Latest news with #Berner
IOL News
7 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Visa launches data centre in South Africa as part of R1bn investment
Michael Berner, the head of Southern and East Africa at Visa, speaking at the launch of Visa's data centre. Image: Independent Media Visa, an American multinational payment card services giant, on Wednesday launched its data centre in Johannesburg, its first in Africa and part a R1 billion investment over the next three years into South Africa. 'This investment reflects our commitment to the long-term potential of South Africa and its economy,' said Michael Berner, the head of Southern and East Africa at Visa. 'With the launch of this state-of-the-art Data Centre, we are building the digital foundations needed to drive inclusion, unlock innovation and power the broader vision of sustainable economic growth across the region.' In announcing the investment, Berner said part of the investment will also cover creation of the new jobs. It will support entrepreneurs, SMEs, female leaders and the broader communities, which need some additional financial literacy. Visa's new Data Centre represents a significant expansion of its global processing network, VisaNet, which powers more than 100 billion transactions annually across 200 countries and territories. This cutting-edge infrastructure brings Visa's world-class capabilities closer to South African businesses and consumers, enabling secure, seamless and resilient transaction processing within South Africa's borders. Visa's local infrastructure will play a vital role in advancing South Africa's dynamic digital economy by enabling the core technologies that power secure, fast, and reliable payments. It will support Visa's partners in driving forward key industry innovations, including digital wallets, e-commerce, commercial transactions, and card-based person-to-person payments—while laying the groundwork for globally relevant solutions that align with the ambitions of the local financial sector. 'South Africa has made impressive strides in digital payments, with contactless transactions now accounting for over 60% of face-to-face payments,' said Berner. 'This Data Centre is a critical enabler of that momentum, further strengthening the country's real-time commerce infrastructure.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Berner said Visa had been in South Africa for 30 years and over time the business has grown very significantly. "We see tremendous growth in tokenized transactions. We see that almost half of all transactions are now contactless, but the potential is even larger, and that prompted the decision to bring the local data center to the ground in South Africa," Berner said. "But the data center here in South Africa is not only for South Africa. This is our platform for the further growth in the entire continent, and also a sign of the importance, which the continent has in the global economy, and the growing importance of the continent in digital payments and in the economy overall." He said building the data centre, one of very few that are built outside of Visa's core locations, which is US, the UK and Singapore, was evidence of this commitment to Africa. Lineshree Moodley, Country Manager for Visa South Africa, said the launch of the data centre was an "exciting moment, a monumental milestone for Visa and it serves as an affirmation and commitment to the market in which we are operating." 'Visa is proud to support South Africa's national vision for digital inclusion and economic resilience,' said Moodley. Solly Malatsi, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies of South Africa, said, "This investment demonstrates the growing global confidence in South Africa as an investment destination. It further reinforces South Africa's position as the digital gateway into Africa. This vote of confidence is welcomed at a time where we aim to transform our country's economy through digital technology." He said the development of local data centers directly supports South Africa's national priorities. It aligns with the National Development Plan and the strategic plan of the Department of Communications by establishing local capacity for advanced digital services. "Visa is helping to lay the digital foundations that will empower private sector and citizens and by handling transactions here at home, this facility reduces reliance on overseas infrastructure and boosts our national financial sovereignty. This investment supports South Africa to build a secure and inclusive digital economy. We welcome Visa's commitment to South Africa as a partner in progress," he said. BUSINESS REPORT
Buzz Feed
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
17 Celebrity Encounters That Turned Out To Be Wholesome
Redditors who have worked with or been around celebrities before were asked to share something we might not know about those Hollywood stars, and a lot of the experiences were truly so sweet. Chris Hemsworth André René Roussimoff (better known as André the Giant) Tom Hanks Tom Cruise André 3000 Ariana Grande Weird Al Michael Bublé "I played hockey with Michael Bublé. I expected a stuck-up rich dude who thought he was better than everyone. He wasn't. He was so genuinely kind. And it's not like he was putting on a show. It was just a bunch of people who mostly knew each other getting together to play hockey, so he had no reason to be anyone but himself.I ended up on his team for the game. We chatted on the bench after each shift. Super cool dude. Down to earth. We talked about his Christmas special, and that year [Justin] Bieber was on, and I asked about Bieber's low-riding pants, and Michael just said, 'Young kid, what can ya do?' But generally had good things to say about most memorable moment was when my buddy and him talked. My buddy is really good at hockey. Michael said, 'Here's the deal, I'll give you all the women you want and you give me your hockey skills.' Michael sucks at hockey but is super cool." —The original poster of this thread Adam Sandler Giancarlo Esposito "Giancarlo Esposito (Gus Fring from Breaking Bad/Better Call Saul) used to live in a town a little ways away from my hometown growing up. The people who owned his house before he did used to host a Bernese Mountain Dog meetup/parade thing, which my family would go to because we had a Berner at the time (this was circa 2003-2005). When Giancarlo bought the house, he kept it up and even had the event catered, and would hang out with all these random people and their dogs. We knew he was an actor who was on a bunch of TV shows, but he wasn't very well known at the time (again, about five years before Breaking Bad); we just knew him as a really nice dude who was way more okay with metric tons of dog shit on his lawn than most human beings. Years later, my mom and I binge-watched Breaking Bad, and she flipped out when she realized that Gus Fuckin' Fring had given her children cupcakes and complimented her dog." —anonymous Bryan Cranston Sandra Bullock Gary Sinise "I escorted Gary Sinise around for a day. He was the nicest guy. He stopped and talked to every soldier and would actively listen to them and get to know their stories. We chatted for a while in the vehicles as we were transported from training site to training site. I first saw him getting off his private plane, and he was carrying his own bags, which shocked me. You could run into him and never know he was a isn't another celebrity I respect more than Gary." —anonymous Prince Jack Black Kelly Clarkson Lastly, Matthew McConaughey Have you had a wholesome interaction with a celebrity? Share the experience with me in the comments! Or, if you'd prefer to do it anonymously, you can use our Anonymous Google Doc below:
Time Magazine
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Magazine
Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo: TIME100 Creators 2025
Years later, the multi-hyphenates—Berner, 33, is a comedian with a Netflix special; DeSorbo, 32, is a reality television star and entrepreneur with a new loungewear line—have transformed their catch-up sessions into a hugely popular podcast, Giggly Squad , where nothing is off limits and nothing is all that serious. The best friends chat about everything from pop culture to cats to first kisses. 'There wasn't a business plan; there still isn't a business plan,' Berner tells TIME. 'But when two people earnestly love what they're doing and are passionate about it, everything comes together.' And it certainly has: with more than 44 million downloads, Giggly Squad is one of Apple's top-ranked podcasts. Their online fandom has translated to offline success, too: this year, Berner and DeSorbo became New York Times best-selling authors with How to Giggle: A Guide to Taking Life Less Seriously and completed a massive national tour.
Elle
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
The Hamptons Look Everyone's Shopping: Hannah Berner's Lululemon Picks
It's no secret that Lululemon has earned cult status far beyond the gym. With its irresistibly soft fabrics, sculpting fits, and performance-driven designs, the brand has long held a top spot in my wardrobe, whether I'm lounging at home, grabbing brunch, or packing for a weekend getaway. So of course, when it came time to celebrate the Align's tenth birthday, I jumped at the chance to mark the pivotal moment. To commemorate a decade of the beloved legging, the brand brought its signature style to the Hamptons with the Summer Club—a chic seasonal pop-up hosted in Water Mill from June 27 through July 6. The brand transformed a private house into a full-on wellness retreat, complete with a pool, tennis courts, daily workout classes, and a sprawling lawn for yoga and Pilates. Guests sign up for luxe, celebrity-led sessions, enjoy refreshments, and move through curated workouts in coordinated Lululemon sets as far as the eye can see. Courtesy of lululemon The standout hosts? Olympic champion Suni Lee, celebrity trainer Dani Coleman (yes, Jennifer Aniston's go-to), and none other than Hannah Berner—the quick-witted comedian, bestselling author, podcast powerhouse ( Giggly Squad , Berner Phone ), and now, Lululemon's newest ambassador. While many know her for her viral punchlines and on-screen performances, few realize she's a former competitive tennis player. And when I say she's got game? Let's just say I walked off the court breathless—and thoroughly impressed. I headed to the Summer Club to experience a tennis session with Berner firsthand, and to put Lululemon's latest Align collection through its paces. After the class, I caught up with her to talk about her lifelong love of tennis, how she styles Lululemon on and off the court, and the summer pieces topping her wishlist. Courtesy of lululemon Hannah Berner at the Lululemon Summer Club. It's so exciting to see you as Lululemon's newest ambassador and the 'official Funpire' of their Tennis Club. What drew you to the brand, and what does this partnership mean to you at this moment in your career? 'Not to be annoying with puns, but this partnership feels like the perfect match,' Berner says. 'It's a dream to partner with Lululemon, given my background as a former athlete turned comedian. After my tennis career ended and I was working a desk job, I never thought I would be modeling activewear. It feels nostalgic and beautiful to be playing tennis again in Lululemon gear. I love the quality, performance, and playfulness of the brand.' You're leading a tennis lesson for the Lululemon Summer Club—what kind of energy should attendees expect from a Berner-style court session? 'I'm so excited to teach tennis at the Summer Club!' she exclaims. 'I come from a family of coaches, so I love teaching tennis to players of all levels. I'm going to be cracking jokes but also giving tons of tennis tips. My goal is that everyone leaves the court feeling more confident. I will also have my partner in crime, Madison Appel, teaching with me,' Berner adds. You were a competitive tennis player long before stepping into comedy. How does it feel to return to the court with Lululemon? 'It's a full-circle moment with cuter outfits. Tennis has really shaped me into the person I am today, and I firmly believe that I wouldn't be as successful in stand-up if I hadn't had a prior career in tennis. When I wear Lululemon, I feel nostalgic, and it reminds me of how much I love playing sports and how it helps me forget my problems.' What are your current go-to pieces for tennis, and how would you describe your personal style when you're on the court? 'It is so important to feel comfortable and confident on the court,' she declares. 'I like wearing classic colors like white, navy, green, and black. I don't always like to wear tight outfits, so I will always grab the Lightweight Tennis Crewneck T-Shirt with Align shorts. I also live in the Tennis Club layered Long-Sleeve T-Shirt. For playing matches, I look intimidating in the Pace Rival Skirt and Court Rival Tennis Jacket. The Bubble-Hem High-Rise Skirt is also very trendy.' Do you gravitate toward any specific Lululemon colors or collections? 'I'm in my Pool Party Blue era,' Berner admits. 'It suits my skin tone well, according to TikTok. I also love Legacy Green; it's very old money. I have also been wearing the Align Palazzo pant on stage because they're so comfortable, but they look like work pants. I'm also obsessed with flare pants right now.' Lululemon is known for combining performance and comfort. How does that philosophy play into your lifestyle, both on and off the court? 'If an outfit isn't comfortable, I don't care how cute it is; I'm not wearing it! I love that Lululemon combines performance and comfort. The brand doesn't take itself too seriously, and just like my comedy, it wants you to feel good.' Shop Hannah's Lululemon Staples Shop More Align The refreshed line now includes leggings without a front seam, and honestly, I'm obsessed. The fit remains as flattering as ever—and yes, I have multiple colors lined up in my drawer. The signature fabric still feels like a second skin, but this time, it comes in Pool Party—a classic court-ready blue that I'll be wearing all summer long. Pair it with a chic visor and your comfiest sneakers, and suddenly, you're channeling country-club chic. Shop Lululemon Tennis Essentials Why Trust ELLE Every product featured on is independently researched, tested, or editor-approved. We only recommend products that we stand behind, and the merchandise featured on our site is always driven by editorial and product testing standards, not by affiliate deals or advertising relationships. Any content created in partnership with advertisers is marked as such.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Paige DeSorbo Will Not Return to 'Summer House' After 7 Seasons—Her Statement Explains Why
Paige Desorbo announced on her Instagram Story on June 5, 2025, that she will not return to Summer House season 10. DeSorbo had a seven-season run on the Bravo series after joining the reality show in season 3. The media personality will continue to host her podcast, Giggly Squad, and new YouTube show, Hannah and Paige Try New Things, with her best friend and Summer House alum Hannah DeSorbo will not be summering in the Hamptons this year. While she has yet to reveal how she'll be spending the warm-weather season, one thing is official: she will not return to Summer House season 10 after a seven-season run. DeSorbo took to her Instagram story to announce her departure from the hit Bravo show. "I have a little life update for you: I've made the decision not to return to Summer House," she began her statement. "Being part of this show has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my life - the friendships, the drama, the giggles, all unforgettable. You've seen me grow up over these last 7 summers. I'll always be beyond grateful for the memories, the community, and the opportunities this wild ride has brought me. But like all good things (and some bad decisions), it's time for the chapter to close." She continued with a message of gratitude, writing, "To my castmates, the fans, and my NBCU family: thank you. I never could've imagined what this journey would turn into - and how many of you would be along for the ride. And you haven't seen the last of me, I promise. So much more to do together, but for now you know you can always find me and Daphne in my bed." DeSorbo first joined the reality series during season 3 with her best friend Hannah Berner. Though Berner left after two seasons, DeSorbo stayed on to become a core member of the "Bedbug Gang" with Amanda Batula and Ciara Miller. The How to Giggle author even starred in two seasons of the spinoff show, Winter House. She struck up a romance with Craig Conover in early 2021, though the couple didn't confirm their relationship until September of that year. They called it quits in November 2024. In addition to making her witty quips on the show, DeSorbo has also been the host of podcast Giggly Squad, along with Berner, since October 2020. Last month, the comedy duo also started a YouTube series called Hannah & Paige Try New Things. DeSorbo's exit does not come as a huge shock, as she hinted at an eventual end during an April 2025 interview with Glamour. 'There's an end date for me at some point. With the lifestyle of Summer House specifically, I'm probably not fitting into the original show idea anymore,' she said. 'Whenever I see a comment that's like, 'She's a little too old to be on this,' I'm like, 'Yeah, I kind of am.'' Fans were also quick to notice DeSorbo removed "Summer House" from her Instagram bio last month. While DeSorbo will not be enjoying the big house in Southhampton Town, she will surely be busy giggling with Berner and working on her new sleepwear line, Daphne, set to drop online on June 10. Read the original article on InStyle
