The report disclosed a 13.8 percent increase in local readership (or unique browser figure) to 1.98 million readers or unique browsers, and 97.37 million page impressions in the third quarter of 2005 over the second quarter of the same year.

This growth showcases the uptake of e-commerce in SA as consumers start to use the Internet at an ever increasing rate.

The latest readership figures, which are independently audited and supplied by Nielsen/Netratings, also show a large increase in international visitors to SA Web sites.

The total combined readership for international and local readership on SA's top Web sites soared to its highest level to date, attracting 5.39 million readers or unique browsers and 128.15 million page impressions for the third quarter of 2005.

Reaffirming the findings of this research report is the record month that bidorbuy, one of SA's largest online marketplaces, witnessed in October.