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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nthabi: Resilience and hard work pay off.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Unpacking the ultimate festival companions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[1] Compared to previous models.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Entries close on 20 September.

Samsung Galaxy Announced As Headline Sponsor

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

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

The Awards Night

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

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

Press Launch Highlights

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

2026 CONTENT CREATOR AWARDS NOMINEES

Public Voting Categories

Samsung Galaxy Creator of the Year Award

Donovan Goliath SMS “COTY1” to 33622

Grace Mondlana SMS “COTY2” to 33622

Nadia Jaftha     SMS “COTY3” to 33622

Primo9teen       SMS “COTY4” to 33622

Vafa Naraghi    SMS “COTY5” to 33622

YouTube Creator Of The Year Award

Centtwinz SMS “YOUTUBE1” to 33622

Lasizwe SMS “YOUTUBE2” to 33622

Noko Mashaba SMS “YOUTUBE3” to 33622

Shev and Dev SMS “YOUTUBE4” to 33622

SMWX  SMS “YOUTUBE5” to 33622

Zayaan SMS “YOUTUBE6” to 33622

Cars.co.za Automotive Content Award

Chris Rogers SMS “CARS1” TO 33622

Mpoomy Ledwaba SMS “CARS2” TO 33622

Rory Petzer SMS “CARS3” TO 33622

Sam from TheCarScene SMS “CARS4” TO 33622

Shane Assad SMS “CARS5” TO 33622

Tebogo Moropa SMS “CARS6” TO 33622

Emerging Creator Award, backed by Creator Club

Anica Kiana SMS “EMERGING1” to 33622

Isaac Mehlape SMS “EMERGING2” to 33622

Sibo Mchunu SMS “EMERGING3” to 33622

Sine_rsa_ SMS “EMERGING4” to 33622

Socially Jordie SMS “EMERGING5” to 33622

People’s Choice Award

Anika Dambuza SMS “CHOICE1” to 33622

Garfieldzar SMS “CHOICE2” to 33622

Grace Mondlana SMS “CHOICE3” to 33622

Olwethu Ncapayi SMS “CHOICE4” to 33622

Tanaka Dube    SMS “CHOICE5” to 33622

Non-Public Voting Categories

Telkom Best Online Series Award

Awkward Dates by Lasizwe

Hungry & Shameless

Kickin it with Kim Jayde

SABS Network

The Adventures of Noko Mashaba

947 Sound of Tomorrow Award

Chesrae Megan

Carter Najar

Lordkez

Lukiemusic

Mikhalé Jones

Teagan’s Things

Dance Creator Award

Chad Jones

Benny Jnr

Ludopie

Rudi Smit

TDO Thando

Style Award

Kimos

Lue & Rue

Pumla Dineo

Wisemanzither

Yasmin Furmie

Best Online Social Series Award

Dalin Oliver

Nuri Gallow

Simo Ziqubu

Stefan van der Merwe

Vafa Naraghi

Zayaan

Best Creator x Brand Collaboration Award

Baxbara – Delicious Festival

Lukiemusic – #IAmOriginal88

Nabilah Kariem – Le Creuset

Nabilah Kariem – Samsung

Sni Mhlongo – Vaseline

Expert Voices Award

Bella Monsoon

Kriya Gangiah

Miss Angler

Stefan van der Merwe for We Do Tech

The Conscious Psychologist

Trendsetter Award

Anika Dambuza | The City Makoti

Grace Mondlana

Kim Jayde

Lingling

Primo9teen

Zayaan

Podcast of the Year Award

GenC Podcast

Mindset Profits

SMWX

The Makhs

The Sias du Plessis Show

Wisdom & Wellness

Impact Creator Award

Conrad Koch & Chester Missing

Joshwideawake

Shandor Larenty

Nick Hamman

Theshaya

Best Comedy Content Creator Award

Céline Tshika

Ikho

Sipho2skiits

Tanaka Dube

Titus Mokou

Wildcard Award

Lindosasmr

Nathan Molefe

Yombusoo Cthandiweii

Zinhle Africa

Thumb-stopping Award

Céline Tshika

Chris Rogers

Kaytee Shots

Planettobii

Vafa Naraghi

Notes to Editors

Awards Ceremony

17 October 2026

Sandton, Johannesburg

Official Partners

Samsung Galaxy – Title Sponsor

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

Telkom – Best Online Series Award

947 – Sound of Tomorrow Award

eVOD – Official Broadcast Partner

Cars.co.za – Automotive Award

The Creator Club – Emerging Creator Award Partner

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

Supporting Partners

Humanz – AI Data Analytics Partner

Ray-Ban – Official Eyewear Partner

About the Content Creator Awards

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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/