Each year, Samsung employees volunteer as mentors, helping learners keep their STEM-based projects on track over a six-to-nine-month journey from initial idea to working prototype. Recently, we spoke to three of this year’s mentors about what drove them and what they’ve learned along the way. In this conversation, Samsung asked what motivated these volunteers to become mentors and what the entire process meant to them. The discussion also explored how corporate experts who play a part in the mentorship process of school learners are able to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world innovation. And here is what they had to say:

Sizakele Portia Mphaka – a bookkeeper in the Finance Department of the Samsung Africa Office, mentored learners at two schools: Mowart Park High School in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and Klerksdorp High School in the North West (NW). She became a Samsung mentor for the SFT competition because she wanted to give back to learners by providing guidance. In addition, she expressed how she was encouraged by the impact that the SFT competition has made in various communities around the country and how STEM can be applied to solve problems in everyday life, without having to be an expert in the field.

Mphaka said: “My role went beyond just helping to answer technical questions. I also helped learners to build their confidence and provided the critical skills they needed to break big, intimidating problems into manageable steps and encouraged them when experiments failed or ideas didn’t work the first time. Having been involved in this SFT programme, I am now more than convinced that mentorship from corporates can bring real-world context that the classroom often cannot.”

Benjamin van Zyl, a technical support specialist at Samsung Air-conditioning, is another 2026 SFT mentor. He backed a group of brilliant young learners from Kaalfontein Secondary School and supported these young people and shared what he knows, so they could help improve life in their community. He shared his refrigeration experience with the learners, building their confidence to present to the judges and giving them a clear picture of what to expect. One of the biggest challenges was a shortage of project materials in the learners’ area and van Zyl managed to help them find ways to improve what they already had and showed them which stores to buy what was missing.

Bokang Mangoale, a TV Key Account Manager at Samsung Electronics, mentored “Econovas”, a group of exceptionally smart and talented learners from Mbilwi High School in the heart of Venda. Mangoale says he became a mentor out of a deep desire to help the country’s youth to unleash their potential and create real community impact. For Mangoale, the journey has meant everything. There is nothing quite like watching smart students push past their boundaries, apply practical logic and successfully turn a raw concept into a working prototype.

Mangoale explained further: “My role as a corporate mentor wasn’t to teach them the science they already know, but to show them how to incorporate their theory into real-world scenarios. I helped the team to source affordable materials, to borrow some equipment, when needed and we also planned for prototype failure. This taught the learners real-world business agility. Together, were able to bridge the gap by shifting their focus from “what looks good on paper” to “what actually works in the real world.”

Lefa Makgato, corporate social responsibility (CSR) Manager for Samsung South Africa: “As Samsung, we are deeply grateful for the essential role played by our volunteer mentors in guiding, encouraging and coaching South Africa’s youth through STEM challenges. Based on this feedback, we are convinced that their combined dedication and interest in the development of learners as well as their projects; has made this journey a meaningful and memorable experience for the participating young stars. More over, by fostering teamwork, creative brainstorming, critical thinking and clear communication; these selfless individuals have together with educators – already managed to succesfully contribute to the development of vital skills for both the learners and their educators.”

Makgato remarked further and said: Samsung believes the mentors’ dedication to their learners and their projects has made this journey a meaningful and memorable experience for everyone involved. By fostering teamwork, creative brainstorming, critical thinking and clear communication, these mentors have helped build vital skills for both the learners and their educators.

Launched in 2010, Solve for Tomorrow is Samsung’s global corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme for young people, helping them use science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to address challenges in their communities. Through education and mentoring, students learn to identify problems, develop ideas and build and refine prototypes. The global ambassador initiative gives them opportunities to present their work internationally.

The activities in Dakar build on Samsung and the IOC’s collaboration on SFT’s Sport & Tech theme and their joint delivery of the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Impact Programme. On an Olympic stage where young athletes challenge themselves and grow, the two organisations are giving young innovators an opportunity to present their ideas, learn from others and take the next steps in their development.

“The commitment we made together with the IOC at Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games was a promise to give young people opportunities to discover what they can achieve through technology and sport,” said Eddie Cho, Head of Corporate Citizenship at Samsung Electronics. “In Dakar, that promise starts to take shape. The ambassadors began by tackling problems in their schools and neighbourhoods; now they are sharing their solutions with the world. We will continue this collaboration with the IOC to help young people build on what they learn, gain confidence and make a greater difference in their communities.”

“The Youth Olympic Games are about much more than competition. They are an opportunity for young people to challenge themselves, learn from one another and experience the Olympic values of friendship, respect and excellence,” said James Macleod, Olympism365 Director, IOC. “Together with Samsung, we are committed to supporting young people take that spirit beyond the field of play and into their everyday lives and communities. Bringing Solve for Tomorrow ambassadors together with the youth in Dakar is a wonderful opportunity for them to share their ideas, learn from each other and see what is possible when creativity, technology and sport come together. We hope they leave Dakar inspired by one another, with new connections and even greater confidence in their ability to make a positive difference.”

Three Solve For Tomorrow teams experience Dakar 2026

“We wanted to do something about the problems we saw around us,” said Ela Aksoy of Oilsorb, Türkiye. “Through Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, we learned technical skills and worked with mentors to keep improving our idea until it became a working solution. We are proud to demonstrate what we have built in Dakar.”

“Taking part in Solve for Tomorrow in Dakar has been such a fun experience,” said Kukhanya Mbebe of Brick Beast, South Africa. “I really enjoyed meeting students from different countries, hearing about their projects and sharing our own experiences. My favourite part was getting to know the other students and exchanging ideas. We came from different places, but it was easy to connect through our projects.”

“We want to use the feedback we receive here to develop technology that can help more people,” said Ela Aksoy. “I’m taking home new ideas and great memories from Dakar,” said Kukhanya Mbebe.

Solve For Tomorrow Exhibition at Dakar 2026

At the SFT exhibition, organised in cooperation with the IOC at the Corniche West Live Site, visitors could explore the SFT ambassadors’ solutions and hear about the challenges they faced and how they refined their ideas. By discussing their work and exchanging feedback with people from different backgrounds, these young people can consider how their technology might serve a wider range of needs. The exhibition is part of a wider conversation and shared learning experience at Dakar 2026. The exhibition is scheduled to run through November 13, 2026.

During the exhibition opening, through the panel discussion: “Youth at the Heart of Global Transformation”, Samsung shared with the Senegalese students the SFT programme’s objectives to encourage young people to solve problems through technology and sport, highlighting how young people can use sport and the Olympic spirit in taking on challenges and working together in everyday life.

As part of the programme the ambassadors also met with IOC Young Leaders from Kenya and Lebanon for a knowledge exchange workshop with focus on social challenges of young people in Africa. SFT students who have used technology to tackle local problems will exchange experiences with IOC Young Leaders who have used sport to bring about change in their communities. After the workshop, the students have also visited the “Olympic Social Impact booth presented by IOC Young Leaders” in the Youth Olympic Village to learn about athlete experience engagement.

From Paris to LA, supporting the next steps for young innovators

Samsung and the IOC first introduced SFT ambassadors at Paris 2024 and affirmed their shared commitment to developing future talent at Milano Cortina 2026 and beyond.

In August 2026, they jointly launched the Solve For Tomorrow Impact Programme to support young innovators in developing their ideas and putting them to use in their communities and this programme will run until end of January 2028. As the Samsung’s Olympic partnership continues toward the LA28 Games, Samsung and the IOC plan to sustain their collaboration on SFT’s Sport & Tech theme and the SFT Impact Programme.

At the National Awards Ceremony held on 02 October 2026 at the Irene Country Hotel in Centurion (Gauteng), three outstanding public schools were crowned champions – taking home major prizes to boost STEM learning in their classrooms. The prestigious event that was celebrated as a highly successful Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between Samsung and the DBE, was graced by key dignitaries including the President and CEO of Samsung Africa, Simon Lee as well as the Minister of Basic Education, the honourable Siviwe Gwarube.

Following their prototype presentations to a panel of expert judges and rigorous evaluation, these were the winning schools:

• First Prize (R100,000): Cape Recife High School from the Eastern Cape was awarded for their exceptional prototype that turns plastic waste into sports equipment.

• Second Place (R50,000): Mbilwi Secondary School from Limpopo was awarded for their innovative prototype project focusing on transforming pollution and waste into low-cost construction materials aimed at reducing overcrowding and supporting sustainable community development.

• Third Place (R30,000): Sekete IV Secondary School from North West was awarded for their brilliant prototype that addresses severe waste management crisis in their school and the surrounding Kanana Village. The team engineered the “Mighty Sekete Smart Bin,” a tech-driven solution designed to break the cycle of waste mismanagement. The solar-powered bin features an internal compaction system that allows it to hold five times more waste than a standard bin, preventing overflow.

In addition to the cash prizes, which will go entirely toward purchasing vital STEM equipment for their respective schools, each individual learner from the three winning teams walked away with a brand-new Samsung Galaxy smartphone to help them continue their tech-for-good journeys.

Speaking at the Awards Ceremony, Samsung Africa CEO, Simon Lee, congratulated the winners and the Top 20 finalists. He highlighted how Samsung as the catalyst for youth empowerment – remains deeply committed to driving education and technology-driven initiatives.

Lee believes that the partnership with the DBE allows Samsung the opportunity to address environmental and societal challenges, while nurturing the next generation of innovators. He also expressed how convinced he is that the future of Africa lies in the hands of its young innovators. And furthermore, Lee added that – as a socially responsible company; Samsung is proud to support equipping the country’s young innovators with the skills and confidence to build a sustainable digital future.

Lee highlighted how the growth of the competition as reflected in the number of applications, shows that young South Africans have an appetite for learning and just need opportunities. He also emphasised that Samsung sees investing in human potential, especially young people, through initiatives such as Solve for Tomorrow and the Samsung Innovation Campus, as not just an important part of its work, but something that gives its existence even more meaning.

The Solve for Tomorrow initiative directly supports South Africa’s National Development Plan (Vision 2030) by teaching public school learners skills needed for the future. The programme champions local, sustainable problem-solving in perfect alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs); specifically Goal 4 (Quality Education)¹. By bringing practical STEM learning and expert mentorship directly to public schools, this unique initiative also actively encourages young women to participate in STEM-related fields.

Minister Gwarube expressed her optimism about what the future holds for South Africa if opportunities are continuously created that not only strengthen education but also access to it. She also highlighted that while there are challenges, working together as government, corporates and communities is the best approach. “Education must help young people prepare for the future that they want for themselves, and that we want as a country. We cannot perpetuate the inequality that currently exists. The best education systems in the world focus on building strong foundations, and it is through initiatives such as Solve for Tomorrow that we can also build that solid foundation. We cannot solve some of the challenges alone and can only do so through partnerships like this one. Thank you to Samsung for the work that you do – it is inspiring. Thank you for investing in South Africa and the future of our young people.”

This year’s competition challenged learners to develop real-world solutions under two crucial themes: Environmental Sustainability through Technology & Social Inclusion through Sports & Technology. Behind every prototype was an intense journey of teamwork, critical thinking and design thinking.

.

Representing the first-prize winning team, Kukhanya Mbebe, a Grade 10 learner from Cape Recife High School, shared their excitement: “We still can’t believe we won! When we started, we just wanted to fix a problem we saw in our community. Working on this project has taught us how to think like inventors and use technology to make a difference. For us, as a special needs school, to be here and announced as 2026 winners of the competition is a huge honour, and we hope our solution will go a long way towards making South Africa a better place.”

For their project, the team identified the problem of plastic pollution as a growing global crisis, with millions of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles discarded daily, overwhelming landfills and polluting ecosystems. They also noticed that many underserved communities lack access to affordable sports equipment, limiting youth participation in sport, and taking them away from social ills such as crime and drugs. As a solution, the team built an electronic device that converts recycled PET plastic bottles into 3D printer filament. They use this filament to 3D-print functional sports equipment for local sport teams.

Working alongside Samsung employee volunteers as their mentors; the learners designed physical, working prototypes using seed funding provided by the initiative. Samsung also provided tablets with data connectivity to support their work. This practical, hands-on approach has now demystified science and technology – proving to ordinary South Africans that STEM is a practical tool that anyone can use to improve daily life.

“The fact that we had Samsung mentors guiding us throughout this journey has helped us believe in our ideas and, this experience has also changed how we see our future. This competition has shown us that public school learners also have what it takes to build the future of South Africa and, we are very excited to take this STEM equipment back to our school,” added Mbebe.

The 2026 competition also saw a massive national growth, drawing an incredible 143 project submissions from public schools across the country – a massive leap from just 47 entries last year. This success is actively boosted by the DBE’s MST (Mathematics, Science and Technology) education initiative which drives advocacy for learners to participate by providing targeted resources, training teachers and monitoring implementation through the DBE MST Conditional Grant.

Lefa Makgato, corporate social responsibility (CSR) Manager for Samsung South Africa concluded: “Congratulations to all our participants. As Samsung, we strongly believe that education is the foundation that allows youth to realise their full potential. Through our strong collaborative partnership with the DBE, we are proud to continue empowering young minds and inspiring positive change across South Africa.”

1. Source: Goal 4: Quality education | United Nations Development Programme ︎

For the first time, Samsung will take part in The Luxurious Marble Circus, creating an immersive Galaxy experience designed around what the brand knows best: giving people new ways to capture, create and share the moments that matter. At the heart of Samsung’s presence will be the Galaxy Z8 Series, including the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Flip8. There’ll be a dedicated Galaxy Hangout (activation), where attendees will be invited to step into a world of creative possibilities, explore the latest foldable technology and put Galaxy’s cameras as well as its AI capabilities to the test.

The partnership is a natural fit. The Luxurious Marble Circus brings together brands, artists and experiences in a shared playground where each creates a world inspired by what it does best. For Samsung Galaxy, that world is mobile technology, where powerful cameras, flexible form factors and AI capabilities give people the freedom to turn an idea into something worth capturing.

“At Samsung, we’re always looking for ways to bring technology into spaces where creativity, self-expression and culture come alive. The Luxurious Marble Circus is a world where people are encouraged to experience things differently, which is exactly the kind of environment where Galaxy belongs. With the Galaxy Z8 Series, we’re giving people more than a device to document the experience. We’re giving them tools to explore their creativity, capture the unexpected and put their own stamp on the moments they experience,” says Rae Hargreaves, Head of Marketing: Mobile eXperience at Samsung South Africa.

At an event designed around wonder and spectacle, the camera becomes more than a way to document what happened – it becomes a creative tool for seeing the experience differently. The Galaxy Z8 Series is built for exactly these kinds of moments. The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, with its 200MP camera system, is the ultimate concert phone, giving creators the ability to capture detail from across the action, while My FanCam brings an added layer of personalisation to live-event content. Whether the moment is happening on a stage, in a crowd or somewhere unexpected – Galaxy foldables gives users more ways to get into the action without needing to be in the middle of it.

Then there is the magic of Galaxy AI. At The Luxurious Marble Circus, attendees will be able to experiment with AI-powered creative tools that can transform an image with a few simple gestures. Remove an unwanted object, change a distracting element, rework the backdrop or refine an image quickly before an act ends so you never miss a beat. What might once have required a full editing suite can become a few taps or a simple interaction on a Galaxy device. It is this ability to make the unexpected happen that makes Galaxy such a natural fit for the circus.

In the same way that The Luxurious Marble Circus invites people to suspend the ordinary and enter a world where anything feels possible, Galaxy technology gives people the tools to take an ordinary photograph and make it something entirely their own; thereby speaking directly into this year’s theme of euphoric transformation: EVOPHORIA.

The Samsung Galaxy Hangout Imaginarium will serve as the centrepiece of the brand’s presence, taking attendees on an experiential journey through a series of creative environments designed to showcase the possibilities of the Galaxy Z8 Series. The hangout will welcome guests to foldables and give them a billion reasons to switch. From a Nightography Zone designed to put low-light photography to the test, to spaces dedicated to the foldable experience and Galaxy AI; visitors will be encouraged to experiment with the devices rather than simply look at them.

The three Galaxy Z8 Series devices will each bring a different dimension to the experience. The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra will showcase the possibilities of ultra-level mobile photography and creativity, the Galaxy Z Fold8 will put its expansive foldable canvas and creator capabilities to work; while the Galaxy Z Flip8 will bring its compact, expressive form factor into the energy of the festival environment. And because the best memories are the ones you get to take home, Galaxy will also be putting its technology to work across the festival grounds – helping attendees capture moments as they happen and turn them into personalised content.

Samsung will also bring its Galaxy presence to some of The Luxurious Marble Circus’s biggest moments, with Galaxy integrated into the visual and experiential essence of the event, including a special closing performance by Samurai Farai featuring digital art created using the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra. The Luxurious Marble Circus is built around the idea that an experience can be many things at once: a spectacle, a playground, a meeting point and a canvas for self-expression. Samsung Galaxy brings another layer to that idea. Because sometimes the best part of an experience is not simply watching the magic happen. It is having the tools to capture it, reshape it and make it yours.

About The Luxurious Marble Circus 

The Luxurious Marble Circus is a grand collaboration between The Marble Group, Grid Worldwide, G&G – The Goosebumps Company and Grand Collaborator, Investec. A fantazma of feastery, finery and funnery, this two-day event fuses fine dining, music and fun to deliver an Out of the Ordinarious festival experience. Official Partner brands adding flair to this fabulicious affair include Mercedes-Benz, Savanna, Heineken, Hennessey, Don Julio, Johnnie Walker, Moët & Chandon, Schweppes, Samsung, Country Road and 947. Visit www.luxuriousmarblecircus.com for more info. 

With the help of Samsung mentors and educators; this STEM-based (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) competition challenges learners to identify real issues in their communities and develop practical, technology-driven solutions that create meaningful social impact. Samsung has taken the time to speak to four (4) educators from the Top 20 schools in this year’s SFT Competition.

These conversations sought to evaluate what impact this competition is making in the lives of both the learners and the educators; as well as the broader community, more specifically the schools they are representing. When asked, this is what these educators had to say:

Tyron Greyling is an educator representing Cape Recife High School – a special needs school in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape. He taught CAT (Computer Applications Technology) and Digital Technology at Cape Recife before moving to a new school recently. However, he’s still working closely with his team back at Cape Recife with learners who are excited to present their prototype to a panel of Judges at the finals in Johannesburg on 02 October.

According to Greyling, he took the initiative to apply for the SFT programme online early in the year, putting his school and its learners forward for the competition. He expressed the importance of such competitions because this platform has given his learners hands-on exposure to technology and problem-solving skills that can shape their future studies and career paths. Greyling added: “The competition’s impact has been felt across the whole school. Everyone is genuinely excited; it’s sparked real interest among our younger learners, who are already looking forward to getting involved in the future.

Our School Governing Body (“SGB”) and other educators in our school have also expressed how incredibly proud they are of what the team has managed to achieve so far”

Samsung also spoke to Nkosiyomuzi Joseph Zimu, an educator from Klerksdorp Secondary School located in an area called Manzilpark in the North West province. Zimu mentioned that when he heard about the competition, he grabbed it with both hands because he knew that the learners he teaches who come from economically disadvantaged families – needed this opportunity more than ever.

He stated that this competition has opened the eyes of his entire institution and has made them realise just how smart their learners are. In addition, they now understand that with proper guidance – their learners could achieve much more. Zimu also touched on how this SFT Competition has helped to improve the relationship between the learners and teachers.

This educator is convinced that competitions like these are able to unite communities, and he clarified by saying: “We never thought we would be forced to collect information from those outside our school, but we knew that in order to complete the project; our success depended on the knowledge of others within our community.”

Zimu also acknowledged how beneficial this competition has been to their educators as well, and said: “We have now learnt to work as a team; this SFT Competition has helped us appreciate the fact that this is not about one teacher but about the school as a whole. We now know that collectively we can build a better community.”

Another educator, Thabang Jethro Leshaba who has been representing Florapark Comprehensive High School that’s located in Polokwane. Leshaba teaches Physical Science in Grades 11 and 12; and is also the main organiser of the school’s Science Projects Committee. Part of his responsibilities include ensuring that his learners participate in competitions that focus on STEM subjects. He is another educator who’s confident about his school’s chances of winning this year’s competition.

Leshaba said that he became aware of the SFT Competition a day before the closing date. But in spite of the short notice, was able to immediately identify learners whom he believed had the academic ability, commitment and potential to participate well in the competition. He said: “Since our project made it into the Top 20, the school has announced it to the entire community and the project has also been displayed throughout my classroom. A lot of learners, particularly those taking Mathematics and Science have become intrigued by the idea.”

He also added that they have seen a growing interest in the project from learners and educators who participate in sport at their school. “Through our participation in this SFT Competition, he expanded: “our school learners have started to realise that what they learn in STEM subjects can be applied in real-life challenges as well as different fields, including sport. And, this competition has also helped us reinforce an important message – that science is everywhere and sport itself is made possible in many ways by science and technology.”

The fourth and last educator that Samsung spoke to is: Tendayi Gilbert Jobi from Kgomotso High School in the Northern Cape. This educator teaches both Natural and Physical Sciences. Jobi said when he came across information on the Samsung SFT Competition, he saw it as a great opportunity for his Grade 10 learners to participate in. He then guided them in the process of identifying a real community problem related to environmental sustainability through technology.

Jobi explained further and said that this competition has transformed their school in many positive ways. It has inspired both learners and teachers to embrace innovation, creativity and problem-solving. According to Jobi, this competition has also shifted learning beyond the classroom by encouraging their learners to apply scientific and technological knowledge to solve real-life community challenges. And furthermore, he is convinced that this competition has also raised the profile of their school. He said: “being selected among the Top 20 schools in the country has brought our school the much-needed recognition”.

Q: Thirty years is an incredible milestone. Looking back to your very first day at Samsung, what stands out most in your memory?

Nthabi: It truly has been an incredible journey. I remember my first day like it was yesterday. When I started at Samsung, I was just a young, excited 22-year-old coming out of varsity, looking forward to my very first job.

Daisy: I quickly learned after joining the company that at Samsung, we don’t just predict the future of technology, but we play an active role in creating it.

Q: Every long career has defining moments. What are you most proud of in your journey?

Nthabi: Having started out as an admin officer to now be in a position of management definitely stands out.

Daisy: Being acknowledged for my contribution and given a chance to lead. Also having the opportunity to upskill myself and grow in my career.

Q: What inspired you to stay with Samsung for 30 years, and what has made it feel like more than just a workplace?

Nthabi: Apart from giving me the chance to build a career, this place has grown to feel like home – the friendships I have built over the years. I could even say I gained another family in them.

Daisy: More than a workplace, over time, it started feeling like a family-oriented company. And I have always been surrounded by people who challenged me to be better, which was a plus.

Q: What does Samsung mean to you after giving it three decades of your professional life?

Nthabi: My blood is blue and white. I’m proud of myself for having achieved this huge milestone, which is rare. Samsung has and continues to be a great company to work for.

Daisy: Samsung allowed me to stretch myself and my capabilities. It gave me the best opportunity to grow from a young, ambitious professional to a leader.

Q: If you could share one piece of advice with someone joining Samsung today, what would it be?

Nthabi: Be yourself, do your best and work hard.

Daisy: Take ownership of your work. Remember, a team is only as good as its weakest member, so if you’re going to be the weakest member of the team, make sure you’re the strongest you can be.

Q: What has working at Samsung taught you about building a meaningful career over the long term?

Nthabi: Resilience and hard work pay off.

Daisy: Do everything with respect and understand that having good relationships with your co-workers is the cornerstone of a successful team.

Q: As we celebrate your remarkable 30-year journey, what message would you like to share with your colleagues and the next generation of Samsung employees?

Nthabi: To my colleagues I would say, thank you for helping me reach this point. For the next generation, it’s really simple – be authentically yourself.

Daisy: Your input makes an impact at work, so always put pride in your work and do your absolute best. Have empathy and never stop learning and studying.

Lefa Makgato, CSR Manager for Samsung South Africa, was one of the judges at the Hackathon, while Andries Venter, Africa Customer Service Network and Operations Lead – played a crucial role in delivering the masterclass and contributed to the judging process. This event took place during the 6^th African Youth SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) Summit where a group of enthusiastic young African innovators came together to tackle mobile e-waste, with the ultimate goal of developing practical solutions for repairing, reusing and recycling discarded mobile phones.

During this Mobile Circularity Hackathon, Samsung experts, including Venter, guided the selected group of young African innovators through the lifecycle of a mobile device, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal. The Mobile Circularity Hackathon forms part of Samsung’s long-term global partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), established in 2019 and set to continue through to 2030.

The Hackathon also aligns with Samsung’s Environmental Strategy, in which the Circular Economy is a key pillar. Through this strategy, Samsung is committed to addressing mobile e-waste, promoting sustainable product design and advancing resource circularity. Targeting mainly young African innovators, tech entrepreneurs and university students aged 20 – 35; the participating Hackathon teams collaborated using real community data to develop circular economy solutions. Following the event, the UNDP Ghana and Samsung committed to providing continued support to the winning teams, helping them scale their concepts into viable businesses.

The Mobile Circularity Hackathon aims to transform Africa’s growing mobile e-waste challenge into a significant socio-economic and environmental opportunity. An estimated 10 billion dormant or unused mobile phones are currently stored away worldwide¹, locking up valuable raw materials and contributing to the growing challenge of electronic waste¹. Rather than viewing discarded mobile devices solely as environmental hazards – this initiative repositions them as valuable resources that can drive economic growth, promote resource circularity and support environmental sustainability.

The programme also recognises the substantial economic potential of the circular economy. The project’s participating beneficiaries were drawn from various parts of the African continent, specifically leveraging the UNDP’s Regional University Innovation Pods (UniPods) Network and the attendee base of the African Youth SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) Summit, which is Africa’s largest youth forum on sustainable development.

While applications were continent-wide, key representations and target hubs included:

• West Africa: Ghana (as the host nation) and Sierra Leone
• East Africa: Innovators linked to regional tech hubs and academic networks.
• Southern Africa: Youth networks and summit delegates travelling from countries like Zambia and Zimbabwe.

At the end of the Hackathon, a total of 127 young finalists were selected and split into 20 teams that received a direct masterclass training and mentorship from Samsung. The top-performing teams also gained seed validation and tracking support through the UNDP timbuktoo initiative.

The technical support from UNDP through the UNDP UniPod initiative was there to ensure that the three winning ideas that were selected, were able to itinerate and scale projects in their respective countries. And, the winning teams included the following:

Diamond Winners: E-waste Marshall. The team proposed a concept to bridge Information and Communications Technology (ICT) e-waste from corporate institutions in Ghana to local and international recyclers – helping to strengthen compliance with Ghana’s Hazardous and Electronic Waste Control and Management Act (Act 917). By combining responsible e-waste collection with public awareness, the solution aims to advance a more sustainable and circular approach to electronic waste management. Team members: Janice Ama Dede Adjei (Ghana), Isaac Selasi Ahadzi (Ghana), John Howard Wealth (Ghana), Blessing Kukwang Dayam (Ghana), Ernest Emekor Duho (Ghana), Patrice Cossi (Benin), Edna Beverla (Ghana).

Gold Winners: E-cycle Connect. The team proposed a digital marketplace designed to connect consumers, e-waste collectors, and certified recyclers to make e-waste management more accessible, transparent and responsible. Their concept would enable consumers to schedule pick-ups or locate nearby drop-off points, while creating fairer market access for collectors through direct connections with certified recyclers. By strengthening the e-waste value chain, the solution aims to support livelihoods and advance Africa’s mobile circular economy. Team members: Jean-Marie Akiwele Nabare (Ghana), ⁠Nana Nyama Danso (Ghana), Anuforo Goodluck Eziokwu (Nigeria), ⁠⁠Rabiatu Yakubu (Ghana), ⁠Ayittah Lawrence Amanor (Ghana), ⁠⁠Kackah Ushahemba Alex (Nigeria), Simon M Kiambati (Kenya).

Silver Winners: Nkabom Innovators. The team proposed a concept to intercept domestic electronic waste within local communities through an incentivised, low-tech collection model. The solution aims to transform recovered materials into commercial products while repurposing power components to support localised clean-energy solutions, advancing a more circular approach to e-waste management. Team members: Ophelia Adubofour (Ghana), ⁠Wendy Akushika Dogbegah (Ghana), Noah Johnson Ananga (Ghana), ⁠Bella Cisse (Mali), ⁠⁠Seidu Inusah Jaminja (Ghana).

This strategic partnership between Samsung and the UNDP has now evolved to include a focus on community-led experimentation, transitioning from primarily global awareness and advocacy toward locally rooted solutions. Through this approach, the collaboration supports youth innovation, entrepreneurship and the development of solutions that contribute to sustainable development.

Samsung brings technological expertise, engineering capabilities, commercial insights, funding and technical mentorship to the partnership. The UNDP – on the other hand – provides valuable community data and a development framework, including  access to its network of UniPods – a group of academic technology incubators operating across multiple African countries.

Both partners recognise youth education as an important element of sustainable development. Through the partnership, young innovators gain access to knowledge, skills development and mentorship, while also having opportunities to participate in conversations and decision-making on global sustainability issues. For more information on the impact of this initiative, see link: https://www.undp.org/blog/there-more-gold-tonne-phones-tonne-gold-ore

¹ Source: Steven Moore, Head of Climate Action at the GSMA – “Millions of Mobiles Poised for Second Lives this Christmas as a Third of Consumers ‘Recycle’, 12 Phones” Within the Family, December 2024 – https://www.gsma.com/newsroom/press-release/millions-of-mobiles-poised-for-second-lives-this-christmas-as-a-third-of-consumers-recycle-phones-within-the-family/, accessed: 14 July 2026.

Distinguished guests that were invited to this significant event included the Head of Samsung Corporate Marketing & Public Affairs, Samsung EEIP & B-BBEE Manager, the CEO of Tshimologong Digital Precinct as well as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: at the University of Witwatersrand (Wits). This graduation ceremony is a demonstration of the tangible outcomes of this SWD programme which include the skills acquired by graduates, innovative projects completed and the partners’ contributions to the tech space.

Samsung in conjunction with Tshimologong have in the last few years identified that one of the challenges faced by ICT graduates is the struggle to find jobs in software development. The reason for this situation is that the ICT industry’s job seekers are generally required to have at least two (2) to four (4) years’ relevant experience to be able to secure employment.

In reality though, when interns work in industry under real-world pressure, they are at the mercy of those who have the time and willingness to mentor, therefore, it takes longer to gain the necessary expertise. To address this challenge, Samsung has since 2020 been sponsoring a 12-month internship programme in partnership with Tshimologong. This ICT training is part of Samsung’s already succesful R280-million worth Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP), launched in 2019.

And, with Samsung’s extensive investment into this SWD programme – the parties involved are pleased to see that this partnership has consistently yielded excellent results over the past seven years. The partners have also indicated that there was an excellent attendance and participation rate over the last 12 months.

According to Tshimologong’s reports, about 71 students from cohort 1 – 5 had completed the programme and in this current group – cohort 6, Samsung sponsored 18 students; making the total number of students whose lives have been changed by this programme, 89. Importantly, with the help of employment partners – the total absorption rate from cohort 1 – 6 is 79 % , considering cohort 6 completed at the end of June 2026.

Mark Harris, CEO, Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct said: “Our partnership with Samsung is fundamentally rooted in developing high-end digital skills that create tangible opportunities for unemployed youth. In a market where even graduates with degrees and diplomas struggle to find employment, this programme bridges the critical gap between academic theory and industry readiness.

What makes this programme particularly relevant today is how it has evolved to reflect the profound transformation that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is bringing to software engineering. AI is no longer a peripheral tool — it is reshaping how software is designed, written, tested and deployed.”

Harris added further and said: “We place enormous importance on ensuring that our graduates are not only proficient in core development skills, but are equally fluent in AI-assisted development, automation and the new ways of working that define the modern tech industry. In doing so, we are not simply preparing them for the jobs of today — we are positioning them to embrace and lead in the future of work in an increasingly competitive and rapidly evolving space.

Monitoring the progress of our alumni post-programme, it’s incredibly exciting to see how they have rapidly advanced their careers, with some even emerging as successful tech entrepreneurs. This multi-year initiative is a testament to the power of delivering true, measurable impact — moving beyond mere training to actively improving economic and job opportunities for South Africa’s youth. Wits Tshimologong is immensely proud to partner with Samsung in delivering this transformative programme.”

In this year’s Tshimologong digital programme, Samsung’s investment has provided this group of ICT students with access to resources such as software engineers, mentors, world-class training and stipends. The 18 selected, African interns comprising nine (9) women and nine (9) males with an IT tertiary qualification – have had an opportunity to work with a senior developer to grow their skills. And, the sole responsibility of the senior developer was to focus – on a full-time basis – on the growth of the interns by providing the right mentorship and guiding them on real-world projects.

Nicky Beukes, Samsung EEIP Project Manager added: “As Samsung, we are delighted to see another group of young and enthusiastic graduates successfully completing this ICT training. Over the years, our approach to ICT education and training has consistently ensured that the graduates from this SWD programme are well-prepared for real-world challenges. This is because, we are convinced that this preparedness directly benefits local entrepreneurship ecosystems and technical job markets. All the effort put into this programme provides us with a group of Samsung alumni graduates that now have a competitive advantage in the broader technology industry.”

The interns were subjected to high intensity and fast-paced learning over the 12-months and obtained market-relevant experience which make them suitably qualified to enter the job market.The outcome of this internship programme is to ensure a portfolio of practical experience to improve employability. Over the years, there has been a clear indication that the majority of students follow the formal employment route and entrepreneurship is the exception. Samsung’s partnership with Tshimologong is all about developing the tech start-ups of tomorrow but also about growing quality software development skills for South Africa.

During this one-year programme, these graduating students worked in teams and had an opportunity to produce various team projects that included finding a solution to a societal problem through digital innovation. The much needed experience that this group acquired in this programme; has made them excited about the prospects of embarking on the next chapter of their lives – one filled with imminent possibilities of securing employment, earning a living and supporting their families.

Since inception, the role of each of the partners had been clearly defined and this, has contributed immensely to the consistent success of the programme. Tshimologong continues to provide the expertise and the know-how of a senior developer to grow the students’ skills. It’s role also includes the provision of mentorship and guiding of students to tackle real-world problems. This market relevant and skills-driven programme prepares students by guiding them through the process of ensuring that they are ready for the workplace. Together, Samsung and Tshimologong also provide a network of employment partners.

“As Samsung, we remain committed to providing sustained investment and ensuring that significant opportunities are created through such programmes. Samsung’s collaborative effort with institutions of higher education such as Tshimologong are not only there to ensure the successful completion of ICT trainings. Mainly, these partnerships seek to enhance employment prospects that will help in addressing the socio-economic challenges faced by the country’s youth and their respective communities,” concludes Beukes.

Samsung has, through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and the R280-million worth Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP) launched in 2019 in collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry & Competition (DTIC), shown real and measurable impact in the lives of the youth from underserved communities. Since the dawn of democracy, when Samsung entered the African continent through the establishment of the South African office, the company has ensured that there’s sustainable investment in youth-focused education initiatives that demonstrate real impact.

The company is well aware of the fact that young people in the country are the leaders of the future. And while the future might be full of uncertainties, education remains the foundation that allows the youth to realise their full potential and prepare themselves to keep moving forward. Case in point, Samsung’s education-focused, CSR programmes strive to promote innovation and empower youth through technology, with the ultimate aim of addressing societal issues.

These CSR programmes that focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, fourth industrial revolution (4IR) skills development, youth entrepreneurship as well as environmental sustainability – seek to promote innovation and the empowerment of youth through technology. Ultimately, Samsung aims to contribute to job creation and the country’s economic growth.

Nicky Beukes, Samsung EEIP & B-BBEE Manager said: “As Samsung, our continued investment in education-focused and technology-driven initiatives is aimed at combating youth unemployment and fostering local entrepreneurship. We therefore remain dedicated to our goal of investing in programmes that contribute to skills development, education, job creation and entrepreneurship opportunities for the South African youth.

“This is a clear reflection of our commitment to long-term, sustainable development in the country’s youth. As a company, we will continue using education and technology as tools for driving positive change in youth as well as their underserved communities,” added Beukes.

Samsung understands the importance of education and for this reason, the company has been equipping the country’s youth with critical skills through the following initiatives:

• The Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) – Through this programme, Samsung has successfully partnered with various universities in the country with the aim of teaching Coding and programming, software development and artificial intelligence (AI) skills to youth from previously disadvantaged communities. These institutions include the Durban University of Technology (DUT), Nelson Mandela University (NMU), the Walter Sisulu University (WSU) and the Central University of Technology (CUT). Samsung has further expanded this SIC programme into other African countries, such as Kenya.

• Launched for the first time in 2023 in South Africa, the Samsung Solve For Tomorrow (SFT) competition is a global, STEM-based educational programme that engages Grade 10 and 11 public school learners from disadvantaged schools – challenging them to use STEM to address local community issues.

• This year’s SFT competition that is themed: “Social Change through Sports and Technology”; and “Environmental Sustainability via Technology” – is encouraging innovative thinking and problem solving for Gen Z to build sustainable solutions through STEM. Importantly, this year marks a major shift in the SFT competition as it has now been opened to all public schools, including quintile 5 – making it more inclusive and nationally representative; while also allowing learners to gain invaluable skills.

The company’s transformation objectives driven through its CSR initiatives and the ten-year plan for the Samsung EEIP programme – aim to address key developmental aspects linked to the National Development Plan and the overall transformation of the South African economy. This in essence means that Samsung’s efforts are in direct alignment with the national education priorities when it comes to job creation, digital literacy and economic inclusion.

Samsung strongly believes that its efforts through its EEIP and other programmes are essential to creating a more inclusive and equitable business environment. This EEIP programme, for instance, seeks to bridge the digital divide, foster ICT innovation and empower future leaders – ultimately striving to reduce youth unemployment and drive sustainable economic growth across the country. And, further to Samsung’s EEIP agreement with the DTIC, some of the youth-based developmental areas of investment that take place include:

• The Software Development Training programmes with previously disadvantaged universities, where Samsung successfully trained 510 unemployed youth as software developers. And out of the beneficiaries from the Introduction to Software Development and Social Digital Innovation Programme at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) and the University of Limpopo (UL), over 90% were successfully placed into tech industry jobs. Furthermore, the Samsung, Tshimologong & UWC Advance Industry Experience Internship achieved a near 100% industry uptake rate; launching graduates directly into roles at premier software firms.
• Technician Training in underserved provinces – In partnership with Ocule IT, Samsung has trained 162 artisans across Kwa-Zulu Natal, the Eastern Cape as well as Gauteng – in an effort to alleviate the critical shortage of consumer electronic repair technicians. Currently, a further 40 unemployed youth are enrolled for the 2026 programme and a further 40 are planned for next year’s intake.

Beukes explained further and said: “The execution of these Samsung EEIP initiatives delivers tangible results in the areas of job creation, business growth, women empowerment and technical skills. Overall, Samsung’s view is that these EEIP projects have a sizeable rate of investment and measurable impact on the South African economy.”

Samsung also believes that through its strategic public, private partnerships (PPPs) with various institutions of higher learning, government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the private sector – its CSR and EEIP programmes have successfully managed to make a tangible impact in the lives of the youth in the country.

“As Samsung, we are convinced that our transformation efforts have been able to empower the country’s future innovators to achieve their full potential. In addition, these impactful initiatives have managed to ensure that South Africa’s youth become the next generation of leaders that will continue to pioneer positive social change and build a better world for all,” concluded Beukes.

These Design Thinking Workshops which took place from 08 May until 15 June 2026 were effectively conducted at central venues in the provinces where this year’s Top 20 finalist schools are based – Gauteng (2 finalists), Limpopo (3), Free State (3), KwaZulu-Natal (2), Western Cape (2), Eastern Cape (1), North West (4), Northern Cape (1) and Mpumalanga (2).

The Samsung SFT Design Thinking workshops are highly collaborative and human-centric problem-solving sessions. They are structured around a hands-on and community-focused problem-solving approach that seeks to teach participating grade 10 and 11 school learners to empathise, define, ideate, prototype and test.

This year’s SFT competition is driven by two themes: “Social Change through Sports and Technology” which ensures that the power of sport is recognised as a unifying force in South Africa. And the second theme: “Environmental Sustainability via Technology” – encourages young people from different schools in the country to develop tech-driven solutions that protect natural resources, promote renewable energy and support sustainable living. Beyond the competition, these themes are intended to build skills essential for the country’s 4IR agenda – including critical thinking, design thinking and collaborative problem-solving.

This exciting 2026 STEM-based (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) competition was opened to all public schools, including quintile 5 – and seeks to foster innovation among high school learners from underprivileged backgrounds throughout South Africa. For Samsung, this 2026 iteration demonstrates a major shift – ensuring that the competition is more inclusive and nationally representative and that there’s broader participation from public schools across South Africa.

Lefa Makgato, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager for Samsung South Africa said: “As a company, we are very happy with how this year’s Design Thinking Workshops have run and it was pleasing to see the impact that our Samsung mentors in collaboration with the school educators had on the lives of learners.

“These Design Thinking Workshops are a critical stage of this STEM-based competition. And importantly, these workshops have now managed to move the school learners’ minds beyond theoretical knowledge – giving them the hands-on experience they need for the next, prototype-building stage of the competition. The learners who participated in these workshops will now be able to use STEM principles they have learnt to address real-world community challenges, such as environmental sustainability.”

The designated period of the Samsung SFT Design Thinking Workshops is used to breakdown key elements and core objectives of the competition which include:

• Human-Centred Design – that teaches teams to approach challenges from the end-user’s perspective, prioritising empathy to design functional solutions.
• The Prototype Development Element of the SFT Competition – where learners are guided through moving from a conceptual idea to creating tangible paper or digital prototypes.
• And then there is the Skills Enhancement Part of the Design Thinking Workshops – which encourages and fosters the need for learners to master the art of collaboration, creative brainstorming, critical thinking and effective communication.

Following these Design Thinking Workshops, the learners will now – under the guidance of their teachers and mentors, embark on the next phase of research and prototype development in preparation for the competition’s finale. At the final stage, scheduled for later this year, the teams will present their prototypes to a panel of esteemed judges.

For Samsung, this SFT competition has – since 2023 when it was launched in South Africa – been challenging public school learners to dream, develop and build real-world solutions to enact positive social change. And, at every level of the SFT competition, public school learners have the opportunity to gain invaluable STEM skills – allowing them to give back to their schools and communities while also creating lasting friendships along the way.

Makgato added: “As Samsung, we strongly believe that this SFT initiative and in particular – these Design Thinking Workshops which equip learners with critical STEM-based and interpersonal skills – directly support South Africa’s national educational and transformation goals, particularly in fostering 4IR skills, critical thinking and equitable access to opportunities. 

“And, we are convinced that our partnership with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) in this SFT competition highlights and reaffirms a shared conviction that investing in youth, particularly through technology is crucial for South Africa’s sustainable future economic growth and social transformation,” concluded Makgato.