public interest rises in South Africa's fuel policy amid concerns on oil supply and economic impact.
Hugo Broos exits as Bafana Bafana manager: Hugo Broos’s departure as South African national football team manager generates significant attention.
Sinner beats Djokovic at Wimbledon semifinals: The Wimbledon match between Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic, highlighted by Sinner's victory, draws major following.
Fuel price trends draw attention in South Africa: South Africans track fuel price changes for August, reflecting concern about rising costs.
Ranked searches
What people are curious about in South Africa
The leading searches, their context, and the related questions forming around them.
01
WorldNew
ann widdecombe
A man has been arrested in connection with the murder of former UK minister Ann Widdecombe.
1K+ searches · 1,000% growthFirst recent appearance
02
SportsNew
spain
Spain recently defeated Belgium to advance to the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal, where they will face France.
20K+ searches · 1,000% growthFirst recent appearance
spain vs francespain belgium
03
MoneyPeaking
shopping mall
There is significant interest and concern regarding shopping malls due to recent closures, sales difficulties, and safety issues.
10K+ searches · 1,000% growthSearch volume up 400%
04
MoneySurging
south africa fuel policy
There's increased interest in South Africa's fuel policy, reflecting concerns over oil supply and its economic impact.
10K+ searches · 1,000% growthSearch volume up 100%
south africa oil supply policy
05
SportsSurging
hugo broos bafana bafana departure
There is significant interest in the departure of Hugo Broos as manager of Bafana Bafana.
10K+ searches · 1,000% growthSearch volume up 900%
hugo broos managerial exit bafana
06
SportsSurging
sinner vs djokovic
Many are following the Wimbledon match between Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic, especially after Sinner's win.
10K+ searches · 800% growthSearch volume up 1900%
novak djokovicdjokovicdjokovic vs sinner
07
MoneySurging
august south africa fuel prices
People are tracking fuel price trends in South Africa for August, reflecting concern about costs.
5K+ searches · 1,000% growthSearch volume up 900%
august fuel price trends
08
PoliticsSurging
south african revenue service litigation
There is a significant rise in interest in litigation involving the South African Revenue Service.
5K+ searches · 1,000% growthSearch volume up 150%
09
SportsSurging
orlando pirates 2026/27 season fixtures
Fans are searching for the Orlando Pirates' fixtures for the 2026/27 season to plan attendance or viewing.
5K+ searches · 1,000% growthSearch volume up 400%
orlando pirates 2026 27 season fixtures
10
SportsNew
france vs spain
There is increasing attention on the France vs Spain World Cup semifinal, focusing on player Lamine Yamal.
5K+ searches · 1,000% growthFirst recent appearance
lamine yamalyamal
11
SportsNew
mamelodi sundowns mashego loan deal
There is rising interest in the Mamelodi Sundowns' loan deal involving a player named Mashego in South Africa.
2K+ searches · 1,000% growthFirst recent appearance
12
SportsSurging
thabo cele
Thabo Cele is currently a focal point due to discussions about his future with Kaizer Chiefs and the team's recent performance.
2K+ searches · 1,000% growthSearch volume up 100%
World / Following | 1 day ago
ann widdecombe
Why it matters
NewThis topic has only just appeared in the recent pulse, backed by 1K+ recent searches and 1000% growth. People are searching to follow a developing event.
First recent appearance
Reporting and context
Source coverage helping explain why this topic is moving.
Police arrest man on suspicion of Ann Widdecombe’s murder - The Guardian
Ann Widdecombe murder probe: What we know - Sky News
Man arrested as part of murder investigation into death of Ann Widdecombe - BBC
Police arrest suspect in killing of former UK minister Ann Widdecombe - France 24
UK police arrest murder suspect in Ann Widdecombe's death - DW.com
The wider weekly pattern
Curiosity trail
Related searches that led here, appeared alongside it, or followed.