Samsung Partners With Public Sector Through A Multi-Million Rand Bursary Investment For South Africa’s Youth

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – 08 April 2021 – At a ceremony, held in Johannesburg on the 6th of April, Samsung awarded bursaries, totalling R2,7 million, to 30 talented young students. The event was hosted by the Premier of Gauteng, Mr David Makhura and the MEC for Education and Youth Development, Mr Panyaza Lesufi. The multimillion rand award is the third consecutive year of Samsung ‘s bursary investment to the Gauteng Department of Education. Since inception, a total of R21 million has been donated by Samsung though this programme to various academic institutions of higher learning, including the Gauteng Department of Education.

The students are residents of Gauteng and study in various universities across the country. The Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA), an agency of the Gauteng Department of Education, identifies, selects the deserving students and administers the bursaries on Samsung’s behalf. The full bursary covers the cost of one year’s study in their selected field at their preferred institution of higher learning, including the provision of electronic devices. The bursaries are awarded to graduates pursuing a career in the fields of electronics, engineering, commerce, retail, sales and marketing.

“As Samsung we believe that education, mentorship and on-the job training can open new doors for the young people of this country. Working together with the students, higher institutions of learning and Government, we can dedicate the necessary resources and time to create endless possibilities, while inspiring our youth to take their place at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It is with great pride that we partner with the Gauteng Department of Education to ensure that we can empower our country’s youth to fulfil their potential,” says Hlubi Shivanda, Director: Business Innovation Group and Corporate Affairs at Samsung South Africa.

The money will not only fund these students’ education but Samsung has also pledged to seek out possible employment opportunities for these deserving students. The on-going funding of students is dependent on the academic performance of the students as per the GCRA policy. The bursary is awarded for one year but could be renewed annually subject to the academic performance of the bursary recipient. The bursaries include various areas of support to ensure successful outcomes. These include quarterly support meetings with Samsung and student liaison officers as well as academic, personal and career guidance through individual coaching and academic tutoring.

“Samsung will continue to pursue opportunities that give the youth of South Africa the tools and support to become meaningfully engaged in the economy and pursue their dreams,” concluded Shivanda.