News Bulletin of 26 July 2025, 12pm

Multinational payment authorisation service giant Visa, launched its first data centre in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

The facility forms part of Visa’s R1-billion commitment to investments in Africa.

The country manager for Southern and Eastern Africa at Visa, Michael Berner says the launch is aimed at improving Visa’s services in South Africa and forms a foundation that will be used by the company to drive its expansion into the African continent.

Berner said South Africa’s payments landscape is digitizing rapidly, with more than half of the transactions processed by Visa facilitated by contactless payment technology.

South Africa's business events and creative sectors are poised for significant growth following the introduction of two new visa categories aimed at streamlining international access for participants in exhibitions, conferences and film-related projects.

The Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber recently announced the new Screen Talent and Global Entertainment Scheme and the Meetings, Events, Exhibitions and Tourism Scheme, which are intended to address longstanding visa delays for international participants from key growth markets.

The policy update is expected to boost the country's appeal as a filming destination by reducing red tape for international cast and crew members.

Free State University sprinter Gabriella Marais delivered a standout performance at the FSIU World University Games held in Berlin in Germany, achieving an impressive time of 11.51 seconds in the Women’s 100m Final.

Marais, demonstrated exceptional form, speed, and composure as she sprinted her way into the top rankings of one of the most competitive events at the Games.

The achievement marks one of her season’s best performances and further cements the sprinter's reputation as a rising star in South African athletics.