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.
Turnover based on transactions completed on the bidorbuy online trading platform exceeded R2 million (US$307,820) with over 5,700 successful transactions.
The Web site's annual turnover of R20 million also represents a growth of 65 percent compared with 2004, and the company expects this number to grow to R100 million by the end of 2006.
'This is indeed encouraging news for the local e-commerce market and depicts growth that no-one could have predicted,' says Andy Higgins, MD of bidorbuy.co.za.
'As online shopping environments become more sophisticated, with retailers offering increased high-quality services, local online consumers are starting to see the true value of e-commerce.
"What is of more significance is the economic benefits and impact that e-commerce trade has in terms of job market creation and consumer spend, not to mention the increase in consumer benefits such as convenience, security and reliability.'
According to a research report undertaken by Forrester Research in January of this year, worldwide e-commerce growth is expected to increase by 14 percent in 2005 from 2004.
Higgins continues; 'The positive growth depicted in our local e-commerce studies, coupled with the vast increase in sales on sites such as bidorbuy is a clear indication that SA could certainly constitute a solid proportion of this global e-commerce growth.'