In particular, this graduation was the perfect time to recognise the successful partnership between CUT and Samsung Electronics over the last three years. This event provided an opportunity to put the spotlight on how the SIC programme has empowered CUT students with cutting-edge Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) skills that are able to significantly boost employability in the country’s technology sector.

The main focus of this SIC programme in collaboration with CUT has been improving employment opportunities – a much-needed approach in a province that is full of potential, but is placed among the most affected when it comes to unemployment numbers in the country. This three-year milestone began with a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed in November 2022 – making CUT the second institution in South Africa to host the SIC programme.

Over the last three years, this collaboration has focused on training CUT students in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Coding & programming (C&P). Additionally, the curriculum focus of the SIC programme at CUT has combined both theoretical learning with practical applications and capstone projects to prepare students for real-world technology challenges.

Prof. Mashele, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research Innovation and Engagement at Central University of Technology.

“On behalf of the Central University of Technology, I extend our sincere appreciation to Samsung for its steadfast commitment to youth empowerment and digital transformation. The Samsung Innovation Campus is more than a corporate initiative; it is an investment in human potential. Through this partnership, critical 4IR capabilities in coding, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are no longer abstract concepts—they are lived competencies within our student community,” says Prof. Mashele, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research Innovation and Engagement at Central University of Technology.

“To the leadership of Samsung South Africa, thank you for walking this journey with us since the launch of the CUT Samsung Innovation Campus in 2022. Your confidence in this institution and in our students affirms that meaningful public–private collaboration can reshape the talent pipeline of our country. Let us remember that today is not an endpoint. It is a threshold. The certificates handed over are not conclusions—they are commissions. They commission you, our graduates, to lead in the digital economy, to create solutions for our communities, and to ensure that Africa does not merely consume technology but shapes it,” continues Prof. Mashele.

The first cohort of this SIC programme was a group of 20 CUT students who graduated in August 2023 – having specialised in AI as well as C&P in Python. It’s expanded success was evident again in September 2024 – where 46 students graduated across two cohorts: 20 in AI and 26 in Python programming. And then, in the middle of last year – the programme showcased its impact even further when it reached a total of 84 graduates.

Lefa Makgato, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager for Samsung Electronics in South Africa said: “We are pleased to see another group of budding youngsters graduate from one of the country’s most impactful technology programmes. This SIC programme highlights the role that our company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives have played in the development of 4IR skills in the country’s youth, which in turn contributes to the advancement of local underprivileged communities.”

Other remarkable milestones that this SIC programme in partnership with CUT has realised include how it has prioritised gender representation – achieving 52% female representation in recent graduating cohorts. For Samsung, this SIC programme is evidence of the company’s proven track record of supporting education-related initiatives that not only prioritise gender inclusivity, but boost employment opportunities and foster innovation through technology-focused initiatives such as these.

“As Samsung, we are happy with the number of beneficiaries’ whose lives have been touched by this programme, coupled by the essential skills that these CUT students have now acquired over the last three years. This experience has not only prepared them for the demands of the modern tech industry; but have also turned them into a group of eligible young professionals. As a company, we are also more than thrilled to see how this strategic partnership has enabled a significant number of this province’s youth – that participated in the SIC programme – to secure permanent employment in the local market,” concluded Makgato.

At this year’s graduation, the SIC partnership with CUT is also celebrating the fact that 16 out of the 21 students have already secured employment, while five (5) of these graduates have opted to further their studies. This is a key milestone in this partnership and a confirmation of how this SIC programme has successfully managed to fulfil its main objectives of addressing South Africa’s youth unemployment and the critical skills gap in technology and innovation.

Since November 2022, when the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed by Samsung and CUT – this SIC programme has been able to equip an overall group of 71 enthusiastic, young participants with in-demand skills in 4IR including Artificial Intelligence (AI), as well as Coding and Programming (C&P). This second cohort of CUT students that is now graduating with skills in AI; were also part of the cohort that completed Coding and Programming in Python. The programme has been structured in such a way that it includes theoretical learning, practical sessions and capstone projects.

These essential skills that these CUT students have acquired have not only prepared them for the demands of the modern tech industry but have also turned them into a group of eligible young professionals – able to secure permanent employment in the local market. This global SIC programme is in line with the country’s transformation goals outlined in the National Development Plan, the long-term strategic plan for South Africa’s future which aims to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality by 2030.

Professor Wendy Setlalentoa, CUT acting Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement said: “We are grateful to Samsung for choosing to partner with our institution and for helping us to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people in South Africa. This partnership is a perfect example of a well-functioning and mutually beneficial Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with tangible examples of how to address youth unemployment and skills development.

“In the last few years, our institution has had the opportunity to play a crucial role in providing the curriculum and training for students in 4IR skills and focus on developing practical skills that have helped prepare our graduates for future careers in innovation and technology space,” added Prof. Setlalentoa.

CUT’s Centre for Innovation in Learning and Teaching (CILT) has also supported the SIC programme by creating an enabling education environment and improving the quality of teaching and learning. Also, CUT students that participated in the SIC programme have now developed stronger problem-solving skills, which are crucial for both career advancement and entrepreneurial pursuits. And furthermore, the institution’s broader emphasis on work-integrated learning and industry exposure has allowed CUT to play an instrumental role in securing jobs for students participating in the SIC programme, primarily through its Careers Office and other key industry partners. Some of the partners who are employers to these employed graduates and their primary activities include: Capacity – Full stack developer in Python; BoxFusion – Junior Data Analyst and Junior Software Engineer respectively; Vodacom – Software Architect; BitCube – Junior Software Developer Associate and Standard Bank – Junior Software Engineer.

One of the top performing students in the graduating cohort, Mpho Macdonald Ramaisa said: “I am overjoyed and exceptionally grateful to have been part of the SIC programme. The programme has equipped me with critical skills, particularly in the tech field and these, have now boosted my confidence in my abilities, given me a clearer career direction and enhanced my innovative thinking skills.

“The majority of us have already secured jobs and this alone, has given us a sense of purpose and accomplishment. For us, access to these in-demand tech skills needed by our local economy and the employment opportunities that we have secured – means that we will be able to create better opportunities for ourselves and our families,” Ramaisa.

The partnership between Samsung and CUT has also seen success in the increase of female representation in the SIC programme as well as in ensuring that graduates have better opportunities in the job market or entrepreneurship space. The gender split in this graduating cohort is as follows: 52% female representation.

Lefa Makgato, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager for Samsung Electronics in Southern Africa said: “We are very proud of what this partnership has achieved since inception; and how well its accomplishments align with the country’s vision 2030 goals.

Importantly, this collaboration with CUT has also ensured that these students are now equipped with skills to contribute to the digital economy. But most importantly, in conjunction with CUT – we have now been able to accomplish Samsung’s education vision which centres around fostering future technological leaders and ICT entrepreneurs by providing accessible and engaging learning experiences that integrate technology and real-world application.”

The SIC programme, part of Samsung’s global corporate social investment initiatives, is designed to equip students with essential Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) skills. It primarily targets university students, recent graduates, and young professionals who are looking to enhance their technical skills and knowledge. The 46 graduates completed a rigorous curriculum combining theoretical learning and practical application, encompassing the cutting-edge area of Coding & Programming.

“As Samsung, we are thrilled that this initiative, while in its infancy, is showing great signs of yielding positive fruits that will have a long-lasting effect on the lives of the youth, the country’s fortunes and its capacity to be competitive on the global stage. The completion of this programme by these two cohorts underscores our commitment to fostering technological excellence and innovation. By empowering CUT students with 4IR skills, we are not only contributing to their individual growth but also to the broader technological advancement of South Africa,” said Lenhle Khoza, Manager: BBBEE and Transformation at Samsung.

The central goal of the SIC programme is to address the need for work-ready and employable graduates in technology, and also give youth from underserved communities access to these crucial skills. By providing students with advanced technical skills, the SIC prepares them for the rapidly evolving technology landscape while creating new opportunities for personal and professional growth.

One of the graduates, Maneo Ntseliseng Ramahlosi, who was born and bred in Maseru, Lesotho said she was not much of a programmer but has now gained confidence with her programming skills as well as the use of AI. “After completing the SIC programme, which happened as I was still completing my Masters. I have now gained an interest in the use and application of AI in our daily lives. The skills I acquired from the course have made me a better contender amongst my peers. Because of this, I would now advise and encourage anyone who has the opportunity to be part of the SIC programme – to grab this wonderful opportunity without hesitation,” added Ramahlosi.

Professor Muthoni Masinde, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology at CUT, remarked, “We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of the two cohorts of graduates from the Samsung Innovation Campus. This partnership has proven to be transformative, equipping our students with the skills necessary to thrive in today’s digital economy. We are proud to see our graduates step into the future as technologically adept leaders. Being able to plough back into the local community is great and we’re fortunate to be part of the programme and thankful to Samsung for it.”

Tshililo Mungoni, a 21-year old female student originally from Limpopo but resides in Johannesburg, was very eager to pursue her passion for technology. She followed her interest by enrolling at WSU and majored in Software Development. During her time there, she actively participated in hackathons and IT Society in an effort to hone her skills and expand her knowledge.

When she found out about the WSU-SIC programme, she was very interested. Tshililo said that she signed up for the programme to learn about Python and AI. This is because she was well aware of the list of high-demand jobs in the local market. The opportunity to learn ICT skills from this WSU-SIC programme and earn recognised certificates was highly appealing to her. Tshililo was lucky enough to be taught by some of WSU’s most experienced instructors and mentors who were able to offer her a structured, guided and supported learning approach.

During the programme, she learnt the fundamentals of Python programming and gained a solid understanding of AI concepts such as machine learning and neural networks. Tshililo who acquired high-demand ICT skills and graduated in February this year, has already secured an internship opportunity as a Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst with a company that is based in Sunninghill, Johannesburg.

She expressed how grateful she is for the opportunity and the skills that she’s obtained from the WSU-SIC programme. Tshililo believes that her experience in the programme prepared her for her current work environment. She is now able to apply the technical skills in Python that she learnt from the programme, in real work scenarios. And with her certificates from the WSU-SIC programme, she is now also able to showcase her proficiency.

For Tshililo, the programme did not only allow her to gain practical experience but it also opened doors for further advancement in the IT industry. Her future plans she said: “involve studying further and expanding my knowledge in Business and Data Analysis as well as potentially pursuing more opportunities in this field.”

Another young and bright 22-year old who is born and bred in East London, Somila Mdletshe comes from a diverse background with a passion for technology and innovation. Even before joining the WSU-SIC programme, Somila had a keen interest in AI and its applications in various industries.

Somila signed up for the programme because she was fascinated by Coding and Artificial Intelligence especially, and its potential to drive positive change. She saw the programme as an opportunity to deepen her understanding of the field and acquire practical skills that would enable her to make meaningful contribution in society.

She believes that the WSU-SIC programme has empowered her with valuable skills and knowledge that she can apply to solve real-world problems. For example, she is already using AI and data analysis techniques to optimise processes in her family’s business. Also, she is convinced that she can use her skills to contribute to community projects that can benefit from technological advancements.

Throughout this programme, she added:  “I’ve learned a wide range of concepts and techniques, from basic coding, machine learning and neural networks to data analysis and natural language processing. I’ve also developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are essential in the fast-paced world of technology.”

Somila’s future plans involve leveraging the knowledge and skills that she’s gained from this WSU-SIC programme to pursue a fulfilling career in the world of technology. She aims to contribute to projects and initiatives that harness the power of AI and data science to drive innovation and make a positive impact in society.

“My future plans also include making sure that I continue to learn so that I can stay updated with the latest advancements in technology. I believe that this will help to further advance my career and achieve my goals,” concluded Somila.

Walter Sisulu University (WSU) in collaboration with Samsung are proudly hosting an award ceremony in Mdantsane for the second cohort of 25 students who – through the Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) – are the first in Africa to graduate in Artificial Intelligence (AI) education, with the ultimate aim of curbing unemployment in the Eastern Cape.

Since the dawn of democracy when Samsung entered the African continent through the establishment of the South African office, the company has been investing in education-focused Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes for the future, which have now led to positive social changes within the broader African continent. This WSU-SIC programme is one of the ways that Samsung is commemorating SA’s 30-year anniversary of democracy.

In the recent state of the nation address (SONA), the President said: “While economic growth is essential to reduce unemployment, we cannot wait to provide the work that many of democracy’s children need. Having a job does not only provide an income – it is fundamental to people’s sense of self-worth, dignity, hope, purpose and inclusion.”

This year’s graduation in both C&P and AI education, specifically, is very significant as it fits perfectly into Samsung’s current AI technology strategy and vision. Importantly, two female graduates from WSU’s East London campus who are deeply passionate about the potential of technology had this to say about their experience in the programme.

Somila Mdletshe, 22-year old female student who’s born and bred in East London said: “My time exploring Artificial Intelligence has been profoundly impactful, providing me with essential skills and invaluable insights that I am excited to apply in the future. With this WSU-SIC programme, I feel like I’ve embarked on a journey of learning, growth and discovery; and I have absolutely no doubt that the impact of the collective efforts will be felt for years to come.”

This new group of graduates that come from Mdantsane township and various areas of South Africa are now part of the full programme that seeks to boost youth employment in the technology sector by empowering them with Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) skills in the field of AI, C&P and Internet of Things (IOT). Last year, a group of 21 students were inducted to kickstart the C&P programme and 19 of them graduated.

Tshililo Mungoni, 21-year old female student originally from Limpopo, but resides in Johannesburg said: “My coding journey at WSU Samsung Innovation Campus has been transformative, equipping me with skills and a new career path in Business Intelligence (BI) & Data Analysis. We had hands-on project and practical experience, which has allowed us the opportunity to apply Python in real-world scenarios and gain tangible skills in data visualisation tools and techniques. I am honoured to be part of this innovative community.”

Fostered through the institution’s Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator (CfERI), this graduation is further evidence that this partnership between WSU and Samsung has indeed brought this one of a kind programme that aims to continue offering the much-needed skills in basic C&P as well as AI education to the province’s youth. For these partners, the priority and measurable impact for this programme continues to be the absorption of these students into employment, however this youth is also encouraged to consider opportunities as entrepreneurs in Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

Lenhle Khoza, B-BBEE and Transformation Manager at Samsung said: “As a global technology giant, we have long recognised the significance of AI and how it has rapidly emerged as one of the most prominent, future technologies. Our collective quest of seeking to provide education through the latest and most advanced technology is essential in keeping the youth abreast and well-educated in the most relevant, emerging technologies in the world.”

And furthermore, both parties are pleased with the overall, profound effect that this programme has had on these graduates. Stats do not lie: the student’s technology capability growth rate is now sitting at 69% compared to when the programme started. Also important to note is that, none of the students from this second cohort have dropped out of the programme, the attendance rate was 96% and 100% of them are graduating.

Dr Thobekani Lose at WSU said: “As an institution that is proudly celebrating a second group of students that are graduating in 4IR skills – we understand the importance of teaching and leveraging AI in the country’s education. Samsung’s continued investment and its partnership with our institution is of utmost importance because it ensures that we are training our students to use AI tools and platforms effectively, ensuring that they can maximise the benefits of these new and emerging technologies in their future careers.”

Importantly, Dr Lose believes that, one day, the theoretical education combined with the practical skills imparted to these students during this SIC programme will enable them to make a meaningful contribution, not only in their jobs or businesses but also in society as a whole.

“As Samsung, we are thrilled that our global initiative that is aimed at empowering the leaders of tomorrow and equipping them with 4IR skills, in particular AI needed by the ICT industry and the local economy; is indeed starting to fulfil the need to realise meaningful change,” concluded Khoza.

Following the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Maseru-based technical and vocational training institution , Lerotholi Polytechnic (LP), and Samsung Electronics Africa, to establish the Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) programme at LP in December last year, the first cohort of 44 selected students have now graduated.

The graduation ceremony was held on the  3^rd of  November 2023 at Lerotholi Polytechnic Grounds. The event was graced by Lesotho Ministers of Education and Training; Communications, Science and Technology; and Trade, Industry, Business Development and Tourism, as well as the Samsung Africa CEO and President among other delegates. In Lesotho, LP is the first institution that has benefitted from this initiative and the third in Africa after South Africa’s Walter Sisulu University in the Eastern Cape and Central University of Technology (CUT) in Bloemfontein.

This award ceremony where LP students received certificates celebrating the successful completion of the SIC programme, is evidence of the smooth execution of this strategic agreement in its first year of implementation. This SIC programme seeks to provide various technology-aligned courses to selected students in institutions of higher learning in Lesotho and in South Africa.

The programme aims to develop Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) skills by teaching Coding and Programming (C&P) education in Python, Software Development in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) and Big Data to increase their chances of employability after school. To date, the completed course is the six-month Coding and Programming education in Python, while Artificial Intelligence and finally Big Data will follow after a performance evaluation on the C&P course is completed. The evaluation process is a crucial step before proceeding into the next courses.

Hlubi Shivanda, Director: Business Operations, Innovation & Corporate Affairs at Samsung South Africa said: “As Samsung, we recognise the talent and potential of the youth in Lesotho. We are therefore stepping in to give them the boost that they need to acquire the skills that will serve them beyond their tertiary education. We chose to enter into this partnership with LP because this institution prioritises education through technology and places special emphasis on exposing its students to practical experience and entrepreneurship.”

This partnership with LP was formed in a bid to boost youth employment in Lesotho’s technology sector and help to empower the leaders of tomorrow. The SIC programme itself, has been tailored to offer the youth of Lesotho the opportunity to enhance their employment prospects and gain practical education in new technologies.

Initially, there were 50 students who joined the programme, but due to employment and further study commitments, 6 students dropped out. One of the main objectives of the SIC programme is to equip youth at tertiary level of education with work ready skills to address issues around 4IR. The collaboration with LP, combined with the principles of SIC enables these partners to provide a low-volume and high-impact approach programme to the Lesotho-based student community.

Advocate  – Mosakeng, the Registrar at Lerotholi Polytechnic (LP) said: “Lecturers and instructors from industry were used to deliver the content of the programme in order to blend academic instruction offered by our lecturers with real life practice from the industry. The final phase of the programme was the Hackathon Project, in which students designed and programmed prototypes that aim to address specific challenges facing our country.”

Students presented innovative ideas to solve various problems including problems of Burst Wasco Sewage and water pipes, managing the high cost of electricity through regulating electricity consumption and sharing electricity units with others, as well as improving service delivery in community councils through data collection and analysis.

Advocate Lepota – Mosakeng explained further saying that one of the attributes key to employment that have been instilled throughout this SIC programme is team work. Throughout the programme, the students had to be in pairs and teams. Also, this programme has been able to encourage and entrench a culture of hard work in the students where good performance is rewarded through exposure to such opportunities. The highest performers in the Hackathon Project were awarded prizes by Samsung on Graduation Day.

One of the primary goals of the SIC programme is to create work-ready, employable graduands and empower them to become future technological entrepreneurs. “The initiative not only resonates with the Strategic Development Goals (SDG’s), , but also with the government of Lesotho’s strategic goal of promoting the youth through innovation and entrepreneurship”,  Advocate Lepota – Mosakeng added.

These graduates are now officially part of the Global SIC initiative that is able to offer youth in different countries curriculum that is tailor-made for their specific needs. This global programme is already running successfully in South Africa and now Lesotho. Importantly, Samsung is already working on further growing this SIC programme by rolling it out into the rest of Africa, into territories including Malawi, Kenya, Namibia and Nigeria.

The award ceremony was the crowning moment of both parties’ efforts to use education through technology to equip young people with the skills and knowledge they will need to not only build a better Lesotho, but the African continent and the world as a whole. The SIC programme in partnership with LP has given both partners the opportunity to empower a generation of problem-solvers by equipping these Lesotho-based students with future-proof skills and provided them with practical understanding of the technologies that will shape their future and enrich sustainable growth of the world.

Lesotho has made great progress in the field of education. It has one of the highest adult literacy rates in Africa and is now striving to build a better future for its youth through education. This strategic partnership with LP is offering Samsung yet another opportunity to re-affirm its commitment of helping Lesotho achieve its education-related goals.

“For Samsung, investing in the youth by providing them with quality education through innovative technology is key. Through our SIC partnership with LP, we are now able to achieve our vision for this global youth investment initiative, of enabling the Basotho people for the upliftment of humanity through innovation and digital transformation”, concluded Shivanda.

Samsung proudly supports Busan’s bid for the World Expo 2030.

Since the dawn of the South African democracy when Samsung entered the African continent through the establishment of the South Africa office, our company has been investing in education-focused Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes for the future, which have now led to positive social changes within the broader African continent.

In our history of Corporate Citizenship in Africa, our CSR activities have been focusing mainly on Education and Skills Development for Employment as well as Sustainability efforts. Our success in the last three decades is also due to our Operational Synergies that were created through our Associations with government institutions and NGOs alike. In the South African context, our CSR programmes are complemented by our already successful landmark multi-million-rand Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP), which was launched in 2019. Our ten-year plan aims to address key developmental aspects linked to the National Development Plan (NDP) and the overall transformation of the economy.

As a company, we also subscribe to the sustainable development goals of the United Nations Development Plan (UNDP). Our advocacy to the United Nations Development Goals (UNDG’s)^* of “Quality Education” and “Reduced Inequalities” aims to improve access to technology, information and communication services for the youth in the continent. For decades, our African operation has  been putting great emphasis on the need to empower the youth. We have done this by ensuring that young people contribute greatly to Africa’s Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) agenda and objectives.

To do this, we needed to ensure that the execution of our CSR strategy is linked and focused 100% on education through technology, targeting mostly the young people in the continent. This has, over time had a positive impact on youth within the regional community. As technology suppliers, we understand the importance of 4IR in the lives of the broad youth base in the continent and most importantly; access to new technologies.

^*Source: UNDP Report: https://books.google.co.za/books?hl=en&lr=&id=ARtZEAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA89&dq=Managing+inclusive+digital+transformation,+lessons+from+100+countries&ots=Hofj6JhvJI&sig=k2vZvDUf13fZG8zbvgWmfuvp1gM

We have therefore been striving to use technology to develop future innovators for a better world. Our youth in Africa is currently in a positive position to seize the opportunities ahead.

We have undertaken a number of forward-thinking CSR initiatives in order to empower the youth of tomorrow. As a legacy programme of Solve for Tomorrow and Samsung Innovation Campus, Samsung Engineering Academy aimed to address the shortages in technical and engineering skills in the continent by educating the next generation from 2012 to 2020. Hundreds of graduates from countries such as South Africa, Nigeria and more completed the programme successfully, emerging as changemakers to lead innovation for years to come. Additionally, we launched the Women Technical Programme and Boys to Men initiative in South Africa in 2018 to provide technical education opportunities to disadvantaged students, and the Coding Academy in Rwanda in 2021 to equip students with the latest knowledge in coding and software development.

In addition, as an organisation that is well aware of the great importance of education, we have in recent years continued our quest of equipping young people both in high school and tertiary level with the skills and knowledge they will need to build a better world. As a company, we have launched many skills development initiatives aimed at addressing Africa’s digital divide. Over the past few years, we have been able to put technology in the hands of the youth from under-served communities and provided them with smart classrooms in the form of ICT Innovation Hubs or Smart Labs.

These Innovation Hubs or Smart Labs created access to computer literacy, the internet, basic IT and coding skills in remote communities and they included the following:

• An investment into an ICT Project where an ICT Innovation Hub was unveiled aimed at benefitting the community in Kwa-Zulu Natal School.
• We set up an Innovation Campus (Innovation Hub) in Agona Swedru in the Central Region aimed at leveraging technology to support the dreams of young Ghanaians. In this Hub, we housed a series of coding programmes where young children between the ages of 5-to-17 years in public basic schools in the community were trained on technology and coding.
• And furthermore, we donated an Innovation Hub in Lagos, Nigeria.

From the ICT Innovation Hubs, we evolved into the global Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition. As a result, the Solve for Tomorrow competition based on Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) was launched for the first time in Africa in 2023.

Recently launched and piloted in 51 schools across South Africa, this programme is providing learners in grade 10 and 11 from underserved communities an opportunity to gain invaluable skills, while solving some of the challenges within their communities. Learners are encouraged to use STEM to find solutions to some of the most pressing societal challenges faced by their communities. The launch event that was held in March was used as a platform to announce the 2023 Top 10 schools who were going through to Phase Two (2).

At this stage, they had an opportunity to tackle a challenge and produce tangible innovations to help improve issues within their communities. With Samsung helping them with resources and mentors guiding them, the learners had to conduct research and develop prototypes for the challenges they had identified. For their efforts, Mbilwi Secondary School from Venda in Limpopo walked away with the first prize, while second place was taken by Maphuthaditshaba Secondary from Acornhoek (Mpumalanga) and in third place, it was Umlazi Comprehensive Tech from Kwa-Zulu Natal.

Through the Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) programme, we have successfully partnered with universities of technology including the Walter Sisulu University (WSU) in the Eastern Cape and the Central University of Technology (CUT) in the Free State to develop and teach coding, software development, internet of things (IOT) and artificial intelligence (AI) skills to youth from under-serviced communities.

We have further expanded the SIC into other African countries such as Lesotho and entered into partnerships with Lerotholi Polytechnic (LP) as well as the National University of Lesotho (NUL).

There is an upcoming SIC graduation of the first cohort in Lesotho on 03 November 2023. Also, we are currently working on further growing the SIC programme by rolling it out into the rest of Africa, into territories including Kenya, Malawi, Namibia and Nigeria.

Furthermore, some of our successful legacy education programmes that have not only seen youth being empowered and comfortable in the technology space, but also employable with positive ripple effects on their families include the following:

• As part of the EEIP, we sponsored a 24-month SETA accredited Air-conditioning and Refrigeration apprenticeship programme which trained about 40 selected apprentices who had never been exposed to technology before. Recently, 38 of these youth graduated as well as two that received certificates of attendance, to work with mentors to grow their skills and address ICT education for SA’s unemployed youth.

• In 2020, as part of addressing the country’s critical shortage of technicians to service consumer electronics and hand-held devices, we sponsored a 12-month SETA accredited Electronics apprenticeship programme. Through the EEIP programme, about 41 learners were enrolled in two cohorts for the 1^st phase of the programme with the aim of empowering youth from rural areas and townships by equipping them with much-needed skills to land employment or start their own businesses. The programme had broad reach in terms of participants as it has attracted candidates from the north, south, midland and coastal areas of Kwa-Zulu Natal. In 2022, this programme was expanded to include the Eastern Cape .

With these CSR initiatives that are designed to make a difference to all people, we are striving to ensure that students and learners are empowered to ultimately grow and build a better future for themselves, their families and the African community at large.

Samsung proudly supports Busan’s bid for the World Expo 2030.

At an official signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Samsung has cemented its partnership with the Malawi University of Science & Technology (MUST) in an effort to expand its Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) programme into other African territories, starting with Malawi.

This Global SIC programme is already running successfully in the African continent in countries that include South Africa and Lesotho. The partnership with MUST, therefore, is the first step towards fulfilling Samsung’s ambitious plan of further growing the SIC programme into the rest of Africa. Through this SIC programme, the partners will be able to develop Fourth Industrial Revolution skills (4IR) skills by teaching Coding and Programming (C&P) education in Python, Software Development in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) and Big Data to increase the chances of employability for Malawian students after school.

MUST is currently one of the top universities in Malawi that specialises in science and technology, this is a perfect partnership for Samsung that is equally focused on education through technology. Driven by the need for excellence, MUST is interested in extending software development skills to youth in Malawi, who are either unemployed or could not obtain acceptance into university. Through this SIC programme, Malawian youth will be offered critical skills in basic coding and programming education of this strategic MOU.

Lenhle Khoza, BBBEE and Transformation Manager at Samsung said: “For us at Samsung, investing in the youth by providing them with quality education through innovative technology is key. We are always happy to enter into strategic partnerships with like-minded education institutions, such as the MUST with a collective vision of targeting youth in the African continent who are either at university level or those who are unemployed with the aim of empowering them to develop their 4IR skill.”

It is a well-known fact that millions of young people around the world are unemployed or underemployed, more so in the African continent, while employers have jobs they cannot fill. This is a challenge partially rooted in the growing mismatch between youths’ skills and employer needs. The SIC programme is perfectly positioned to help address this issue. This is why Samsung is always looking forward to partnering with both education institutions and government who share the vision of empowering young people in the continent, starting with Malawi as part of the company’s SIC roll-out plan into Africa.

Vice Chancellor, Professor Address Malata says: “We are very excited about our partnership with Samsung because we feel that their commitment to providing quality education through innovative technology fits perfectly into our university’s vision. In 2014, we established the Malawian Institute of Technology (MIT) in line with the vision and mission of our mother university.”

MUST is on a mission to become a world-class centre of science and technology education, research and entrepreneurship. The institution is well aware of the fact that this will only be realised through the provision of a conducive environment for quality education, training, research and entrepreneurship as well as outreach activities to its students. MIT is a strategic department within MUST that is now positioning itself as the centre of excellence in science, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship education, training and research through provision of a healthy teaching, learning and research environment grounded well in the principles of science and technology, promoting creativity and nurturing teamwork.

“As a partner in the SIC programme, we will now be able to capitalise on our synergies including the work done by our MIT academy. This essentially means that we will now be part of Samsung’s noble cause of empowering a generation of problem-solvers by equipping our students with future-proof skills and practical understanding of the technologies that will shape their future and enrich the sustainable growth of the world,” Malata added.

The formal signing of MOU has not only served as an official launch of the SIC programme in Malawi. This agreement also comes with a number of benefits that include the provision of technical skills that will enable the MUST student community to lead in 4IR with ease and boost youth employment in the country’s technology sector.

“This SIC partnership will allow us to create a combination of work-ready and employable students in Malawi as well as those who are enabled and empowered to become future technological leaders. Ultimately, our vision for this global youth investment initiative is to enable all people for the upliftment of humanity through innovation and digital transformation,” Khoza concluded.

Samsung proudly supports Busan’s bid for the World Expo 2030.

This Women’s Month, Samsung is shining the spotlight on and celebrating female artisans that participated and recently graduated from the 24-month SETA-accredited Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician Apprenticeship programme.

This apprenticeship has since its inception been driven through a successful public, private partnership (PPP) – under Samsung’s multi-million worth Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (“EEIP”) working in close collaboration with the Ekurhuleni Artisans and Skills Training Centre (EASTC), the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA).

The main objective of this Apprenticeship programme is to increase the prospects of the country’s youth, more importantly young, female artisans for employability or entrepreneurship. It was started and sponsored by Samsung when the company became aware of the country’s critical shortage of technicians to service consumer electronics and hand-held devices in the market.

The thriving collaboration between private sector and government is helping to achieve the common objective of empowering young female artisans through innovation and is providing them with the necessary training in Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) skills to enhance their chances to do better for themselves.

These incredible, female artisans who participated and graduated from this programme, which started in June 2020, have managed to complete all the apprenticeship requirements, including trade-testing, to be certified by EWSETA as qualified technicians. When asked about their experience during and after the programme, this is what two recent, female graduates had to say:

Mmakena Mavis Molele, who currently stays in Tembisa but is originally from Limpopo said: “When I finished matric, I didn’t have money to study further. I was lucky enough to find an advert on social media on the Samsung EEIP EASTC Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician Apprenticeship programme. I applied and was accepted. I learnt a lot from this programme. My skills now include; how to install an aircon; I can also do fault-finding on freezer and cold rooms; and I also learnt soft skills such as how to be a team player.”

Mmakwena believes that her life is much better now that she is a qualified artisan. The skills and qualifications she received have improved her level of awareness. “I’m grateful to Samsung and EASTC, because I was able to open my own business as a result of of this opportunity. Becoming a successful entrepreneur has been a life-long dream of mine”, she said.

“I would like to encourage other young women to also pursue their dreams. My belief is that if you do what you love, then success will follow. Also, if you go into a field similar to mine, then you need to use your hands to market yourself because your skill and how good you are will become your tools for success,” Mmakwena emphasised.

Innocentia Nkopane, a 37-year old mother of three – originally from Lesotho but was raised in Diepkloof, Soweto said: “In 2019, I saw an advert on the Technician Apprenticeship programme. I applied and was accepted. Before participating in this programme, I didn’t have any skills and could not do anything worthwhile with my hands.”

Innocentia is currently unemployed, however with the expertise that she acquired from the programme, she can now fix and service fridges as well as install and service aircons. Even though she does not have her own tools as yet and has to borrow some from neighbours – she is now able to do some work within her community and get paid for it. The skills that she has obtained from the programme have had some positive ripple effects. “I am now able to support my family with the money that I make using my hands. I am also busy saving some of this money so that I can buy my own work tools in the near future,” she adds.

“The future is very bright for women who want to become artisans because these days, there are organisations that are willing to assist women to open their own businesses. With a bit of dedication, passion and determination,you will find that there’s endless opportunities out there. Young women just need to stand up and empower themselves with the necessary knowledge and skills to survive,” said Innocentia.

Samsung has a 10-year plan that is driven under its EEIP programme, which aims to address key developmental aspects linked to the National Development Plan (NDP) and overall transformation of the country’s economy. This also includes the need to empower women as well as increase female influence and participation by changing the male-dominated landscape of the electronics industry, ensuring that women contribute greatly to the country’s 4IR objectives.

Hlubi Shivanda, Director: Business Operations, Innovation and Corporate Affairs at Samsung South Africa said: “We are very proud of the incredible results that have been achieved from this programme so far. This Apprenticeship is helping to push our agenda of women empowerment, inclusivity and equality. As a company, we firmly believe that the future is female and that all businesses, and our industry as a whole, will benefit greatly from placing women in positions of influence and at the forefront of the 4IR agenda.”

Samsung proudly supports Busan’s bid for the World Expo 2030.

Samsung celebrates the power and spirit of women from all walks of life, particularly those who have done the work to positively change their circumstances and make a significant impact in their respective fields. These are women who share Samsung’s philosophy of ‘Do What You Can’t’, which calls for never being complacent and achieving the impossible. Aimed at empowering consumers to realise their ambitions. Samsung stops at nothing in its quest to create innovative technologies to help people do more and enjoy life.

Soweto-born Innocentia Nkopane is a recent graduate of the 24-month SETA-accredited Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Technician Apprenticeship programme sponsored by Samsung and the Ekurhuleni Artisans and Skills Training Centre (EASTC) in collaboration with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).

The apprenticeship programme develops Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) skills in Artisans Training, and creates a portfolio of practical experience and skills in the fight against unemployment. Nkopane is passionate about technology and fixing things and when this opportunity came, she didn’t think twice, despite it being in a male-dominated industry. While on the course, the 37-year old’s husband passed away but she opted to continue studying. It proved to be difficult as she had to juggle it with looking after her children while also grieving her husband, but she was determined to finish what she had started. Besides the hard skills, some of the lessons Nkopane drew from the course are communication skills, being a team player, active listening and working under pressure.

“Before I got the opportunity. I couldn’t use any tools, now that am a qualified technician, it has opened doors for me as I can now be employed by major companies, build my career or even start my own business, create jobs and share my skills and knowledge,” said Nkopane. She uses her skills to help fix broken refrigerators in and around her community. She also plans to register a company and open a training centre to empower the youth.

 
Back in 2018, Chiropractor, Dr Mulalo Magodi, left her practice to join forces with her husband, Tshifhiwa Magodi, in their family business, Matongoni Group, which has four subsidiaries, Matongoni Recycling, Matongoni Plastics, Matongoni Polymers and Matongoni General Trading. The company, which boasts a workforce of 250 people at its headquarters in Muldersdrift (Johannesburg) and a plant in Polokwane, is one of the largest recyclers of post-consumer plastic waste in the country, specialising in the recycling of electronic waste and materials from shopping centres, industrial and agricultural activities and landfill sites. They also supply polymer throughout South Africa and many other African countries. They also produce kids’ plastic bikes, bowls, basins, chairs, which they sell to other businesses and retailers like Shoprite.

As director and a 51% shareholder in the company, Dr Magodi is responsible for the day-to-day running of the business including production, procurement, human resources, finance and training. Alongside her husband, Magodi is passionate about the environment and firmly believes, “we need to leave it in a better condition than we found it.” The mother of three boys plans to ensure the business is stable and in steady waters before returning to her chiropractor job. “This business is a legacy we would like to leave for our children and the environment that we were so fortunate to inhabit.”

Skateboarding is something usually associated with boys/men but for 17-year-old Boipelo Awuah, it’s something she picked up when she was only five years old. Curiosity was all it took for her to try it on the streets of her hometown, Kimberley. Despite reservations from her family because of the potential dangers associated with the sport, Boipelo was determined and skated on.

She stopped at age ten because of the skate park in her town closing down. She then tried her hand at martial arts to substitute her first love. Four years later in 2019, she realised something was missing in her life and that was when she went back to skateboarding. She immediately started competing and in December of the same year, she won the National Championships. In 2020 she was entering competitions as far afield as Italy to try and qualify for the Tokyo Olympics. An injury to her pelvis while training may have killed her Olympic dream but it didn’t destroy her bigger dream and passion. Boipelo says bailing in skateboarding (falling off the board) has taught her so much about life including persistence, hard work, consistency and how to never give up.

Being female, young and ambitious, Boipelo is fully aware of the impact she’s having on other young aspirant athletes because she’s making waves in a predominantly male sport. Naysayers have tried to put brakes on this young athlete but have failed with flying colours as she plans on conquering the 2024 Paris Olympics, France. She’s currently in the qualifying phase and is pleased with her progress thus far and well on her way to doing more of what she can’t.

Samsung proudly supports Busan’s bid for the World Expo 2030.