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.

On 26 June 2026, Samsung marked an exciting milestone with the opening of a new store at Vaal Lifestyle Centre – allowing shoppers from the Vaal area and surroundings the opportunity to discover its latest Artificial Intelligence (AI)-integrated smart devices, TVs and other home appliances – at their doorstep.

Outfitted with cutting edge design and the classic Samsung aesthetic – this new store embodies the company’s commitment to innovation and technological advancement. This new playground for technological innovation is allowing shoppers from Vereeniging suburbs and townships within a 5-to-10km radius as well as the greater Vaal Triangle including Vanderbijlpark, Sasolburg, Meyerton and surrounding settlements – the opportunity to discover the power of Samsung’s AI technology, which elevates how shoppers experience high-quality consumer electronics in-store.

By visiting the new store, Vaal-based customers can now easily access a wide array of innovative Samsung products, solutions, services and experiences — all under one roof. The Vaal Lifestyle Centre is a premium commercial and retail development located in Vereeniging that blends modern architecture with convenient, experience-led shopping.

Samsung’s new store will offer locals hands-on experiences and showcase connected ecosystems of the latest Galaxy AI and Bespoke AI home appliances in a premium space. It is the perfect platform for Samsung in-store teams to provide interactive demonstrations, such as showcasing the latest Galaxy AI, high-end foldables as well as Bespoke AI technology, which helps consumers make informed buying decisions.

Kgomotso Mannya, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) for Samsung South Africa said: “We are excited to expand Samsung’s retail footprint with the opening of our new store. This investment reinforces our commitment to making Samsung’s premium technology, integrated ecosystem, expert customer service and support more accessible. The new store will provide Vaal customers with a different retail experience, enabling them to engage directly with our latest innovations and receive personalised guidance from trained Samsung specialists.”

This Samsung store is an immersive retail showroom where you can explore, test and purchase the latest devices. With this dedicated retail space, Samsung’s friendly in-store team is also able to offer tailored solutions for business owners, including bulk device purchases and customised digital signage.

The Vaal-based store will offer hands-on access to Galaxy smartphones, tablets, TVs and smart home appliances, alongside expert support and in-store tech setup. Also, Samsung’s offerings include certified Product Consultants ^[1] who will offer practical demonstrations of premium home appliances like the Bespoke AI Family Hub refrigerators, Bespoke AI laundry systems and AirDressers.

^[1] Product Consultants certified by Samsung.

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.

The MOA signing ceremony and the official launch of the SIC programme took place recently at Coastlands Musgrave Hotel and in attendance were some key dignitaries and partners that included Samsung’s Public Affairs team; Nhlakanipho Nkontwana – the head of department (HOD) for the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA); as well as Prof Pfano Mashau – the director of Durban University of Technology (DUT) Business School along with the members of the institution’s leadership team.

Recent data from Statistics South Africa has shown that youth unemployment in South Africa stands at over 46% among people aged 15 to 34. Yet, the technology sector is struggling to find talent. Also, a comprehensive 2024/2025 research report titled: “Decoding ICT Demand”, conducted by The Collective X – has revealed that over 118,000 digital and ICT jobs in South Africa remain unfilled, including thousands of entry-level roles suitable for young professionals starting their careers and this, is a clear indication of a skills gap in the country.

The SIC programme, hosted within the DUT Business School, aims to upskill 60 young people in fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technologies by providing training in high-demand fields, including coding and programming (C&P) in Python, as well as artificial intelligence (AI). Importantly, this programme will now also enable DUT students to move beyond job seeking and become entrepreneurs in technology – capable of developing AI-driven projects and solving real-world problems.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Lefa Makgato, CSR Manager for Samsung South Africa outlined how over the next three years, Samsung will be investing a significant amount annually to support this initiative, ensuring that the SIC programme is not just a training programme but an investment in South Africa’s digital future. For Samsung, this strategic collaboration with both DUT and the KZN government is rooted in a shared belief that education, technology and teamwork are key to building a more inclusive society.”

She also emphasised the need for this SIC programme to bridge the divide between academic learning and industry requirements, ensuring graduates possess the practical skills needed to secure jobs in the tech sector. Ultimately, by fostering, digital literacy and job creation – the collaboration between these strategic partners as well as Samsung’s objectives – align with the country’s National Development Plan (NDP) 2030. 

The DUT curriculum which fits perfectly with the objectives of the SIC programme – also aims to teach students important soft skills that include communication, critical thinking, problem solving and the ability to collaborate with others. This SIC programme is not only equipping students with vital skills that are required in work environments, but also those that will help them solve real world challenges.

And, according to DUT – with the advent of 4IR, society has become more connected than ever, thereby increasing the need for graduates with varied skills to drive technological innovations that address societal and industrial challenges. DUT’s inspiring launch has therefore managed to bring together industry and academia to unlock opportunities, accelerate digital skills and shape the next generation of leaders.

Prof Pfano Mashau (DUT) emphasized: “As DUT, we know that our role in this collaboration is to ensure that our curriculum equips our young people with skills that will help them to become employable. We are therefore very grateful to Samsung for this partnership that is allowing us to contribute to the skills development of our young people in KZN. We hope that at the end of this SIC programme, our unemployed graduates will use the in-demand skills they acquire from this initiative – to start their own businesses as well as empower themselves even further.”

This newly formed Public–Private Partnership (PPP) is now acting as a catalyst for youth empowerment – highlighting how successful collaborations such as the one between DUT, government and the private sector can help address youth unemployment and skills shortages in the country.

The partners along with their government counterparts believe that this SIC programme is not only nurturing technology skills, but it is also developing a generation of technological innovators and problem solvers. The beneficiaries from this programme carry a great responsibility as they are not merely beneficiaries, but also pioneers that will shape how technology serves communities; now into the future.

Nhlakanipho Nkontwana – HOD for the KwaZulu-Natal EDTEA explained: “The launch was more than a ceremony, it represented a moment to re-imagine education in an era defined by rapid technological advancement, particularly the rise of AI. These days, he added, AI is allowing us the opportunity to not only equip students with qualifications, but also with adaptable future building competencies.

“Importantly, partnerships such as the one we are celebrating between Samsung Africa and DUT Business School are essential in achieving the country’s educational goals. This collaboration is both timely and strategic – it brings together academic excellence and industry expertise; creating a bridge between theory and practices as well as a link between lecture halls and the real world. Through this partnership, students will not only gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies but also develop the practical skills required to navigate and shape the digital economy, ” concluded Nkontwana.

• Source: Stats SA Report, Link – https://www.statssa.gov.za/?p=14415
• Source: Decoding ICT Demand”, conducted by The Collective X – Link – https://www.thecollectivex.org/revealed-the-digital-jobs-south-africa-needs-most-right-now/

Samsung Electronics has announced that it ranks as the world’s No.1 TV brand^[1] for the 20th consecutive year — marking two decades as the global innovator in the television industry.

Samsung had held the top position in the global TV market since 2006 and according to market research firm Omdia’s report, the company recorded a 29.1% share of the global TV market in 2025. This achievement reinforces Samsung’s top position across premium, ultra-large and next-generation display technologies. Samsung led the premium segment priced over $2,500 with a 54.3% market share, driven by Neo QLED, OLED and lifestyle TVs. It also maintained its top position in the segment over $1,500, holding a 52.2% market share.

20 Years of Industry-Defining Innovation

Since first reaching the No.1 position in 2006 with its design-led Bordeaux TV, Samsung has consistently innovated to reshape the television industry:

• 2009: The company accelerated the global transition to LED TVs – setting new standards for slimmer, more energy-efficient displays.
• 2011: The introduction of Smart TVs further transformed televisions into connected entertainment platforms – expanding their role beyond traditional viewing.
• 2015: The Serif reimagined how TVs integrate into living spaces by introducing a design-focused TV that positioned the screen as a statement piece within the home.
• 2017: The company launched The Frame, pioneering the Art TV category by transforming the television into a customisable digital art canvas.
• 2017: In premium picture quality, Samsung continued to set industry benchmarks with the introduction of QLED TVs powered by quantum dot technology.
• 2018: 8K TVs delivered four times more the resolution of 4K.
• 2020: Samsung introduced MICRO LED technology, advancing self-emissive display innovation and setting new standards for brightness, contrast and colour accuracy in ultra-large screens.

Through continuous advancements in picture quality, smart functionality and display innovation – Samsung has played a defining role in establishing today’s premium TV standards.

Strengthening its Position in Premium and Next-Generation TVs

Building on its legacy of innovation, Samsung continues to evolve its premium TV portfolio with expanded Micro RGB models, advancing its next-generation display technologies and reinforcing its invention in high-performance screens. The company also continues to enhance its OLED and Neo QLED line-ups, delivering premium picture quality, ultra-large screen options and differentiated display performance.

Samsung is expanding its Mini LED offerings as well, bringing enhanced brightness, contrast and precision control to a wider range of screen sizes and price tiers to extend advanced display performance across its line-up. At the same time, continued investment in AI-powered TVs integrates advanced processors and intelligent features that optimise picture, sound and personalisation in real time.

With two decades of proven global leadership, Samsung remains one of the most consistently recognised and trusted TV brands worldwide — offering ground-breaking technology across multiple price tiers, screen sizes and display innovations.

^[1] Omdia, Feb-2026. Results are not an endorsement of Samsung. Source: Report Name: “TV Sets Spotlight Service / TV Sets (Emerging Technologies) Market Tracker, Q4 2025” published by Informa Tech

Data: Worldwide TV Market Share by Manufacturer – Annual unit & revenue basis

When Samsung entered the African continent through the establishment of the South African office in 1994, the company committed itself to empowerment initiatives that demonstrate real impact. Samsung’s profound, long-term and impactful dedication to transformation which transcends mere compliance – is a clear indication of its ongoing commitment to driving meaningful and sustainable economic renewal, diversity and inclusion within its businesses and the wider South African business landscape.

This top-tier rating reflects Samsung’s substantial investment in supplier development, youth employment and education initiatives, including its R280-million worth Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP). Over the years, Samsung has continued to explore new avenues of implementing its crucial transformation programmes. To this effect, the company has ensured that there’s continued investment in B-BBEE initiatives that drive meaningful transformation. This remarkable milestone is therefore a showcase of Samsung’s diverse workforce, partnerships with black Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), investments in workplace training and graduate programmes as well as its education-based Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

The B-BBEE level rating is used to measure the extent to which local companies comply with a points-based B-BBEE system. As an electronics giant, Samsung belongs to the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector and is measured on the ICT sector scorecard.

The ICT scorecard is made up of key pillars that include Ownership achieved through Samsung’s EEIP, Management Control (Local Board & Executive Committee, Employment Equity, Skills Development, Enterprise and Supplier Development as well as Socio-Economic Development (Social Responsibility) ¹. All these scorecard pillars contribute to the overall score that can be achieved. On an annual basis, Samsung’s target is to maximise performance for all the score card elements to achieve Level 1 status.

This 8^th year achievement is a demonstration of Samsung’s commitment to continued development and growth. And, this is evident in the strategic partnerships with both government and private sector that have, over time delivered on the country’s transformation objectives. This certification showcases Samsung’s focus on operational excellence alongside meaningful, long-term contributions to South Africa’s socio-economic landscape.

Nicky Beukes, Samsung EEIP & B-BBEE Manager said: “Our achievement of the Level 1 B-BBEE rating for the 8th consecutive year is another recognition of our continued drive and commitment to genuine economic empowerment in South Africa. This consistent accomplishment is a clear indication of our unwavering dedication to creating a more inclusive and equitable business environment. For us at Samsung, this is not just a tick box exercise but a continued drive to genuine economic transformation in South Africa and our sustained investment in the various pillars of the scorecard.”

And in particular, the EEIP project contributes to the Ownership scorecard element which comprises of 25 points. There is a requirement to ensure that the EEIP project is in good standing which in essence means that there needs to be adequate investment as per targets and meaningful implementation progress. Further to Samsung’s EEIP agreement with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) – four developmental areas of investment need to take place. These include Black Industrialisation through e-waste recycling, ICT and Service Centre entrepreneurship, Software Development trainings with previously disadvantaged universities as well as Technician training in underserved provinces.

In addition, Samsung’s efforts when it comes to enterprise development include its re-direction of existing spend to qualifying Black-Owned and Black-Women Owned Qualifying Small Enterprises (“QSEs”) and Exempt Micro Enterprises (“EMEs”). The company has ensured that these small enterprises were included in the existing procurement value chain of Samsung with a focus on the following, approved areas: Marketing, Services, Sales, Logistics and Recruitment. Employment Equity and Management control, which comprises of a local Board and the Executive Committee, are representative of the demographics of the country.

And furthermore, as part of its contribution to socio-economic development: Samsung has invested in education-focused initiatives that include the Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) which teaches Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) skills to students in higher learning institutions. Also, Samsung has over the years ploughed further resources into the global Solve For Tomorrow (SFT) competition targeting grade 10 and 11 learners from disadvantage schools across the country to solve community problems through Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).

Over and above this, Samsung’s Learning and Development (L&D) portfolio delivered a focused pipeline of talent development initiatives, aligned to both organisational capability needs and broader socio-economic impact. These include:

• A key milestone for the year was the launch of a ground-breaking initiative – Samsung’s Employee Dependent Bursary Scheme. The inaugural cohort supported 17 beneficiaries, reinforcing the company’s commitment to employee wellbeing, education access and long-term socio-economic upliftment.
• Also, Samsung’s External Bursary Programme funded 24 students in 2025, contributing to the development of scarce and critical skills beyond the organisation. This initiative strengthens the external talent pipeline and aligns with national priorities around education and skills development.
• The Technical Support Learnership in 2025, comprised of 15 learners, placed a deliberate focus on youth living with disabilities. This programme reflects a targeted approach to inclusive development, ensuring that opportunities are extended to underrepresented groups while building relevant technical skills within the ICT support environment.

Overall, the L&D interventions demonstrate a balanced approach between internal capability building, graduate development, social impact and inclusion. The outcomes reflect steady progress in developing a sustainable talent pipeline while contributing meaningfully to transformation and skills development objectives.

Beukes concluded: “All of these transformation-focused initiatives are aligned to Samsung’s business objectives and are an indication of our genuine and sustained commitment to B-BBEE. Samsung’s execution of its B-BBEE initiatives delivers tangible results in the areas of job creation, business growth, youth and women empowerment as well as technical skills. And holistically, our efforts combined have consistently indicated a deep and enduring dedication to a meaningful economic transformation in South Africa.”

In attendance was Mr. Simon Lee, the President and CEO of Samsung Africa with his management team and some of the country’s dignitaries and strategic partners that included Ms Elspeth Khembo, Director for Mathematics, Science and Technology (MST), Curriculum Innovation and E-Learning at the National Department of Basic Education (DBE); as well as Mr. Tlali Tlali, the Director of Corporate Affairs at State Information Technology Agency (SITA).

Pictured: Samsung, Department of Basic Education and State Information Technology Agency representatives

This announcement marks the end of the initial application phase which ran until 06 March 2026 and Samsung along with its partners were recognising the outstanding contributions that these Top 20 schools have made to the programme; showcasing their achievements and potential impact. This year’s participation has reached new heights, with over 143 submissions from public schools across the country – a remarkable growth from 47 entries last year. This is testament to the unwavering dedication of the country’s educators and learners as well as Samsung’s valued partners: DBE and SITA.

The notable increase in participation can also be credited to the major shift in the application process in this year’s SFT competition, which has now been opened to all public schools, including quintile 5 – making it more inclusive and nationally representative. Now, the competition has reached a stage where it moves beyond theoretical knowledge. It is shifting from mere idea submissions going towards an active, mentored development of the solutions stage that is designed to create a positive social impact in local communities.

This year’s global themes: Social Inclusion through Sports & Technology and Environmental Sustainability via Technology, reflect our shared responsibility to build an equitable, sustainable and inclusive future. These themes which seek to foster innovation among high school learners from underprivileged backgrounds throughout South Africa – are encouraging critical thinking and problem solving for Gen Z to build sustainable solutions through STEM.

Mr. Simon Lee, the President and CEO of Samsung Africa

Speaking at the event, the President and CEO of Samsung Africa, Mr. Lee shared his sentiments on the collaborative agreement between Samsung and DBE which has in the last few years – highlighted the direct alignment of the SFT’s objectives to the country’s national education priorities. He added that the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Samsung and DBE has been instrumental in driving this success, anchoring the company’s partnership in strengthening STEM education and equipping learners with critical skills for the digital economy.

Elspeth Khembo, Director for Mathematics, Science & Technology (MST), Curriculum Innovation & E-Learning at the National Department of Basic Education.

And, according to the Director for Mathematics, Science & Technology (MST), Curriculum Innovation & E-Learning at the National Department of Basic Education, Ms. Elspeth Khembo: “By teaching learners to use digital tools, data and technology to develop innovative solutions, this Samsung SFT competition advances the department’s ongoing efforts to strengthen STEM education, expand digital learning opportunities and cultivate future-ready skills among the country’s learners.

Ms. Khembo explained further and said: “All of this is in direct alignment with our national education priorities including fostering 4IR (Fourth Industrial Revolution) skills, critical thinking and equitable access to opportunities in an effort to build a capable, innovation-driven and inclusive economy,”

For these Grade 10 and 11 learners from selected public schools – making it to this stage of the competition is a significant milestone. Advancing to this next phase means that these Top 20 school learners will – through project-based learning – be equipped with the 4Cs which are Creativity, Critical Thinking, Collaboration and Communication. These skills are essential for solving real-world challenges.

Tlali Tlali, Director at SITA – Corporate Affairs

The Director at SITA – Corporate Affairs Mr. Tlali Tlali also added: “We’re honoured to be part of this amazing initiative and even prouder of the fact that we’ve been partners with Samsung from inception. It gives us great joy to see the enthusiasm that’s evident in the significant increase in the number of schools from the country’s previously disadvantaged communities, that participate in this unique, global initiative. Our goal of aligning with Samsung’s transformation goals and building a digital South Africa by improving educational and career prospects for our youth, remains intact.”

With the support of mentors, design thinking workshops, prototype funding and tablets for research and project execution, the learners will have the resources to turn their visions into reality. This is complemented by the invaluable contributions from the judges and partners whose expertise and guidance is instrumental in nurturing this year’s young innovators.

Lefa Makgato, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager for Samsung South Africa

Lefa Makgato, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager for Samsung Electronics in South Africa said: “We would like to congratulate the Top 20 schools that made it to the next stage of this competition. As Samsung, we are very happy with the quality of the entries that we received from various schools around the country and are appreciative of the interest and overwhelming participation in this year’s competition. We are also grateful to our partners: DBE and SITA, whose strategic priorities align perfectly with our mission to empower students with skills that transcend the classroom and are able to prepare them for the challenges of tomorrow.”

And when taking a closer look at the themes for this year – the social change through sports and tech theme focuses on how the power of sport as a unifying force in South Africa is recognised. And, when combined with technology – sport becomes a tool for inclusion, youth development, health and community building. This first theme encourages young innovators to use digital platforms, data and smart solutions to improve access to sports, develop talent, promote wellness and create safer, more connected communities. It’s about using technology to amplify the positive social impact of sport beyond the field.

The second theme which focuses on Environmental sustainability through technology addresses the urgent environmental challenges that the country faces, such as climate change, water scarcity, waste management and energy access. This environmentally focused theme invites young people to develop tech-driven solutions that protect natural resources, promote renewable energy and support sustainable living. It signifies a shift toward responsible innovation using technology not just for convenience, but to secure a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come.

And furthermore, this year’s announcement places these Top 20 schools in the running to win substantial prizes, including up to R100,000 in STEM equipment for the winning school – with 2nd and 3rd place winning R50,000 and R30,000 respectively: plus Samsung devices for the top learners in the winning schools.

Makgato concluded: “As a pioneer in education and innovation, this SFT programme provides us with an opportunity to reinforce our dedication to nurturing the country’s future problem-solvers. Samsung is resolute in its mission when it comes to its education goals: we remain committed to continue empowering South Africa’s learners to address global challenges through technology and innovation.”

Top 20 Schools for the 2026 Solve for Tomorrow STEM Competition

Don’t be left asking yourself if it’s “AI” (artificial intelligence) when you go online and see videos of your friends having fun at the Cube in your city.

At the heart of the Cube is the new Galaxy S26 series, powered by proactive and adaptive Galaxy AI[1] designed to assist in simplifying everyday tasks. Visitors get to see how the devices work quietly in the background to help them do more, faster and with less effort. They also learn how the new Galaxy Buds4 series, as a natural companion to the Galaxy S26 series, extends everyday experiences beyond the phone while delivering rich and immersive hi-fi sound.

The Hangouts Cube is an immersive, sensory-led journey built around the Galaxy S26 series. Through personalised moments and shared experiences, The Cube brings Galaxy AI capabilities to life in unexpected ways. It’s tangible, interactive, and it’s designed to be both seen and felt. And of course yes, it’s great for content.

Visitors Met Their Springbok Heroes

With Samsung proudly serving as the official mobile and consumer electronics partner to SA Rugby Union (SARU), innovation was not the only thing that drew the crowds to the Cube. As the Fourways Mall Cube concluded, guests were treated to a rare and exciting chance to meet some of their national rugby team heroes. Springbok lock and scrum-half, Ruan Nortje, and Morne van der Berg, made an appearance on Saturday, 7 March, to not only engage with both Samsung fans and passionate Springbok supporters, but also experience the latest Galaxy AI for themselves.

Experience Galaxy AI in Action

At the Cube, guests get hands-on with standout Galaxy S26 features, including:

• Agentic AI – Visitors can test themselves against Galaxy AI in a race against time and see how effortlessly it completes tasks.
• Privacy Display[2] – Visible to you, invisible to others. Experience Samsung’s first built-in AI Privacy Display on mobile, technology that protects your screen from prying eyes.
• Enhanced Nightography Video[3] – Step into the “carousel in a box” and witness how the Galaxy S26 captures moving light in low-light conditions with stunning clarity.

Every station is designed to show how AI moves from being a feature to becoming a true everyday companion.

The Galaxy S26 series is available in Cobalt Violet, White, Black and Sky Blue at these recommended retail prices:

• Galaxy S26 Ultra from R30,999[4]
• Galaxy S26+ from R25,999⁵
• Galaxy S26 from R20,999⁵

Until 26 April, these venues will be a portal into the Galaxy AI-powered future. Miss it, and you’ll hear about it from someone who didn’t.

[1] Samsung Account login may be required to use certain AI features. Samsung does not make any promises, assurances or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the output provided by AI features. Availability of Galaxy AI features may vary depending on the region/country, OS/One UI version, device model and phone carrier.

[2] Privacy Display feature controls the screen’s viewing range to limit peripheral vision. Some changes in image quality may occur outside the viewing range. When activated, some information may still be visible to others depending on the viewing environment, such as angle or brightness. Caution is advised when exposing sensitive information.

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

[4] Recommended retail price only. Prices may vary per retailer.

Last year’s campaign was a broad invitation to small and medium-sized (SME) enterprises operating within the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Service Centre space to apply for funding. While the ICT category received a sufficient number of applications – there is a need to focus exclusively on Service Centres and encourage more eligible SMEs in this category to participate in this year’s campaign.

The 2026 campaign is trying to increase the number of service centre participants in this ED programme and is now focusing on black-owned SMEs but targeting mainly underserved provinces. It is therefore looking for skilled service centre entrepreneurs with a minimum of three (3) years experience in mobile device and/or consumer electronic repairs. The main aim of this Samsung EEIP ED programme is to assist SMEs to operate suitably funded accredited service centres in an urban or peri-urban area with sufficient retail footprint.

Samsung is well aware of the government’s NDP Vision 2030 (National Development Plan) targets and the critical role that the SME sector can play in job creation in the country. In her keynote address at the JSE SME Rise Capital Matching Initiative conference, the Minister of Small Business Development highlighted that the NDP Vision 2030 has set a target of generating 11 million jobs by 2030, with small businesses projected to account for over 9 million of those employment opportunities.

And, in order for government to achieve its ambitious employment goals – there is a need for such EEIP ED programmes aimed at ensuring sustainable growth of businesses in the SME space that will result in economic growth and lead to job creation.

Nicky Beukes, Samsung EEIP Project Manager said: “As Samsung, we understand the number of challenges that affect the growth of local SME Service Centres in the small to medium-term. This ED programme is there to ensure that we bring positive change to more eligible entrepreneurs with experience in the Service Centre market. As a company, we are committed to enhancing empowerment and ICT entrepreneurship development that will stimulate job creation. Ultimately, the aim of this year’s EEIP Service Centre campaign is to contribute to the growth of the participating service centres that will lead to job creation and economic growth.”

Some of the immediate challenges experienced by these service centre SMEs include competition resulting in reduced volumes as well as vertical integration of operations from big players. In addition, the improved quality of electronics in general – results in longer time-frames before any breakdown thereby reducing the need for repair services provided by service centres.

And, in South Africa, it is a well-known fact that the service centre industry is extremely competitive and it can take a number of years before profitability is reached. The fact is that sustainable volumes are required to ensure future success of the service centres. The funding support from this ED programme can assist service centre entrepreneurs to overcome some of these challenges.

Besides the funding element, successful participation in this year’s service centre campaign means that eligible SMEs can now have access to supply chain processes that can contribute to their repair volumes as well as specialised equipment and access to genuine parts. They also have an opportunity to receive full accreditation from an OEM and these benefits combined – can provide these small and medium enterprises with the ability to compete efficiently.

Beukes emphasised: “By participating in this campaign, you could also be one of the selected entrepreneurs with grant-funding to support operations, receive specialist business development support and have access to Samsung’s service repair network.”

How to Apply

If you are a talented service centre business with growth potential, the opportunity you have been waiting for has arrived. Samsung can help by empowering you to ignite and grow your service centre business. You could receive grant funding to capitalise the business and gain access to specialist business development support services. To learn more about the criteria for qualification as well as information on how to enter, please click on this link – https://www.samsung.com/za/local-programme/ed-programme/

Samsung officially re-launched its newly revamped Gateway store on 26 February 2026. This playground for innovation has been reopened to showcase a refreshed design as well as offer its loyal customers hands-on experience with the latest Galaxy devices, including the new Galaxy S26 series.

The soon to be launched Galaxy series that will comprise the Galaxy S26 Base, Plus and Ultra models – signifies Samsung’s ambition for significant innovation and is expected to focus on advanced AI integration, enhanced performance and refined hardware targeted specifically for South Africa’s premium market. Following a comprehensive three-week long renovation period that forms part of a broader strategy to modernise Samsung’s retail presence in South Africa, the space has been thoughtfully curated to create a seamless journey where customers can explore connected technology across mobile, wearable, audio-visual and Bespoke AI home appliances.

The store’s re-opening, as reported by a retail news platform^[1], coincides with a wider aesthetic refurbishment of the Gateway Theatre of Shopping itself – aimed at modernising the mall and enhancing its appeal as a contemporary retail destination.^[1]KZN-based customers can look forward to a fresh and innovative glow-up in a store that will now provide an improved and immersive shopping experience.

With a modern and engaging design, this Gateway store aims to provide you with an interactive and hands-on experience with Samsung’s advanced technology. As a loyal Samsung customer, you will also have an opportunity to access Samsung’s wide array of products, solutions, services as well as experience demonstrations on a variety of Samsung products, including tablets and watches, as well as home appliances.

Samsung stores offer business owners tailored technology solutions for enterprises, including bulk purchasing of smartphones, tablets, wearables as well as business monitors. The newly revamped Gateway store provides an opportunity for customers to learn about Samsung’s latest technology, experience the Galaxy ecosystem, get in-store support on current devices and view Galaxy AI at work in live demonstrations. All of these offerings can now be enjoyed in the modern, cutting-edge and aesthetically designed store focused on offering better-quality and immersive customer experiences.

Kgomotso Mannya, Chief Marketing Officer of Samsung Africa, said: “This newly refurbished Gateway store represents a new look and feel and reflects our commitment to creating a truly immersive retail experience that enhances our customer service. The modern and futurist design that aligns with the latest Global Samsung Store standards brings Samsung innovation to life, where customers can explore our latest technologies in an engaging way.”

“In this refreshed store, our business customers will be offered integrated solutions that include support for smart office and vertical-specific solutions as well as in-store pickup, quick and improved support*. Our enthusiastic Samsung team, whose primary goal is to exceed the expectations of our customers, is ready and eager to offer everyone who visits the Gateway store – personalised and expert assistance as well as valuable insights on the latest Samsung innovations and great deals,” added Mannya.

This Gateway store has a certified Samsung Care team that is ready to tackle everything from cracked screens to battery replacements. The Samsung Care team provides fast, reliable service in-store, so you can get back to your routine without missing a beat.

^[1] Source: Retail Brief Africa – https://www.retailbriefafrica.co.za/retail-management/gateways-evolution-continues-as-renovation-makes-progress/

*Terms and Conditions apply.