According to research by Thrive CFO*: Small businesses in South Africa face numerous challenges, including access to funding, competition from larger companies, limited market reach, high operating costs, lack of skilled labour, regulatory compliance, cybersecurity threats, cash flow management, limited access to technology and environmental sustainability. *

To help small enterprises in South Africa to overcome some of these challenges, Samsung in collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) has – under its R280-million worth Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP), which was launched in 2019 – formulated programmes that address some of government’s priorities as well as Information and Communication Technology (ICT) challenges.

This multi-million rand EEIP programme aims to empower black owned and local SMEs with a particular focus on women and start-up businesses in the ICT sector. It supports skills development, enterprise development and job creation to contribute to black economic empowerment. The EEIP is part of Samsung’s broader commitment to social responsibility and economic development within South Africa.

Samsung’s EEIP programme is closely aligned to the overarching objectives of the National Development Plan (NDP) Vision for 2030 and South Africa’s framework of broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) – providing a mechanism for multi-nationals to contribute towards the development of black South Africans.

This framework has allowed our company to contribute to B-BBEE goals through alternative investments, including investments in black-owned businesses, ICT development and skills development. Our EEIP programme focuses on strengthening black economic empowerment by supporting ICT entrepreneurs and fostering technological advancement, ultimately contributing to socio-economic development and job creation. South Africa’s NDP envisions a thriving SME sector as a cornerstone of the country’s inclusive, resilient economy by 2030.

In essence, the NDP sees SMEs as a crucial engine for economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction. This strategic plan for South Africa’s future outlines various tactics to foster SME development and ensure their long-term success. Our government, which includes our collaborative partner, DTIC, believe that SMEs can create the majority of new jobs in the country – contributing significantly to economic growth as well as play a vital role in the reduction of poverty and inequality.

As Samsung, we also understand how much entrepreneurship contributes to job creation, community development and how it fosters innovation and drives economic growth. For that reason, Samsung EEIP programme and DTIC have opened the third Call to Market for the Transformative SME Development Programme – targeting suitable ICT entrepreneurs in the country, that are eager to grow their businesses for funding and support.

This transformative SME Development Programme seeks to support local entrepreneurs throughout their journey as well as driving a culture of innovation and digital solutions. So, in an effort to go beyond meeting our obligations towards government and demonstrate our ongoing investment in SME development – we are in the process of recruiting suitable SMEs to participate in this EEIP SME Development Programme with the ultimate aim of contributing to economic growth and job creation.

In the last two years, our criteria for this EEIP SME Development Programme focused on targeting SMEs that had been operating in the ICT and Service Centre space for at least a minimum of three years with a turnover that is less than R50M per annum. This year, our EEIP SME Development Programme “Call to Market” campaign for entries has gone with a unique approach that aims to make a tangible difference in the lives of local ICT SMEs. We have changed our focus to include start-up, micro-enterprises that are still in their infancy stage and also put a strong focus on women-owned businesses.

In collaboration with DTIC, we understand that start-up businesses are generally considered high-risk ventures, particularly in the early stages. We have therefore put in place some mitigating measures coupled with key performance indicators (KPI’s) to help manage these micro-enterprises efficiently and overcome any challenges that might come our way. The specific KPIs that are used in this EEIP SME Development Programme include:

• Economic Impact – looks at accumulative investment in SME development, capacity building as well as the contribution to the South African economy. Also, this KPI looks at job creation, growth in revenue and the profitability of supported SMEs.
• Enterprise Development – evaluates the number of SMEs specifically black-owned as well as those that are township-based and the number of businesses supported.
• Capacity Building: looks at the number of individuals trained or upskilled, improvements in business management skills as well as access to new markets and technologies. And lastly,
• Sustainability: The environmental impact of supported businesses, long-term viability of supported SMEs as well as the number of black-owned businesses and townships-based that are supported.

We made these changes because we understand the need to develop local start-up enterprises and also how gender representation plays a crucial role in the development of entrepreneurs in the country. Importantly, we strongly believe that gender inclusion in the ICT entrepreneurship space will help to unlock economic potential, drive innovation and create a more equitable and sustainable future.

With this new approach in this year’s EEIP SME Development Programme, we are now able to offer a larger pool of eligible ICT SMEs in the country an opportunity to access grant funding and enterprise development support to help propel their businesses to greater heights. This improved approach aims to identify gems in the market and offer them holistic support which also includes Business Development assistance (mentoring and coaching) to help in fostering growth, a dynamic and connected information society as well as a knowledge economy.

This essentially means that this holistic approach in our transformative EEIP SME Development Programme does not only focus on developing technical skills (for those organisations in the ICT sector), but also other key entrepreneurial capabilities such as soft skills that can help create sustainable businesses in South Africa and enable them to become engines for job creation.

Also, our business development initiatives include an Enterprise Development Bootcamp that is part of Samsung’s EEIP Programme – which helps young entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. This fast-paced four –month long, Bootcamp programme focuses on developing entrepreneurial skills and supporting Black-owned businesses in South Africa, particularly in the areas of Service Centre repairs and ICT. It aims to accelerate and grow businesses by providing entrepreneurs with training, mentorship, and financial support. 

Samsung’s EEIP programme – now in its seven years of sustained success and this Enterprise Development “Call to Market” which represents the 3rd edition of our programme seeks to continue making a measurable difference to the socio-economic development of black South Africans. This year’s call follows two successful cycles and forms part of our broader commitment to the ICT sector, SME development and Vision 2030.

This is our way of ensuring that we empower South Africa’s digital future by helping ICT entrepreneurs thrive as we deepen our commitment and collaboration with DTIC. The success of this EEIP SME Development Programme is highlighting the significant milestone of our EEIP in the country and the profound impact it has had on the nation’s ICT sector in conjunction with the DTIC.

Our programme’s alignment with South Africa’s Vision 2030 and its success to date – has positioned this transformative SME Development Programme as one of the notably -value adding EEIPs in the sector. Furthermore, our strong and successful collaboration with the DTIC in strengthening the ICT sector through the EEIP – now complemented by our focus on providing support to start-ups in the infancy stage while also ensuring gender representation in this year’s SME Development Programme – is a true testament to shared goals for national development in the country.

Samsung has accomplished a remarkable milestone by maintaining its Level 1 B-BBEE (Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment) status for seven (7) consecutive years, an affirmation of its genuine commitment to transformation as well as continued development and growth in South Africa.

The company has continuously set new benchmarks in the industry and confirmed its determination in driving economic transformation in South Africa through its B-BBEE Initiatives. The retention of this Level 1 B-BBEE rating signifies and emphasises Samsung’s ongoing commitment to driving meaningful and sustainable economic transformation, diversity and inclusion within the organisation and the wider South African business landscape.

Over the years, Samsung has demonstrated its dedication to diversity and inclusion through a number of B-BBEE initiatives illustrated by its diverse workforce, partnerships with black SMMEs, access to supply chains, investment in workplace training, graduate programmes as well as its education-based Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

These B-BBEE initiatives are driven through Samsung’s landmark R280-million Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP), which was launched in May 2019 in collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (Dtic). Samsung is now celebrating six years of this programme’s sustained success. This EEIP programme is projected to have a measurable impact on job creation in the South African economy. Now in its seventh year, the EEIP programme has managed to rise to the challenge of achieving its ambitious goals.

Samsung’s unwavering dedication to creating a more inclusive and equitable business environment is proven once more by the maintenance of this Level 1 B-BBEE status. Also, this rating re-affirms Samsung’s continued drive to genuine economic transformation in South Africa and investment in the various pillars of the scorecard. The company’s approach to B-BBEE over the years – has focused on five key pillars: Ownership through EEIP & Management Control, Employment Equity & Skills Development, Preferential Procurement & Enterprise Development as well as Socio-Economic Development (Social Responsibility).

As a good corporate citizen that has consistently supported the country’s transformation agenda in the last three decades, Samsung has invested in a number of specific initiatives that have contributed immensely in fostering a more equitable society. As part of its skills development initiatives, Samsung has various programmes focused on electronics technician training, including the MICTSETA accredited Young Technician Programme.

The aim of this MICTSETA accredited Young Technician programme is to bridge the gap between education and employment. This is a structured learnership programme that combines practical work experience with theoretical training.  The programme provides learners with skills to be able to work at Samsung Accredited Service Centres. This 12-month programme equips learners with technical skills as well as behavioural competencies giving them hands on experience – enabling the learners to successfully enter the workplace environment.

Samsung believes in supporting academically deserving students with proven financial need to take their first steps toward achieving their dreams and to obtain their first Undergraduate or Honours Degree. The Samsung External Bursary programme aims to fund academically deserving students who do not have the financial means to study full time towards an Undergraduate or Honours degree at a South African University or University of Technology. The programme also prioritises people living with disabilities. The aim of the programme is to address skills shortages as well as to attract talent pool aligned to Samsung’s business model. In 2024, Samsung benefited 122 bursars, including 82 students with disabilities.

This well-considered and integrated approach has enabled Samsung to partner with universities and SETA accredited training providers to train 1440 software developers and accredited technicians to enhance their prospects of securing employment, starting their own businesses and further training. The training of unemployed youth addresses a key need in the South African ICT sector and has resulted in a marked increase in female software developer and artisan graduates.

Also, in an effort to prove that its transformation agenda is not just a tick box exercise – Samsung has increased its focus on unemployed learners through its internship and learnership programmes – supported by an emphasis on creating work experiences during and post the learnership or internship period. This skills development programme is geared towards ensuring that Samsung increases the employability of the country’s young hopefuls. Samsung’s programme reach extends beyond Gauteng, it also includes Limpopo, Eastern Cape, Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Western Cape provinces.

In addition, Samsung’s efforts when it comes to enterprise development include its re-direction of existing spend to qualifying Black-Owned and Black-Women Owned Qualifying Small Enterprises (“QSEs”) and Exempt Micro Enterprises (“EMEs”). The company has ensured that these small enterprises were included in the existing procurement value chain of Samsung with a focus on the following, approved areas: Marketing, Services, Sales, Logistics and Recruitment. And, as part of the third phase of the Enterprise Development & E-Waste programmes which was launched towards the end of 2021, a further investment of over R60-million is planned over the next three years.

And furthermore, as part of its contribution to socio-economic development: Samsung has invested in education-focused initiatives that include the Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) which teaches 4IR skills including coding and programming, AI, IoT and big data to students in higher learning institutions.

And furthermore, Samsung has over the years ploughed further resources into the global Solve For Tomorrow (SFT) competition that is now in its third year of execution – targeting grade 10 and 11 learners from disadvantage schools across the country to solve community problems through Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). These education-focused initiatives that are driven through technology are a re-affirmation of the company’s commitment to STEM education and the upliftment of underserved communities.

Samsung believes that all these efforts are essential in driving economic transformation in the country and creating a more inclusive and equitable business environment. The seven years of retaining this outstanding Level 1 B-BBEE status is a true reflection of Samsung’s profound, long-term and impactful dedication to transformation which transcends mere compliance.

Samsung Innovation Campus Artificial intelligence graduates

In collaboration with the selected institutions of higher learning in both Lesotho and South Africa, this specialised SIC programme seeks to provide various technology-aligned courses to a targeted group of students. Ultimately, the two partners’ objective is to increase students’ chances of employability after school, by ensuring that critical skills in coding and programming and AI are taught to the youth.

Samsung Innovation Campus Coding and programming graduates

In the first year of the strategic agreement between Samsung and LP, the programme offered basic coding and programming education. This year, 49 students were inducted to kick-start the programme and AI course was added to the curriculum, as these are critical skills needed to develop the country’s youth into employable technology innovators. One of the main objectives of the programme is to help Lesotho-based youth to develop their 4IR skills and empower themselves to become future technological entrepreneurs. When asked, this is what one of the students, Tlokotsi Potloane in the SIC programme had to say:

“As the beneficiaries of this SIC programme, we are grateful to Samsung Electronics and Lerotholi Polytechnic for investing in the youth of Lesotho. Your giant foot-steps are greatly felt. Today’s graduation is not just a milestone for us as the graduates, but a testament to the transformative power of technology and education that Samsung Electronics has embarked on, in Lesotho.

“With this SIC programme, we are now a group of work-force ready graduates and have gained skills that have opened our minds to endless possibilities within the tech world. This opportunity has provided us with more than just technical skills, but has also given us a sense of purpose, ignited our creativity and equipped us with the tools to solve real-world problems.”

The breakdown of beneficiaries that will be graduating in this second cohort of the SIC Programme is as follows:

• 49 students from LP’s Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology and other institutions; where
• 19 students completed C&P (Python) and 30 students completed the AI courses.

Prof. Spirit Tlali Rector of Lerotholi Polytechnic said: “As an institution, we are very grateful for the continued support that we have received from Samsung since the first year of our partnership. Samsung has ensured that we have a generous supply of academic tools, lecturer salaries and materials needed to guarantee the smooth running and successful execution of this important programme.”

“Our institution’s focus is not only based on academic excellence, but also on providing our youth with a blend of critical skills needed by the Lesotho economy. Samsung’s partnership has offered our institution an opportunity to expose a sample of our tertiary students to these employability courses, so that the impact they will have could be spread across various industries,” he added.

This six-month long SIC programme which commenced in March this year offers students the opportunity to enhance their employment prospects and gain practical education in technologies through both classroom learning and online-based courses. In the first cohort, about 30 LP students benefitted however, in the second cohort Lerotholi Polytechnic had enrolled 50 students; 30 were sourced from within LP and 20 from other institutions.

LP students that participated in this year’s SIC programme – are completing their final year in the following courses:

• Carpentry & Joinery, Electrical Installation, Fitting & Machining, Architectural Technology, Civil Engineering,
• Construction Management, Computer Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Panel Beating,
• Spray Painting as well as Water & Environmental Engineering.

Importantly, for Samsung, this global SIC programme seeks to empower a generation of problem-solvers by equipping them with future-proof skills and practical understanding of the technologies that will shape their future and enrich the sustainable growth of the world.

Lenhle Khoza, B-BBEE and Transformation Manager at Samsung concluded: “For us at Samsung, it is fulfilling to be part of a programme that allows students to develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential in the technology world.

“By continuing our partnership with Lerotholi Polytechnic, we are re-affirming our commitment of ensuring that we provide a better future for the youth in Africa through education. With this SIC programme, Lesotho graduates will now be able to put into practice what they have learned and pursue their dreams as either technology entrepreneurs or secure job placements in the country’s ICT sector.”

While Samsung was established in January 1969, the company chose its Foundation Day to be November 1 as it was the day when the company merged with Samsung Semiconductor & Communications to form Samsung Electronics in 1988.

The Samsung Employee Volunteering Programme reflected Samsung’s ongoing dedication to making a positive impact in society and empowering communities around the world. It aimed to engage employees, who heeded the call positively, in a wide range of volunteer activities, reinforcing Samsung’s commitment to corporate social responsibility.

In South Africa, Samsung employees took part in the below series of programmes designed to uplift vulnerable communities, fostering meaningful engagement and driving positive change.

• Buhlebemfundo Secondary School Painting Project
  On November 6, Samsung employees volunteered their time to paint classrooms at Buhlebemfundo Secondary School in Tsakane, Brakpan (east of Johannesburg). This school was a 2023 and 2024 finalist in Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow initiative, which encourages creative problem-solving among students from underserved communities through science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM. The 28-member team of volunteers rolled up their sleeves as they painted and refurbished the entire Grade 8 Block at the school, which included six classrooms in total.

• Accelerated Training in Entrepreneurship
  From 4 to 8 November, Samsung hosted an Accelerated Training in Entrepreneurship for early start-ups and graduates of its software development skills programme at Tshimologong Precinct in Gauteng and The University of the Western Cape (UWC). This initiative was created to equip the young emerging entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge to succeed in business. The participants were enrolled in two separate 5-day entrepreneurship boot camps: one hosted at Tshimologong Precinct for 11 beneficiaries, and the other at UWC for 12 beneficiaries. Moreover, Samsung South Africa employees also volunteered their time to share some important skills and lessons with the young up-and-coming entrepreneurs and the topics included finance, legal and compliance, digital and corporate marketing, and sales. At the end of the boot camps, the participants had the opportunity to pitch their business ideas for seed funding to inject into their ventures. Six were selected as the winners (top three from Tshimologong and UWC respectively), and they will receive funding to the tune of R1 million, which will be allocated to support critical operational needs such as equipment, furniture, rental costs, and other business expenses. The seed funding will be distributed by Tshimologong and UWC to ensure it is used as intended and supports the participants’ growth. They will also receive support for a period of six months, in the form of business coaching and mentoring and other non-financial backing.

• E- waste Collection Campaign
  In a bid to promote environmental sustainability, Samsung South Africa conducted an e-waste collection campaign at the Head Office in Bryanston from 1 to 12 November. Employees were encouraged to bring in their electronic waste for recycling, with collection bins placed in the building. Various electronic devices were collected including laptops, desktop computers, televisions, and mobile devices, printers etc. The collected e-waste, which also included that from Samsung’s service centre and warehouse (fridges, TVs, washing machines etc.), will be donated to Matongoni General Trading, a Johannesburg-based recycler specialising in post-consumer plastic waste and electronic materials. Matongoni will in turn dismantle the collected e-waste into valuable fractions, including plastics and metals, which will be pre-processed and recycled into raw materials for new products.

Lenhle Khoza, Manager: BBBEE & Transformation at Samsung Electronics: “Samsung Foundation Day is not just a celebration of our history; it is also an excellent opportunity for us to make a meaningful impact in the communities where we operate. The Samsung Employee Volunteering Programme provided a unique and special opportunity for Samsung employees get to connect with and support our communities as we foster positive change and empower those in need and improve the environment. The future is truly what we make it and we want to play our part as a corporate citizen, and as individuals. Through these initiatives, we not only gave back but also hope we contributed to stimulating a culture of volunteerism and social responsibility within our organisation and beyond.”

Samsung has a long-standing dedication to making a positive impact in society and empowering communities worldwide. As part of the activities, employees from Samsung South Africa actively participated in a week-long e-Waste collection project from November 1 to 8, 2024, gathering various electronic devices from their homes, including laptops, desktop computers, televisions, and mobile devices.

While the e-waste collection campaign is a recurring event as part of Samsung’s sustainability efforts, it was done with more gravitas in the seven days as a way to give employees an opportunity to walk the same talk. The collected e-waste, which also included that from Samsung’s service centre and warehouse, will be donated to Matongoni General Trading, a Johannesburg-based recycler specialising in post-consumer plastic waste and electronic materials. This initiative is particularly significant, as The World Counts reports that only 12.5% of e-waste is recycled, with a staggering 85% ending up in landfills.

Matongoni General Trading is a beneficiary of Samsung’s Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP), a key component of the company’s corporate social investment strategy aimed at fostering socio-economic development. The recycler will dismantle the collected e-waste into valuable fractions, including plastics and metals, which will be pre-processed and recycled into raw materials for new products.

“We are in business in part to contribute to the creation of more sustainable solutions to keep our environment clean and a better contribution to the circular economy. It is in everyone’s best interests to have more awareness about the safe handling of electronic waste. As a waste management and recycling company our biggest goal is to develop and maintain sustainable methods for a greener tomorrow. This is why we are appreciative of Samsung’s endeavours in collecting and donating e-waste to us as they have,” said Gundo Mariba, Key Accounts Manager at Matongoni.

“Samsung is dedicated to environmental sustainability that goes beyond our producer responsibilities,” said Lenhle Khoza, B-BBEE and Transformation Manager at Samsung South Africa. “As outlined in Samsung’s 2024 Sustainability Report, we are on ‘a journey towards a sustainable future,’ and electronic waste recycling is a vital intervention for a better tomorrow. Through this programme, we are making significant strides in responsible recycling and ensuring that potentially harmful materials are kept out of landfills.”

Samsung Electronics remains committed to contributing to a cleaner environment and empowering communities through innovative and responsible initiatives.

One of the key initiatives took place through a strategic collaboration with Tshimologong Precinct in Johannesburg and the University of the Western Cape (UWC). Together, they hosted a week-long Accelerated Training in Entrepreneurship from 4 – 8 November 2024, to equip young emerging entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge to succeed in business.

The programme was designed for past beneficiaries of Samsung’s software development and technician training programmes and supplemented by young entrepreneurs in the community. A total of 23 participants were selected through a rigorous assessment process conducted by Tshimologong and UWC. The participants were enrolled in two separate 5-day entrepreneurship boot camps: one hosted at Tshimologong Precinct for 11 beneficiaries, and the other at UWC for 12 beneficiaries.

This initiative aligns with Samsung’s commitment to empowering South Africa’s youth by fostering entrepreneurial skills and providing them with the necessary resources to create their own opportunities. The boot camps provided in-depth training in business management, financial planning, and pitching to investors, all designed to prepare participants for success in the competitive business landscape. A handful of Samsung South Africa employees also volunteered their time to share some important skills and lessons with the young up-and-coming entrepreneurs and the topics they covered included finance, legal and compliance, digital and corporate marketing, and sales.

At the conclusion of the boot camps, the participants had the opportunity to pitch their business ideas for seed funding to help get their ventures off the ground. Six were selected as the winners (top three from Tshimologong and UWC respectively) and will receive support in their ventures for a period of six months, in the form of business coaching and mentoring and other non-financial backing. The funding that the six winners are going to receive totals R1 million and will be allocated to support critical operational needs such as equipment, furniture, rental costs, and other business expenses. The seed funding will be distributed by Tshimologong and UWC to ensure it is used as intended and supports the participants’ growth.

The Accelerated Training in Entrepreneurship was created as part of Samsung South Africa’s Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP), a programme designed to advance local economic participation and support Black-owned businesses. Moreover, it falls within Samsung’s broader Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) strategy, which aims to create sustainable value for South Africa’s economy and empower historically disadvantaged communities.

Lenhle Khoza, B-BBEE and Transformation Manager at Samsung South Africa said through initiatives like this, Samsung continues to invest in young South Africans and help pave the way for a more inclusive and innovative society. “We are thrilled to celebrate Foundation Day in South Africa by helping young entrepreneurs take the next step toward realising their business dreams. By providing both the training and the resources necessary to succeed, Samsung is making a long-term investment in the future of the country’s economy, and we look forward to seeing how these young entrepreneurs will continue to make a positive impact in their communities.”

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.

Samsung has retained its Level-1 B-BBEE status for six (6) years in succession. This is a true testament of Samsung’s 30-year commitment and the positive impact its continuous investment has had, to the country’s transformation agenda.

This Level-1 B-BBEE achievement complemented by its continued investment in the country, places Samsung in a firm position where it remains a strong supporter of economic transformation and an active contributor to the future of the South African economy. Since the dawn of democracy when Samsung entered the African continent through the establishment of the South African office, the company has been pushing its transformation agenda by investing in a number of empowerment programmes for the future, which have now led to positive social changes within the broader African continent.

The B-BBEE level rating is used to measure the extent to which local companies comply with the system of B-BBEE, driven by key pillars that include Ownership through EEIP & Management Control (Indirect Empowerment), Employment Equity & Skills Development, Preferential Procurement & Enterprise Development as well as Socio-Economic Development (Social Responsibility). Even though there may be all kinds of complexities to implementing B-BBEE, Samsung has made incredible strides forward in its long-term vision for the country and its overall B-BBEE philosophy and strategy.

Driven through the company’s landmark R280-million Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP) which was launched in May 2019 in partnership with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (Dtic), Samsung is now celebrating five years of this programme’s sustained success. This EEIP programme is projected to have a measurable impact on job creation and a contribution of nearly R1-billion to the South African economy at large.

Five years in and Samsung’s EEIP programme has managed to rise to the challenge of achieving its ambitious goals. Measurable outcomes include an accumulative investment of R138-million to date in SME development and capacity building in the ICT sector. With environmental sustainability being one of the major focus areas for Samsung, one black-woman-owned E-waste business was supported.

Samsung believes that entrepreneurship is vital to combating youth unemployment. To this effect, two Software Development enterprises were assisted. Also, to give marginalised communities better access to electronic repair services and encourage a culture of entrepreneurship, Samsung provided support to two Accredited Service Centres.

Lenhle Khoza, B-BBEE & Transformation Manager at Samsung Africa said: “As the company enters its second phase of EEIP programme, its investment in the socio-economic development of the country and its people will remain as one of the main focus areas. To improve our reach and impact, the expansion plan of Samsung’s EEIP programme is now focusing on provinces beyond the initial areas that included Gauteng, Western Cape and KZN. The roll-out plans have now been extended to other under-privileged rural provinces such as the Eastern Cape and Limpopo.”

And through ongoing investment, the EEIP programme aims to deliver measurable impact and a lasting legacy for generations to come. As part of the second phase of the Enterprise Development programme which was launched towards the end of last year, a further investment of over R30-million is planned over the next three years. A well-considered and integrated approach has enabled Samsung to partner with universities and SETA accredited training providers to train 1440 software developers and accredited technicians to enhance their prospects of securing employment, starting their own businesses and further training.

By the end of March this year, 595 unemployed youth had been trained. This addresses a key need in the South African ICT sector and has resulted in a marked increase in female software developer and artisan graduates. Increasing female representation in ICT training is ultimately vital to reverse the market trend of lower gender representation in this sector. Employment is a fundamental component of Samsung’s EEIP training plan and Samsung is working closely with its partners to achieve a target absorption rate of 100%.

Importantly, to prove that its transformation agenda is not just a tick box exercise – Samsung has increased its focus on unemployed learners through its internship and learnership programmes, supported by an emphasis on creating work experiences during and post the learnership or internship period. This skills development programme is geared towards ensuring that Samsung increases the employability of the country’s young hopefuls.

This year, Samsung has re-affirmed its commitment to not only providing external bursaries, but also plans to continue investing in youth on a larger scale. Samsung’s bursary fund supported a diverse pool of 49 students in fields that varied from finance, law, supply chain, HR, IT to marketing. Internally, Samsung has an impactful employee development programme.

In the case of Management Control, the representation in both Samsung’s Board and Exco reflects the demographics of the country. Samsung has also been driving employment equity through the progression and appointment of employees at each occupational level. In addition, the company has also been re-directing existing spend to qualifying Black-Owned and Black-Women Owned (BWO) Qualifying Small Enterprises (“QSEs”) and Exempt Micro Enterprises (“EMEs”) to include them in the existing procurement value chain of Samsung South Africa with a focus on the following areas that have been approved: Marketing, Services, Sales, Logistics and Recruitment.

This is supplemented by the continued focus on the development of black talent in the business through the provision of grant and preferential loan funding to qualifying Enterprise and Supplier Development beneficiaries, with the possibility of graduating them to become suppliers to Samsung. These empowerment efforts have a strong focus on SME development and are in-line with Samsung’s transformation plans which aim to address key developmental aspects linked to the National Development Plan (NDP) and the overall transformation of the economy.

And as a good corporate citizen that has consistently supported the country’s transformation agenda in the last three decades, Samsung has invested in a number of education-focused, corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes. These education-focused Socio-Economic Development initiatives that include the Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) and Solve For Tomorrow (SFT) competition are re-affirming the company’s commitment to STEM education and the upliftment of underserved communities.

“As a passionate supporter of the country’s transformation objectives, we have consistently been striving to adhere to the country’s legislation. This sixth-year, as a Level-1 B-BBEE compliant organisation is indeed an accomplishment worth celebrating. With our combined efforts, we have managed to exceed almost all the requirements of the pillars of South Africa’s B-BBEE system,” concluded Khoza.