Latest news with #LeonThomas
Business Wire
17-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Opti9 Achieves AWS Managed Service Provider (MSP) Designation
GARDEN CITY, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Opti9, a leading cloud solutions provider, today announced it has achieved the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Managed Service Provider (MSP) Partner Program designation. This designation validates Opti9's proven expertise in delivering comprehensive AWS solutions across every stage of the cloud lifecycle, from planning and migration to operations, support, automation, and continuous optimization. Opti9 achieves the AWS Managed Service Provider (MSP) Partner Program designation. The AWS MSP Program recognizes AWS Partners with a proven track record of excellence in providing customers with ongoing cloud strategy, architecture, migration and more! Share The AWS MSP Program recognizes AWS Partners with a proven track record of excellence in providing customers with ongoing cloud strategy, architecture, migration, operations, and optimization. To attain this recognition, Opti9 successfully completed a rigorous, third-party audit of its business health, technical expertise, security practices, and customer success. Opti9's MSP status confirms its ability to meet those evolving demands, with a focus on secure, cost-optimized, and scalable AWS environments. 'Achieving AWS MSP Partner Program designation is a big milestone for us and a testament to the incredible work our team puts in every day,' said Leon Thomas, Chief Strategy Officer for Opti9. 'We've built a group of passionate, skilled people who genuinely care about helping our customers get the most out of AWS, and this recognition reinforces that.' Customers engaging with Opti9 can expect a tailored cloud journey, from detailed assessments and migration roadmaps to hands-on cloud-native development and optimization. With deep technical awareness and a collaborative approach, Opti9 helps organizations align their AWS environments with business goals while mitigating risk and reducing complexity. 'With Opti9's guidance, we were able to expand our capabilities in ways we were previously unaware of. The solutions Opti9 implemented gave us the ability to not only advance our offerings but expand our client base leading to smoother internal procedures and additional cost savings and revenue,' stated Kam Rokon, Vice President of Information Technology, SecureCare. For more information, visit: About Opti9 Opti9 is a leading solutions provider, delivering customized cloud, security, and disaster recovery services to businesses across North America. Formed through the merger of three established companies, Opti9 brings over 40 years of collective IT expertise, ensuring resilience, compliance, and security for its clients. As a proven, productive AWS partner for over a decade, Opti9 helps organizations navigate their cloud journey with tailored solutions that optimize performance, cost, and compliance. To learn more about Opti9's AWS capabilities or to begin your cloud journey, visit AWS Solutions Made Easy | Migration & Modernization | Opti9
The South African
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Jacaranda FM to bring exclusive coverage of 'Hey Neighbour'
Jacaranda FM has officially partnered with the 'Hey Neighbour' music festival as its media partner for the 2025 edition. The festival returns after a highly successful debut in 2023. It promises a spectacular two-day celebration of music on 30 and 31 August at Legends Adventure Park in Pretoria. This partnership will bring South African music fans closer to the action. Jacaranda FM will provide extensive coverage, exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes content before and during the festival. This year's 'Hey Neighbour' festival boasts an impressive line-up. International stars such as Doja Cat, Leon Thomas, Central Cee, and Black Coffee will headline the event. They will be joined by a vibrant local roster including Elaine, Muzi, Akio, DJ Nkosh, DJ Lochive, Nia Pearl, and others. Festival organisers have hinted that more exciting artists will be announced soon. Vuyani Dombo, Managing Director of Jacaranda FM, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration. 'Music is in our DNA. Partnering with Hey Neighbour allows us to showcase world-class talent right here at home. This festival is more than just music — it's a cultural celebration. It aligns perfectly with Jacaranda FM's mission to deliver top-tier entertainment and unforgettable experiences to our audience. We're excited to bring the festival's energy to our listeners and connect communities through music.' Festival owner Glen Netshipise also praised the partnership. 'We're thrilled to welcome Jacaranda FM as an official media partner. Their passion and strong connection with a diverse audience make them the ideal match for Hey Neighbour. This partnership goes beyond media coverage — it's about amplifying the spirit of togetherness that defines our festival.' The 'Hey Neighbour' festival promises a weekend packed with high-energy performances and world-class production. It aims to be a landmark event on South Africa's music calendar, celebrating both international stars and local talent. Tickets are selling fast, and fans are encouraged to secure their passes early. Tickets are available now at Prices start from R450 for general admission, making it accessible to a wide range of music lovers. Jacaranda FM's support will make 'Hey Neighbour' 2025 an unforgettable celebration of music, culture, and community in Pretoria this August. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
New York Post
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Single women ditch wearing makeup on first dates — and experts encourage it
These ladies are going au natural at their amorous appointments — and loving it. In general, Gen Z has trended towards skipping out on classic date nights like traditional dinners and drinks in favor of more adventurous, active ventures like ocean swims, yoga sessions, or rock climbing. These activities allow potential paramours to get to know each other without the pressure of sitting across from each other and talking for hours on end — though eventually, there comes a point in a relationship where this is necessary. Advertisement The latest move to ease the tension and anxiety of a first date? No makeup, a la Pamela Anderson. 3 The growing trend is also beneficial for those who simply don't enjoy wearing makeup, or don't know how to apply it properly. fizkes – Both Millennials and Gen Zers have taken to the Internet to share their experiences with the movement, and overall, they're psyched about their new looks, and the confidence boosts it can — potentially, as @madisonoud pointed out — bring with it. Advertisement @madisonoud i'm either going to be really proud of myself or hysterically crying in 2 hours ♬ MUTT – Leon Thomas Aside from saving plenty of time getting ready, skipping out on glam can also be helpful for those struggling with perfection compulsions and people-pleasing. Experts say that arriving at a first date fresh-faced can help screen potential suitors who simply aren't a match. 3 If your date doesn't like you as you are, ditch him, many women say. DragonImages – Advertisement 'If someone you date loses interest simply because you weren't wearing makeup, that's useful information,' said Janine O'Brien, a licensed clinical psychologist and relationship therapist, in an interview with Bustle. Women online agree — why waste your time getting ready for someone you barely know, especially when there's a fair chance they didn't do the same? 'Don't see the issue. Men don't do their makeup,' said one comment under @madisonoud's video. 'To your date, [going makeup-free] may communicate confidence, self-acceptance, and authenticity. And that can set the tone for a relationship where you're not afraid to show up as your full self,' O'Brien said. Advertisement Some women are also adopting strategies like wearing more makeup as they go on more dates with the same person — both to show their interest in the other person and to demonstrate that effort goes both ways. 3 Today's generation of women are saying buh-bye to mascara and lip gloss for first dates. Drobot Dean – Gen Z daters are not only ditching makeup — they're apparently also leaving dating apps in the past and turning towards old-fashioned matchmaking services. 'Matchmaking in this country has never been more popular,' Adam Cohen-Aslatei, director of Tawkify matchmaking service, told The Post. 'It's really grown pretty tremendously.' 'Business has never been stronger for Cohen-Aslatei and the company saw its busiest month last year.
IOL News
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Hey Neighbour festival moves to December but fans still left hanging
Doja Cat had been announced as one of the headline acts for Hey Neighbour. The festival was set to feature world-class performances, including the highly anticipated appearances by Doja Cat, Central Cee, Black Coffee , and Leon Thomas, to name a few, the organisers have made the strategic decision to reschedule the festival in order to ensure its continued success and sustainability. Originally scheduled for August, organisers have announced that it will now happen in December with no exact date announced. After a week of dropping names for day two of their lineup, music festival Hey Neighbour has announced that the date has been postponed. Hey Neighbour's CEO Glen Netshipise acknowledged the disappointment that comes with the postponement. Hey Neighbour organisers this year have faced backlash from the festival going from three days to two days and scrutiny around the artists on the lineup. 'We understand the impact this has on our loyal festival-goers, sponsors, and artists. We also recognise that our communication around the challenges we've faced hasn't been as clear as it should have been, and for that, we sincerely apologise. 'Moving forward, we are committed to improving our transparency and communication, ensuring that everyone is kept informed as we work towards delivering an even better festival in December 2025. 'We truly appreciate your continued support and patience as we navigate these challenging yet exciting times." Organisers have shared that all tickets purchased for the event will remain valid for the rescheduled dates, which will be announced on September 30, 2025, along with the full lineup. They are also in active discussions with the booked artists to confirm their availability for the new December dates. In 2023, Hey Neighbour Festival had several sponsors, including Heineken as the headline sponsor, and other partners like Netflix, AXE, KitKat, Coke Studio, and Play. This year Heineken has not come along as the headline sponsors. The brand has been focused on pushing their own properties such as Heineken House. Hey Neighbour organisers are actively working on securing the necessary funding, strategic partnerships, and more exciting headliners to bring the festival back bigger and better than ever. Festival lovers have already been questioning this year's Hey Neighbour Festival, with slow-paced announcements that haven't quite met fan expectations. Now, with the latest update still lacking a confirmed date, anxiety and uncertainty are in the air. IOL Entertainment
The South African
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
These fun Highveld festivals are warming up the region this winter
It may be winter, but these Highveld festivals radiate creativity and warmth. Spanning Gauteng and the Free State, events are taking place across the colder months. There's an emphasis on the arts across both provinces, though you'll also find lots of delicious food on the menu. There's even one that's all about champagne and chocolate… The event programmes are varied, featuring top local performers, as well as a couple of GRAMMY winners. Whether you're for thought-provoking talks or dancing the night away, you can pick and choose from these four festivals. One of a series in events at Constitution Hill, Basha Uhuru Creative Week runs next week. The four-day festival will host print exhibitions, poetry readings and film screenings. Then there's an amapiano showcase and a market for creative brands. A big focus is the industry workshops that span multiple art disciplines. Topics include poetry, hemp and cannabis, and the business of fashion. This is a Highveld festival that creatives in the area won't want to miss. 25-28 June Johannesburg, Gauteng The Vrystaat Kunste Fees, or Free State Arts Festival, is an Afrikaans language festival that aims to collaborate with English and Sotho cultures. The University of the Free State is a key partner, hosting the event on its Bloemfontein campus. This Highveld festival has a multidisciplinary programme that ranges from music to literature. In addition to performances and exhibitions, there's a series of hands-on workshops. These include therapeutic writing and resin pouring. 15 – 19 Jul 2025 Bloemfontein, Free State One more gathering for the Highveld, the Cullinan Champagne, Chocolate & Gin Festival brings a sparkly touch to this winter. The event brings together South Africa's best MCCs, craft gin and artisanal chocolates. In addition to the gourmet goods, the festival also hosts a market of arts and crafts stalls. It's a good excuse for taking a short drive outside Tshwane to Cullinan's old-world streets. 30 August 2025 Cullinan, Gauteng This premier music festival runs across two days outside Tshwane. Music lovers will appreciate that headliners include GRAMMY award-winning artists Doja Cat and Leon Thomas. There are multiple stages across the weekend with a kaleidoscopic variety of artists. With the festival taking place on a farm, this Highveld festival also offers a camping and glamping experience for visitors. 30-31 August Tshwane, Gauteng Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
