Samsung South Africa Employees Volunteer at Buhlebemfundo Secondary School

Samsung Electronics proudly celebrated its Foundation Day on November 1, 2024, with a global commitment to community service. To mark this milestone in South Africa, Samsung employees gathered to volunteer their time and energy by painting the classrooms of Buhlebemfundo Secondary School in Tsakane, Brakpan on Wednesday, November 6. This event was part of the Samsung Employee Volunteering Programme, which runs from November 1 to 14, encouraging employees worldwide to engage in meaningful volunteer activities.

The Employee Volunteering Programme exemplifies Samsung’s dedication to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and its mission to positively impact communities. Twenty-eight (28) Samsung South Africa employees donned their working clothes and picked up paintbrushes to enhance the learning environment for the school’s 1798 learners and 58 teachers. They painted and revitalised the entire Grade 8 block, which includes six classrooms in total.

Buhlebemfundo Secondary School was selected for this initiative after being a finalist for two consecutive years in one of Samsung’s CSR programmes, the Solve for Tomorrow schools competition, which promotes creative problem-solving among learners from underserved communities through STEM education.

“Today was not just about celebrating the founding of the technology giant that is Samsung; it was about giving back and making a meaningful difference in the communities that give meaning to our existence through their support,” said Lenhle Khoza, Manager: BBBEE & Transformation at Samsung South Africa. “We are proud to contribute to Buhlebemfundo Secondary School and support the next generation of innovators. Our commitment to empowerment through education aligns perfectly with our corporate values and we believe this gesture will go a long way because it helps create an environment conducive for learning.”

Buhlebemfundo’s acting Principal, Mr. Themba Mayise expressed gratitude for the initiative: “We were deliberate in choosing the Grade 8 block for this wonderful gesture from Samsung because as the first grade in our school, we want to inspire the young learners to set the tone and put their best foot forward for the rest of their studies until Grade 12. As a public institution, especially a non-fee-paying school, we don’t have unlimited access to resources and could always use a helping hand, so the support from Samsung is invaluable. This enhancement to our school environment will inspire our students and foster a love for learning. We are grateful for their efforts.”

“We know the importance of having a clean and welcoming environment for learning and really appreciate what Samsung has done here. It is wonderful to know that big corporates like Samsung are not far removed from us and that they care about making positive changes in communities that support them,” said Representative Council of Learners President, Thembelihle Cindi.

Samsung’s Employee Volunteering Programme is a testament to the company’s mission to make a difference in society and uplift communities worldwide. By fostering a culture of volunteerism, Samsung encourages its employees to actively participate in creating a better future.