JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – 20 October 2026 – No matter who you are or what you do, we all have one constant companion we rely on every single day: our heart. Unseen but always at work, it beats around 100,000 times a day, keeping pace with us through every moment. Yet for something so essential to our lives, taking care of our hearts is often overlooked until it’s too late.

Heart disease is the number one cause of death worldwide,¹ which is why the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the World Heart Federation decided to recognise and commemorate Sept. 29 as World Heart Day. It is a reminder that the choices we make today can make a meaningful difference tomorrow.

These choices don’t have to be big. From choosing when to go to bed to making time for even just 30 minutes of exercise, the small choices we make every day add up to a healthier lifestyle. The good news is that Samsung Galaxy Watch can help you make proactive prevention part of daily life. By monitoring your sleep, activity level, stress and blood pressure, Galaxy Watch helps you to better understand what’s happening in your body and what steps to take to ensure your heart is doing its job well.

Understanding Your Body at a Glance: Heart Health Score

The American Heart Association recommends looking at Life’s Essential 8² as key measures for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health: diet, exercise, sleep, weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and smoking cessation. But knowing what matters raises an important question: how do these factors change the choices we make every day?

Samsung Health’s Heart Health Score³ is designed to help you in this journey. It tracks and analyses complex health indicators such as sleep duration, daily activity level, body composition⁴ and vascular load,⁵ converting them into a single, simple score that anyone can intuitively understand and follow.

Think about what happens if you miss your daily exercise for a few days: your Galaxy Watch recognises when your moderate-to-high intensity activity level has decreased, reflects this change in a lower Heart Health Score and makes a recommendation to go for a run. With convenient insights right from your wrist, Galaxy Watch delivers personalised insights that make it easier to recognise changes, understand your habits and take the next step toward healthier ones.

Advanced Sensor Technology: From Measurement to Meaning

Samsung Galaxy Watches are equipped with an advanced BioActive Sensor which integrates three precision sensors in one: an optical heart rate sensor (PPG), an electrocardiogram sensor (ECG)⁷ and a bioelectrical impedance analysis sensor (BIA). 

With calibration just once every four weeks using a home blood pressure monitor, you can easily check your blood pressure⁸ from your wrist anytime, anywhere. When you place your finger on the watch’s side electrode for just 30 seconds, the watch measures an electrocardiogram to detect signs of abnormal heartbeats like atrial fibrillation or ectopic beats.

The Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification (IHRN)⁹ feature, which detects abnormal heart signals – monitors the user’s heart rhythm throughout the day and provides a proactive notification if abnormal signs are repeated. Even small reminders like this have the power to save lives. In several countries, these notifications¹⁰ have led to early detection of risks such as atherosclerosis or myocardial infarction.

Around-the-Clock Care: How Galaxy Watch Proactively Monitors Your Health Even During Sleep

Your heart is a constant you can count on and it works whether you’re awake or asleep. When you wear your Galaxy Watch to sleep, it analyses five major vital signs: heart rate during sleep, heart rate variability,¹² respiratory rate, skin temperature and blood oxygen saturation. These signals are compared against your personal baseline.

When you wake up, your Galaxy Watch will send a notification if it detects meaningful deviations from your baseline. By highlighting meaningful changes early, it gives you an opportunity to rest, recover or seek medical guidance before small issues become larger concerns¹³.

Heart to Heart: Connected Care that Adds Peace of Mind

Looking after your own heart is only one side of the story. From parents to partners, siblings to grandparents or even friends, the burden of caring for the hearts of those around you weighs heavily. Samsung Health’s Health Data Sharing¹⁴ function lightens the load by sharing agreed-upon data items (number of steps, blood pressure, heart rate, medication adherence to name but a few) with loved ones in real time. You can check if your parents who live far away have completed their daily walk or taken their prescribed medication on time, just as if you were right there with them.

World Heart Day coincides with the seasonal transition from winter to the summer season. As the temperature gap between day and night widens, blood vessels constrict – sharply increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. The key to preventing heart disease lies not in reactive treatment, but in proactive habits of paying close attention to the subtle signals your body sends every day. Start managing your heart health with Galaxy Watch, a reliable health partner that stays with you around the clock.

1. Source: World Health Organisation (WHO), “Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs)” Fact Sheet (July 31, 2025), “The top 10 causes of death” (Aug. 7, 2024). ︎
2. Source: American Heart Association (AHA), “Life’s Essential 8” (2022). ︎
3. Requires a compatible Samsung Galaxy phone, Samsung Health app v7.0 and Samsung account. Requires initial setup wearing watch for 24 hours (including while awake and asleep). Heart Health Score software functions are not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease. ︎
4. Not intended for use in the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. If you have health concerns, be sure to see a medical professional. Vitals requires sleep data of at least 7 nights. Vitals is available on Android phones (Android 11 or above) and requires the Samsung Health app (v7.0 or above). Samsung account login required. To use Vitals, it is necessary to wear a Galaxy Watch or Galaxy Ring while sleeping. ︎
5. Vascular Load feature measures the degree of stress placed on the cardiovascular system during sleep and displays the trend of change compared to a baseline value. It continuously analyses changes during sleep to provide a comprehensive score. ︎
6. Disclaimer for the caption: Image simulated for illustrative purposes. Actual UX/UI may be different. ︎
7. Electrocardiogram (ECG) feature records and analyses subtle electrical signals of the heart when the user places a finger on Galaxy Watch’s top button for about 30 seconds, detecting atrial fibrillation (irregular and rapid quivering) and ectopic beats (premature irregular beats). ︎
8. Blood Pressure feature measures systolic and diastolic blood pressure by analysing pulse waveforms with Galaxy Watch’s optical (PPG) sensor. An initial measurement using a separate cuff-type blood pressure monitor is required, and recalibration is needed every 4 weeks (28 days). ︎
9. Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification (IHRN) feature detects irregular patterns that may indicate atrial fibrillation through pulse monitoring and provides an early alert. ︎
10. Disclaimer for the caption: Image simulated for illustrative purposes. Actual UX/UI may be different. ︎
11. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) feature analyses minute-to-minute variations in the intervals between heartbeats to show autonomic nervous system balance. It is automatically recorded during sleep and resting states. ︎
12. Heart Health Score and Vitals features are supported on the Samsung Health app (version 7.0 or higher). ︎
13. Requires a compatible Samsung Galaxy phone, Samsung Health app v7.0 and Samsung account. Requires initial setup wearing watch for 24 hours (including while awake and asleep). Heart Health Score software functions are not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease. ︎
14. Health Data Sharing feature requires user consent, and users can independently choose which health data to share (including steps, workouts, sleep, weight, body composition, food intake, heart rate, stress, blood pressure, blood glucose, medication and vital signs). ︎
15. Disclaimer for the caption: Image simulated for illustrative purposes. Actual UX/UI may be different. ︎

That is why Samsung Galaxy is stepping forward as the Title Sponsor of the 2026 Content Creator Awards, taking place at Galleria Sandton on 17 October 2026. With this move, Samsung Galaxy is celebrating the creators who are shaping conversations, building communities, turning everyday moments into stories and, increasingly, turning content creation into a business.

While supporting all 20 award categories, Samsung Galaxy is directly involved in two awards: the Samsung Galaxy Creator of the Year Award and the #CapturedWithGalaxy Award, celebrating both the people driving South Africa’s creator economy and the extraordinary visual storytelling made possible through Galaxy technology.

“Creators today are so much more than people who make content. They are storytellers, entrepreneurs, trendsetters and cultural commentators, and they are constantly finding new ways to turn an idea into something that resonates with an audience,” says Rae Hargreaves, Head of Marketing: Mobile eXperience at Samsung South Africa. “Our partnership with the Content Creator Awards is about celebrating that creativity while demonstrating how Galaxy technology can help creators bring their ideas to life.”

When the trend hits, Galaxy is ready

For today’s creators, content opportunities are everywhere. A varsity student can turn an ordinary day into a relatable “day in the life”. A kasi entrepreneur can document the hustle behind their business. A fashion creator can turn an outfit into an OOTD, while a savvy shopper can build an entire series around finding the best dupe. The challenge is making the content happen quickly, naturally and creatively.

As the ultimate content creator companion, the latest Galaxy foldables (Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Flip8) are designed around this reality, bringing features that can help creators move from idea to camera-ready content without making the creative process feel like work.

And of course, that creative process is supported by AI. Galaxy’s on-device AI editing tools can help creators refine content without needing to leave their phone or rely on a collection of third-party apps. Audio Eraser removes unwanted background sounds from videos, making dialogue and key moments easier to hear, while Object Eraser removes distracting elements from images so creators can get the frame they want. Together with other intelligent editing capabilities, these tools give creators more control over the final result, whether they are polishing a quick social post, cleaning up a product shot, or turning an everyday moment into content worth sharing.

Consider some of the content trends currently dominating feeds:

  Spend the day with me: let your life be the content – “Spend the day with me” and “a day in the life” content thrives on authenticity. From getting ready in the morning to lectures, meetings, errands, meals and late-night wind-downs, creators are turning ordinary routines into compelling stories.

With Galaxy AI, creators can spend less time wrestling with the technical side of content and more time focusing on the story they want to tell. AI-powered creative tools can help streamline the editing process, making it easier to refine content when the clock is ticking and the trend is still hot. And because inspiration doesn’t wait for the perfect studio setup, Galaxy’s intuitive camera experience lets creators capture moments as they happen.

   Cooking content: because chopping and filming should not be a two-person job

Cooking videos are all about showing the process, from the first ingredient to the final plate. But trying to hold a phone while chopping onions is a recipe for disaster.

Enter Hands-Free Capture.

With a Galaxy foldable, creators can position their device at the right angle and record while keeping both hands available to cook, stir and demonstrate. The result is a more natural cooking video that captures the creator actually doing what they came to do.

The phone becomes less of a camera being operated and more of a creative companion simply keeping up.

   Skincare, perfumes and GRWMs (get ready with me): get closer to the detail

Beauty content demands detail. Whether it is demonstrating a skincare routine, revealing a new fragrance or filming a GRWM, creators need a camera setup that lets them stay in the moment while keeping their audience close to the action.

FlexCam¹ on Galaxy Z Flip8 allows creators to position the phone hands-free, making it particularly useful for content where both hands are needed. Fold the device into position, place it on a surface and start creating.

For skincare creators, that means being able to wash, apply, demonstrate and talk to camera without constantly reaching for a phone. For GRWM creators, it creates the freedom to move naturally through the routine while the camera keeps rolling.

   Influencer events: because FOMO is content

From launches and fashion events to concerts and creator gatherings, event content is all about capturing the atmosphere before the moment disappears.

This is where Nightography¹ and Zoom can help creators bring their followers closer to the action, whether they are documenting the energy of an evening event, capturing details from across a venue or creating vlog-style content on the move.

With the right Galaxy camera capabilities in hand, creators can focus on experiencing the event while still collecting the footage that turns “I was there” into “you had to be there.”

From creator to trendsetter

The creator economy is no longer simply about chasing views. It is about building an audience, developing a recognisable point of view and turning creativity into opportunity.

Samsung Galaxy’s partnership with the Content Creator Awards celebrates that evolution. The awards recognise creators across 20 categories, while Samsung’s involvement shines a spotlight on the technology that sits behind so much of what we see today.

The Samsung Galaxy Creator of the Year Award is the pinnacle of the ceremony, recognising the creator who has delivered an outstanding year of content and demonstrated creativity, consistency and cultural impact across South Africa. The winner will be determined through a combination of public SMS and online voting and deliberation by an industry judging panel.

The winner will receive R20,000 in cash, a trophy and a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 valued at R40,999.

Meanwhile, the #CapturedWithGalaxy Award opens the door to creators across every niche, celebrating extraordinary content captured on any Samsung Galaxy device. Entrants can submit their work publicly on social media using #CapturedWithGalaxy, tagging @SamsungMobileSA and @ContentCreatorAwardsSA. Entries will then go through panel shortlisting and public voting.

The winner will take home an official Content Creator Award Trophy and a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 valued at R40,999.

With the 2026 Content Creator Awards approaching, Samsung Galaxy is inviting South Africa’s creators to keep filming, experimenting, editing, posting and, most importantly, creating. Because the next trend could come from you, with Galaxy as your sidekick.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About The Luxurious Marble Circus 

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

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.