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. 

Recognising this shift, the Content Creator Awards, sponsored by Samsung, are taking their commitment to South Africa’s creator economy beyond the annual celebration of creative excellence with the introduction of two free Creator Labs, designed to educate, connect and equip creators with practical skills for building sustainable careers in the industry.

Created by Manuela Dias de Deus, founder of the Content Creator Awards, the Creator Labs bring creators together with leading platforms, brands, agencies and industry experts, creating a space where they can learn directly from the people shaping the opportunities available to them.

The first Creator Lab took place on 2 September at Workshop17 in Sandton, bringing together approximately 150 creators for a day of practical insights and industry conversations. The second Creator Lab took place on 11 September at Workshop17 at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, bringing the initiative to creators in the Western Cape.

The sessions explore key areas of the creator journey, including content monetisation, technology, creativity, industry trends and the commercial opportunities available to creators. Contributions from industry experts focus on, among others, the importance of tax and legal compliance and overall financial management. Samsung explores AI-powered creativity and mobile innovation, while leading creators, agencies and brands share lessons from their own experiences navigating an increasingly sophisticated creator landscape.

For Samsung, supporting the Creator Labs is an extension of its broader commitment to enabling creators with technology that can help turn ideas into content, and content into opportunity. Speaking at the Creator Labs, Rae Hargreaves, Head of Marketing: Mobile eXperience at Samsung South Africa, offered creators insight into what brands consider when looking to collaborate with creators, highlighting that follower numbers are only one part of the equation.

“Having a large following is not the only thing brands look at when considering creators to work with. From a brand perspective, we look at fit, and that means going deeper than the number of followers you have,” says Hargreaves. “We look at how you engage with your community, how consistent you are, the kind of conversations happening in your comments and whether your audience genuinely connects with what you are creating. Building that relationship with your audience is incredibly valuable, because brands are looking for creators who can authentically connect with the communities they want to reach.”

This emphasis on community, consistency and authenticity reflects the changing nature of creator-brand partnerships. As creator-led storytelling becomes increasingly influential, creators are being recognised not simply as content producers, but as communities and businesses in their own right.

The creator’s studio – right in your pocket

Technology is also changing what it takes to create professional-looking content. During the both sessions, Ashley Cloete, Head of Product Training at Samsung South Africa, explored how AI is rewriting the creator playbook and how Galaxy devices are helping creators simplify the journey from idea to finished content.

“The days when creators needed to carry a whole production kit with lights, tripods and multiple pieces of equipment just to capture quality content are behind us,” says Cloete. “The latest Galaxy foldables for instance, including the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Flip8, put so many of the tools creators need into one device. You can capture, edit and share your content without needing a tripod or an extra pair of hands to make it happen.”

For creators constantly moving between locations, events, trends and ideas, this shift can make the creative process significantly more seamless. Samsung Galaxy’s latest foldables are the ultimate content creator companion, as they are designed to give them greater flexibility in how they capture and work with content. From hands-free shooting and versatile form factors to advanced cameras and AI-powered editing tools, creators can increasingly manage the entire content journey from a single device.

Galaxy AI can also help take some of the friction out of the editing process, allowing creators to spend less time on repetitive tasks and more time developing the creative idea behind their content. That means a creator heading to an event does not necessarily need to arrive carrying a production bag. The technology becomes part of the workflow rather than another barrier to overcome.

The Creator Labs arrive at a pivotal moment for South Africa’s creator economy. As brands increasingly recognise the power of creator-led storytelling and the communities creators have built, understanding the business behind content has become critical.

“Celebrating creators once a year is important, but supporting the creator economy means doing more than handing out trophies,” says Hargreaves. “We need to create opportunities for creators to learn, connect and understand how they can turn their creativity into sustainable careers. That is what makes initiatives like the Creator Labs so valuable.”

Creator Labs precede the Samsung-sponsored 2026 Content Creator Awards on 17 October 2026 in Sandton, where local creative talent will take centre stage.

The exhibition celebrates a human-centered design vision rooted in a deep understanding of and care for people. Visitors experienced Samsung’s Expressive Design through works by 14 Korean artists reinterpreting a selection of Samsung products, which are being presented on the 2026 OLED TV S95H along with 14 custom frames that become part of the artworks themselves. Together, the works showcase Samsung’s Expressive Design through a range of individual perspectives and interpretations.

“‘Design is an Act of Love’ represents how we approach design — with a deep understanding of people at its core,” said President and Chief Design Officer of the Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics. “Creativity starts with people and AI can help amplify our imagination and take our ideas further. At Samsung, we will continue to expand possibilities for people through a more human, diverse and expressive approach to design.”

Reinterpreting Samsung Products: 14 Korean Artists’ Artworks on OLED TV S95H with 14 Custom Frames

Each of the 14 artists who collaborated with Samsung drew on their unique perspective and imagination to develop their concepts, while using Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a tool to expand their ideas and creative expression. Each work began with the artist’s own creativity, with AI helping bring those ideas to life in different ways.

A range of Samsung products were reinterpreted by the artists, including Music Studio 5, Bespoke AI Refrigerator Family Hub, and Galaxy Z Fold 8, spanning eight products across mobile devices, home appliances and TVs. The result is a collection of expressive artworks that embody Samsung’s design principles as well as the artists’ individual aesthetics.

Samsung is also showcasing the S95H OLED TV with 14 custom frames, demonstrating how a single product can reflect diverse perspectives through the company’s Expressive Design strategy. The S95H features a sleek metal bezel that mounts the TV flush to the wall and creates a floating effect. Its structure and materials become part of the design, giving the TV a distinctive presence while allowing it to blend naturally into its surroundings.

For the exhibition, the custom frames bring different perspectives to the S95H, corresponding with the artwork displayed on screen and showing how the same product can take on a distinct character depending on the space and individual preferences. The exhibition took place from Sept. 1-6 at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Seoul. On Sept 03, the Chief Design Officer is expected to take part in a discussion to share his perspectives on Samsung’s design vision.

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.

Samsung has taken the time to talk to two facilitators and two top performing students who are in this year’s SIC programme. The discussion focused on obtaining perspective from facilitators and evaluating the students’ progress as well as the overall impact of this initiative on their lives. During the conversations, this is what the beneficiaries and the facilitators had to say:

One of the NMU facilitators for the SIC programme, Siseko Dano explained that his role involved delivering technical training, mentoring students and monitoring their progress. Throughout the SIC programme, Dano said: “My focus has been to create an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and learning through experimentation.”

As facilitators, they are spending a great deal of time ensuring that every beneficiary of the programme has the opportunity to succeed. He added: “Students have shown genuine enthusiasm and curiosity throughout the programme. Attendance has generally been very good and many students go beyond the minimum requirements by completing additional practice and collaborating with their peers. It’s rewarding to see students who initially lacked confidence become increasingly independent and capable as the programme progresses.”

The second NMU facilitator in the SIC programme, Jason Macnamara echoed his colleague’s sentiments on the importance of the role they continue to play in improving the lives of these participating students. Macnamara said: “One of the main challenges that many young people experience is lack of access to structured, practical technology training. They may use technology daily, but that does not necessarily mean they have had the opportunity to learn coding, data analysis or how to build their own digital solutions.”

Macnamara believes that the SIC programme is able to help address this challenge by giving students practical experience in Python programming, algorithms, problem-solving, data processing, visualisation and dashboard development. SIC also develops these students’ communication and creativity skills, while also encouraging teamwork and collaboration through practical exercises and the recently held hackathon.

The facilitators have both indicated that some of the students have discussed some business ideas with them and are busy looking for ways to use their new found skills to earn an income. Another group of students have even discussed creating websites for companies or local businesses, while others have experimented with ideas such as tools that monitor internet performance and other digital services. A few of them have already secured employment, a positive development that motivates others.

Kamva Twala – an NMU student who is originally from Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape is currently studying a postgraduate diploma in Cybersecurity – after he completed his Bachelor of Information Technology (IT) degree. He is studying further so that he can build a career in cybersecurity and software development.

Twala said that he applied to the SIC programme because he wanted to strengthen his technical skills and gain practical industry experience. Before joining the SIC programme, he had a solid academic foundation, but had limited exposure to industry-level development practices and collaborative software projects.

He said: “SIC has provided an opportunity for me to bridge that gap; by working on real-world challenges while learning from experienced facilitators. Being part of this programme has strengthened my Python programming skills, improved my problem-solving ability and I’ve now learnt how to approach software development in a professional environment.”

Twala also expressed how grateful he is to Samsung and NMU for creating opportunities that help students prepare for successful careers in the digital economy. Because of this SIC programme, he’s now also learnt some more critical skills that include the importance of collaborating with others and developing strong interpersonal skills, which are essential when working in diverse teams.

Another beneficiary of the SIC programme, Mihle Vika who also comes from Gqeberha in Kwa-Zakhele township is currently doing first year of her master’s degree in Information Technology (MIT). Vika became part of the SIC programme through NMU and the Mandela University Africa Hub’s memo calls.

According to Vika, the SIC programme has helped him to master his knowledge in Python, Streamlit and Data Analysis. Before the programme, these are modules that he found to be the most challenging in his second year of study. He expressed his gratitude to the facilitators of the programme and his lecturers who helped him find his passion.

Before the SIC programme, Vika explained: “I was discouraged to apply for internships because of their specific and stringent requirements, which mostly involve Python and data analysis. However, because I now have better understanding of how the code behind Python and Data Analysis works, I’m confident that I meet these industry requirements. These critical skills that I have acquired have helped me grasp the concepts more quickly and efficiently than ever before.”

Vika is encouraging others who have not yet been part of this SIC programme to not be held back by fear. Instead, to apply for what he believes is an opportunity to expand their skills and knowledge.

These testimonials are re-affirming Samsung’s committment to bridging the digital divide by empowering youth through its technology and 4IR-driven (forth industrial revolution) initiatives. This is all in an effort to equip youth with critical technological capabilities, entrepreneurship mindsets and workplace skills that can help prepare the future generation to lead and thrive in 4IR.

Taking place on 5 September 2026 at Crocodile Creek Polo Club, Lanseria, 947 Joburg Day, in partnership with Primedia, returns with the theme “Everyone’s a Headliner”, bringing together an electrifying line-up including some of South Africa’s hottest artists.

The only twist here is that being a headliner at a festival is about more than taking the stage. It is about being in the moment, capturing it and sharing it your way. And with the Galaxy Z8 Series, festivalgoers have a pocket-sized creative companion designed to help them do exactly that, hence everyone being a headliner.

From getting the perfect shot of your favourite artist to capturing the chaos of a group selfie, filming while dancing in the crowd or polishing content before posting it, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Z Fold8 and Z Flip8 are built to turn festival moments into content worth every byte of your phone’s storage.

Unpacking the ultimate festival companions

The Galaxy Z Flip8 brings maximum portability to festival mode as Samsung’s slimmest and lightest flip device[1]. Compact enough to slip into a pocket or bag, it gives festivalgoers the freedom to move, dance and explore without feeling weighed down.

Its flexible form factor also makes quick interactions more convenient. Users can check what they need without opening the device, helping them stay connected while keeping their phone use discreet.

When the music starts, the Z Flip8 becomes a content-creation tool. FlexCam and hands-free capture make it easy to frame group shots and multi-angle selfies without needing a tripod or recruiting a helpful stranger. Its camera capabilities, including Nightography[2], zoom and Super Steady[3] video with Horizon Lock, help capture vibrant festival scenes, sharp low-light selfies² and smooth footage even when the crowd is moving.

And because festival days are long, battery life matters. From the first performance to the final encore, the Z Flip8 is designed to keep users connected, capturing content and sharing memories throughout the day[4].

Then there is the editing. With the Galaxy AI Suite, features such as Photo Assist[5] and Generative Edit[6] can help polish content on the go, giving users more time to put their phone down and get back to the music.

For those who want to take their festival content further, the new Galaxy Z Fold8’s passport-inspired shape could transport you to the best 947 Joburg Day experience yet. As Samsung’s lightest Galaxy Z Fold yet, it combines portability with an expansive experience, making it easier to view, create and share content while on the move.

The Galaxy Z Fold8 is also festival-ready, featuring an Armor Aluminium frame[7] and IP48 water-resistance rating[8], adding another layer of confidence when navigating the unpredictable conditions of a busy outdoor event.

Its camera experience is where the Z Fold8 really comes into its own. Hands-Free Flex Mode, Rear-Cam Selfies, My FanCam[9] Auto-Tracking, Super Steady and Horizon Lock work together to make capturing the action easier, whether users are filming themselves, their friends or the artist commanding the stage.

“Everyone’s a Headliner is a powerful idea because it reflects how people experience festivals today. You are not simply watching the show, you are capturing it, sharing it and creating your own version of the experience,” says Rae Hargreaves, Head of Marketing: Mobile eXperience at Samsung South Africa. “With Galaxy Z Flip8 and Galaxy Z Fold8, we are giving people the flexibility and creative tools to make their festival moments their own. Whether you want something ultra-portable that keeps up with you or a larger canvas that takes your content further, Galaxy Z8 series is ready for the day.”

At 947 Joburg Day, the stage may belong to some of South Africa’s biggest names, but the story belongs to everyone. With a Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Z Fold8 or a Z Flip8 in hand, festivalgoers can capture the moment, create the content and become the content headliner.

When it comes to capturing those perfect festival moments, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra comes equipped and fit for purpose with a 200MP camera. Whether it’s taking pictures or recording videos, you can zoom in on your favourite artist and still get great images from the back of the crowd, demonstrating its ultra-level clarity and zoom capabilities. From the moment you arrive in the morning until the sun sets and night comes, the Z Fold8 Ultra is built to capture the entire festival experience, showing its versatility across different lighting conditions[10].

947 Joburg Day takes place on 5 September 2026 at Crocodile Creek Polo Club, Lanseria (Johannesburg), from 9AM.

[1] Compared to previous models.

[2] Results may vary depending on light condition and/or shooting conditions including multiple subjects, being out of focus or moving subjects.

[3] Super Steady results may vary depending on editing method and/or shooting conditions.

[4] Typical value tested under third-party laboratory condition. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Rated capacity is 4174 mAh for Galaxy Z Flip8.

Estimated against the usage profile of an average/typical user Actual battery life varies by network environment, features and apps used, frequency of calls and messages, number of times charged and many other factors.

[5] Photo Assist is a Galaxy AI tool in the Gallery app that lets you move, resize, or delete objects, and turn simple sketches into photorealistic images. Photo Assist may require a network connection and Samsung Account login. Service availability may vary by country, language or device model. Photo Assist may result in a resized photo. A visible watermark is overlaid on the image output upon saving in order to indicate that the image is generated by AI. The accuracy and reliability of the generated output is not guaranteed.

[6] Generative Edit is a Galaxy AI tool on supported Samsung devices that lets you resize, move, or remove objects, and auto-fill background spaces using artificial intelligence.

[7] Armor Aluminum frame does not include volume and side keys, SIM tray or camera lens barrel

[8] Based on lab test conditions for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. Water resistance of device is not permanent and may diminish over time because of normal wear and tear.

[9] My FanCam feature requires a Samsung Account login. Availability may vary by video. Not supported if there is no subject to track. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.

[10] Results may vary depending on light condition and/or shooting conditions including multiple subjects, being out of focus or moving subjects.

When the awards launched in 2022, the mission was simple: celebrate creators at a time when many still had to justify content creation as a legitimate career. Four years later, that conversation has changed.

Today, the awards recognise the country’s most influential creators, the brands and agencies investing in the space, and the work that continues to push the industry forward.

“As the creator economy has evolved, so have the awards,” said Manuela Dias de Deus, Founder of the Awards and Founder of One-eyed Jack. “When we launched these awards, we were celebrating brave pioneers who were proving that content creation could be a real career. Today we’re recognising world-class creators who are building businesses, influencing culture, driving commerce and setting global standards. Our responsibility has shifted from legitimising the industry to raising the benchmark for excellence. This is no longer about recognising creators for what’s possible. It’s about celebrating those who are setting the standard for the future of marketing, entertainment and entrepreneurship in South Africa.”

This year’s awards feature 20 categories, all refined to better reflect today’s creator landscape. Entry criteria have become more rigorous, with judging criteria developed in collaboration with the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB South Africa) to ensure greater consistency, credibility and industry alignment.

An exciting new category, the #CapturedWithGalaxy Award, was also announced at the launch and remains open for entries, giving creators one final opportunity to be recognised before entries officially close.

Open to creators of all niches, the category celebrates exceptional content captured on any type of Samsung Galaxy device. The winner will receive a Content Creator Award trophy, as well as a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 valued at approximately R40,999.

Entries close on 20 September.

Samsung Galaxy Announced As Headline Sponsor

Samsung Galaxy was officially unveiled as title sponsor, signalling the growing confidence major brands have in South Africa’s creator economy.

“We’re incredibly proud to partner with the Content Creator Awards,” saidRae Hargreaves, Head of Marketing: Mobile eXperience at Samsung South Africa.“Creators are shaping culture, influencing purchasing decisions and redefining storytelling every single day. Samsung Galaxy exists to give creators the technology they need to tell those stories, and we’re excited to celebrate the incredible talent driving South Africa’s creator economy.”

The Awards Night

The winners will be announced at a spectacular gala evening on 17 October 2026 in Sandton.

Tickets for the awards are now available at https://www.quicket.co.za/events/391220-content-creator-awards-sponsored-by-samsung/#/.

Press Launch Highlights

The launch itself, hosted by Lesego Tlabi (Coconut Kelz), demonstrated the extraordinary momentum behind the awards, drawing one of the largest industry gatherings in the programme’s history.

2026 CONTENT CREATOR AWARDS NOMINEES

Public Voting Categories

Samsung Galaxy Creator of the Year Award

Donovan Goliath SMS “COTY1” to 33622

Grace Mondlana SMS “COTY2” to 33622

Nadia Jaftha     SMS “COTY3” to 33622

Primo9teen       SMS “COTY4” to 33622

Vafa Naraghi    SMS “COTY5” to 33622

YouTube Creator Of The Year Award

Centtwinz SMS “YOUTUBE1” to 33622

Lasizwe SMS “YOUTUBE2” to 33622

Noko Mashaba SMS “YOUTUBE3” to 33622

Shev and Dev SMS “YOUTUBE4” to 33622

SMWX  SMS “YOUTUBE5” to 33622

Zayaan SMS “YOUTUBE6” to 33622

Cars.co.za Automotive Content Award

Chris Rogers SMS “CARS1” TO 33622

Mpoomy Ledwaba SMS “CARS2” TO 33622

Rory Petzer SMS “CARS3” TO 33622

Sam from TheCarScene SMS “CARS4” TO 33622

Shane Assad SMS “CARS5” TO 33622

Tebogo Moropa SMS “CARS6” TO 33622

Emerging Creator Award, backed by Creator Club

Anica Kiana SMS “EMERGING1” to 33622

Isaac Mehlape SMS “EMERGING2” to 33622

Sibo Mchunu SMS “EMERGING3” to 33622

Sine_rsa_ SMS “EMERGING4” to 33622

Socially Jordie SMS “EMERGING5” to 33622

People’s Choice Award

Anika Dambuza SMS “CHOICE1” to 33622

Garfieldzar SMS “CHOICE2” to 33622

Grace Mondlana SMS “CHOICE3” to 33622

Olwethu Ncapayi SMS “CHOICE4” to 33622

Tanaka Dube    SMS “CHOICE5” to 33622

Non-Public Voting Categories

Telkom Best Online Series Award

Awkward Dates by Lasizwe

Hungry & Shameless

Kickin it with Kim Jayde

SABS Network

The Adventures of Noko Mashaba

947 Sound of Tomorrow Award

Chesrae Megan

Carter Najar

Lordkez

Lukiemusic

Mikhalé Jones

Teagan’s Things

Dance Creator Award

Chad Jones

Benny Jnr

Ludopie

Rudi Smit

TDO Thando

Style Award

Kimos

Lue & Rue

Pumla Dineo

Wisemanzither

Yasmin Furmie

Best Online Social Series Award

Dalin Oliver

Nuri Gallow

Simo Ziqubu

Stefan van der Merwe

Vafa Naraghi

Zayaan

Best Creator x Brand Collaboration Award

Baxbara – Delicious Festival

Lukiemusic – #IAmOriginal88

Nabilah Kariem – Le Creuset

Nabilah Kariem – Samsung

Sni Mhlongo – Vaseline

Expert Voices Award

Bella Monsoon

Kriya Gangiah

Miss Angler

Stefan van der Merwe for We Do Tech

The Conscious Psychologist

Trendsetter Award

Anika Dambuza | The City Makoti

Grace Mondlana

Kim Jayde

Lingling

Primo9teen

Zayaan

Podcast of the Year Award

GenC Podcast

Mindset Profits

SMWX

The Makhs

The Sias du Plessis Show

Wisdom & Wellness

Impact Creator Award

Conrad Koch & Chester Missing

Joshwideawake

Shandor Larenty

Nick Hamman

Theshaya

Best Comedy Content Creator Award

Céline Tshika

Ikho

Sipho2skiits

Tanaka Dube

Titus Mokou

Wildcard Award

Lindosasmr

Nathan Molefe

Yombusoo Cthandiweii

Zinhle Africa

Thumb-stopping Award

Céline Tshika

Chris Rogers

Kaytee Shots

Planettobii

Vafa Naraghi

Notes to Editors

Awards Ceremony

17 October 2026

Sandton, Johannesburg

Official Partners

Samsung Galaxy – Title Sponsor

YouTube – YouTube Creator of the Year Award (TBC Category)

Telkom – Best Online Series Award

947 – Sound of Tomorrow Award

eVOD – Official Broadcast Partner

Cars.co.za – Automotive Award

The Creator Club – Emerging Creator Award Partner

One-eyed Jack – Founders and Official Marketing and Production Agency

Supporting Partners

Humanz – AI Data Analytics Partner

Ray-Ban – Official Eyewear Partner

About the Content Creator Awards

Now in its fourth year, the Content Creator Awards celebrate South Africa’s leading digital creators, alongside the brands and agencies helping shape the country’s rapidly growing creator economy. Registered as a non-profit organisation, the awards reinvest sponsorship and partnership revenue into initiatives that support education, collaboration and growth across the creator industry.

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.