This EEIP Transformative programme is designed to equip micro, small and medium-sized enterprise (SMME) participants with essential business skills and offer them seed funding opportunities. Sponsored by Samsung, this Enterprise Development Bootcamp focuses on empowering Ocule IT Electronics Technician Alumni in KwaZulu-Natal with in-demand skills that will allow them to transition into successful entrepreneurs.

The winners for the different categories in the 2025 Enterprise Development Bootcamp were announced recently and the prizes that were awarded included the following:

• Established Category – R100 000
• Start-Up Category – R75 000
• Ideation Category – R50 000

This intensive training programme is designed to empower this group of young entrepreneurs that come from underserved communities in KZN with skills and knowledge to launch and grow their businesses. In addition, one of the programme’s intended objectives is to contribute to the growth of SMEs in the province. The ultimate aim is to transform this group of budding technicians into fully-fledged entrepreneurs.

Nicky Beukes, Samsung EEIP Project Manager said: “This Enterprise Development Bootcamp is part of Samsung’s broader commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and digital skills development in South Africa. As a socially responsible company, we are intent on investing in KZN – the country’s gateway for African and global trade as well as contributing to the province’s youth entrepreneurship.”

This Enterprise Development Bootcamp has started achieving some of its goals that include motivating these young technicians to create businesses that tackle the repair of consumer electronics, while promoting a culture of innovation and self-sufficiency within their respective communities. The unique selling point of this bootcamp lies in its four-month structured programme, which equips both existing entrepreneurs and aspirant business owners with essential skills and knowledge for enterprise growth and development.

“Samsung’s investment in the Bootcamp seeks to cultivate new entrepreneurs within the trade and artisan sector, serving as a catalyst for job creation and small business development,” added Beukes. “This programme is one of the ways that we are demonstrating our dedication to driving economic growth by empowering young talent and supporting entrepreneurial ventures in KZN.”

The programme’s comprehensive approach not only prepares participants for the pitching day but also instils confidence in future participants who have business ideas and require financial aid and support. By offering a clear pathway to business development, the Bootcamp stands out as a valuable resource for nurturing entrepreneurial success.

Sanele Gcumisa, Managing Member of Ocule IT explained further: “The programme is a key driver of job creation and small business development, contributing to economic growth and community empowerment in KZN. In collaboration with Samsung, we are committed to sustainable development that can ensure that this strategic initiative contributes to long-term positive impacts on the local community.

“This programme goes beyond providing financial aid; it is a comprehensive initiative designed to empower young technicians with the essential business skills and knowledge needed for sustainable growth and success. Together with Samsung, we are dedicated to providing guidance, mentorship and support to help participants establish sustainable businesses as well as secure investment opportunities,” concluded Gcumisa.

Samsung’s EEIP skills development initiatives in collaboration with Ocule IT include – the Electronics Technician Programme and Enterprise Development Bootcamps for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). These programmes focus on igniting economic growth in the country’s rural provinces, including Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN) and the Eastern Cape. Ocule IT is an application development company that serves as the training and development partner for Samsung’s EEIP initiatives in South Africa.

For Samsung, there is an ongoing need to ensure that these EEIP programmes offered in rural provinces in the country are able to drive positive social change and empower both individuals and communities in a meaningful way. Importantly, these EEIP programmes aim to foster innovation and promote environmental sustainability to build a better future. It is for this reason that these partners have taken the time to speak to two beneficiaries from the Samsung, Ocule IT programmes that are based in the Eastern Cape and KZN. The conversations aimed to gather insights from the beneficiaries about the impact of these programmes on their lives; and this is what they had to say:

Siphindile Nonhlanhla Mazibuko is a 26-year old beneficiary who is originally from Mtubatuba in KZN. She studied Electrical Engineering at Majuba TVET College which provided a solid foundation in electrical systems, circuits and principles. She got involved with the Samsung Ocule IT programme through an application process after learning about the initiative’s focus on developing technical skills in electronics. The programme’s emphasis on practical training and industry-relevant skills aligned with her interests in electrical engineering. She saw this as an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and a chance to enhance her employability.

Through the programme, Siphindile said: “I acquired a range of in-demand, technical and soft skills that included Electronics Repair and Maintenance – a hands-on training in diagnosing and repairing electronic devices. The training also included Troubleshooting expertise which involved developing problem-solving skills to identify and fix faults in electronic systems. In addition, I gained some valuable, practical experience when I worked with various electronic devices and equipment; as well as some field-oriented skills that included learning about the latest technologies and industry standards,” she added.

The second participant is Yonela Kohlwa who is originally from East London currently residing in Kwa-Zakhele, Gqeberha. She studied Electrical engineering at Iqhayiya College and in November 2023 – she decided to apply for the Samsung Ocule IT learnership. In 2024, she went for an interview and was accepted. Yonela said: “It was a great experience being in this programme, I have learnt a lot of new skills that include soldering, installing windows and software on PCs. Now, I’m even able to fix kettles and stoves; and I can also change screens of PCs as well as do housekeeping.”

Samsung Ocule IT EEIP programmes are continuing to achieve their objectives of stimulating economic growth and job creation by developing sought-after skills in the ICT and electronics sectors. Importantly, this is testimonial evidence of the fact that the programmes are providing targeted skills development to previously disadvantaged youth – with the ultimate aim of improving their employment prospects. 

This Bootcamp which was piloted last year is a critical component of Samsung’s R280-million worth Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP) and aims to equip entrepreneurs with the essential skills and knowledge needed to meet investor requirements and effectively approach the market. It is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs with experience in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) field with innovative ideas and, this also includes start-ups and established enterprises aiming to scale or overcome challenges.

This bootcamp is an intensive training programme and focuses on areas that include business management, financial planning and pitching to investors; designed to empower young entrepreneurs, particularly those from underserved communities, with skills and knowledge to launch and grow their businesses. Sponsored by Samsung, this EEIP transformative initiative is prioritising alumni’s from the Ocule IT Electronics Technician/Artisan programme.

This programme is part of Samsung’s broader commitment to foster SME development and digital skills development in South Africa – leveraging local talent and expertise. Importantly, it is closely aligned with the National Development Plan (NDP) and black economic empowerment goals that are designed to transform the country’s economy by empowering Black South Africans – fostering a more equitable and inclusive society.

Sanele Gcumisa, Managing Member of Ocule IT explained: “The launch of this Ocule IT and Samsung Enterprise Development initiative aims to empower entrepreneurs for investment readiness. This structured support seeks to ensure that participants are fully prepared to secure the needed funding to grow their businesses. This initiative underscores Ocule IT and Samsung’s commitment to foster entrepreneurship and drive economic growth by empowering businesses with business tools to become investor-ready.”

This bootcamp focuses on fostering a dynamic and collaborative environment – empowering a diverse range of participants who already have a foundation in the electronics sector, while also enhancing the programme’s relevance and effectiveness. The programme provides training in areas that are relevant to starting and scaling a business, such as business planning, marketing and financial management.

In particular, the structure of the Bootcamp involves a week-long intensive training session with masterclasses and opportunities to pitch business ideas for seed funding. The programme features a comprehensive five-day boot camp which took place the week of 07 – 11 July 2025 and will now be followed by a four-month incubation process that involves intensive mentoring.

During this period, participants will work on creating a professional data room – a critical tool that potential funders and investors use to evaluate businesses. Also, this programme will provide a direct financial contribution of R500,000 to support participants in their entrepreneurial journey and take their businesses to the next level.

A highlight of the initiative is the Pitch and Polish session, scheduled for the end of October 2025, where nine out of fifteen participants will have the opportunity to win cash prizes. These top performers are then divided into three categories, each comprising an average of five participants. The top three winners in the various tiers will be selected from each category, resulting in a total of nine winners. Following the Pitch and Polish session, the nine winners will undergo three months of monitoring as they submit their business plans and financials to potential funders and investors.

Nicky Beukes, Samsung South Africa EEIP Project Manager said: “For us at Samsung, this programme’s impact goes beyond mere investment – it is there to offer financial support to Electronics Technician Programme alumni as well as innovative ideas to start a business and those who already have established enterprises but require additional assistance. The Bootcamp offers a comprehensive programme designed to nurture the entrepreneurial spirit of alumni and this, allows participants to gain access to seed funding, mentorship and business development workshops.”

This holistic approach ensures that participants are equipped not only with financial resources but also with the strategic insights and practical skills necessary to succeed in the competitive electronics industry. With this programme, Samsung is able to provide successful entrepreneurs with access to its supply chain, potentially creating further business opportunities.

Gcumisa added: “Because effective public, private partnerships (PPPs) are crucial to both our company and Samsung, we are also in the process of engaging with the KwaZulu-Natal Growth fund and Sefda including other business partners. Also, the plan is to have additional partners presenting in October closer to the Pitch and Polish stage to give final advice. All such activities will occur in the last quarter; however, the final details will be shared in due course. For now, the focus is to ensure that learners are presented with material that they can use to prepare for the Pitch and Polish.”

This valuable initiative aligns with Samsung’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, skills development and positive social impact in the country. In essence, the Samsung EEIP ED Bootcamp provides a platform for ICT entrepreneurs to gain the skills, knowledge and support they need to thrive and contribute to the South African economy.

Beukes concluded: “Our commitment to sustainable development in collaboration with Ocule IT ensures that the initiative contributes to long-term positive impacts on the local community. By empowering young entrepreneurs, the programme contributes to local economic participation and creates a more inclusive and innovative society.”

Samsung EEIP | Enterprise Development | Samsung South Africa

This Artisans’ skills development initiative – sponsored by Samsung’s R280-million worth Equity Equivalents Investment Programme (EEIP) – has successfully hosted training in both KZN and Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) in Eastern Cape. Launched in 2019, Samsung’s EEIP which has demonstrated considerable success since its inception, seeks to continue to empower the country’s youth and women from previously disadvantaged communities with Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) skills.

This graduation ceremony included 20 youth from under-privileged backgrounds: eight (8) males and 12 women. The graduation event was not only an opportunity to celebrate the students’ success, but also to emphasise the role of the programme in driving local development and address the shortage of women in the ICT sector. Samsung does not only credit the success of this Electronics Technician Programme to the students, but also on the impactful collaboration between Ocule IT and other key stakeholders in government such as the Department of Trade, Industry & Competition (Dtic) and the Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT SETA) as well as several workplace partners in the private sector.

Nicky Beukes, Samsung EEIP Project Manager said: “As Samsung, we believe that the combined role of the programme’s key players as well as its strategic focus on critical skills development that’s tailored specifically to meet industry demands – is contributing positively to its main objectives of stimulating job creation in Kwazulu-Natal. We remain committed to sustained investment in ICT training and development to create a workforce equipped with essential, in-demand skills – as this has a significant impact on driving the success of the programme.”

This Electronics Technician programme specifically, seeks to develop sought-after artisan skills in the fields of electronics. These artisans were trained, guided and mentored by accredited specialist providers as part of their workplace training. Learners accessing this qualification were provided with knowledge, skills and attitudes that will enable them to diagnose faults, repair and maintain electronics equipment. Learners are now also able to interpret electronic circuits to do component level repairs. This SAQA-Accredited Qualification: Further Education and Training Certificate: Electronics (NQF 4) comprises of Unit Standards that will serve as the building blocks towards progression to an NQF Level 5 Qualification in Electronics as part of these graduates’ career advancement. This 12-month programme which started in February 2024 and ended in January this year, has been able to enhance employment prospects and fosters sustainable economic development.

Sanele Gcumisa, Ocule IT: Managing Member added: “Ocule IT is thrilled to celebrate the graduation of the fourth cohort of our Electronics NQF Level 4 programme in KZN, a remarkable achievement resulting from a four-year partnership with Samsung. This collaboration has empowered 81 learners, leading to impressive results: 80% secured employment, 6% continued their education and the remaining learners are actively seeking opportunities. We’re particularly proud of the 12% who launched successful businesses, contributing significantly to the community’s economic growth. Our heartfelt thanks to Samsung and our partner companies for their invaluable support in making this programme such a resounding success.”

Samsung is convinced that the impressive results of this programme are a clear indication of the opportunities that have been created through this investment. The programme’s success is also due to the collaborative efforts that support its growth as well as the long-term benefits for both the partners involved and the community.
Beukes concluded: “As a company, we are very happy with the thorough training processes followed and overall, how well this programme was run. Our continued investment in ICT, the drive for educational advancement as well as the transformative power of collaboration with Ocule IT and other key partners has – in no doubt led to the successful completion of this 4th cohort of the Electronics Technician Programme.”

Pictured with the graduates and the dignitaries is Ms Bomkazi Maphotho, DTIC, EEIP Program Manager, seated far left

The programme is an electronics artisanal skills development initiative, which aims to stimulate job creation in underprivileged communities. The students learn about the processes of design, manufacturing and repairing of electronic equipment and products.

The graduation ceremony of the 20 students was to celebrate their success and the positive impact this programme has had on rural communities in Eastern Cape. To date, Samsung has trained 162 artisans across three provinces: Kwa-Zulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Gauteng. The 1^st cohort graduated in November 2023.

The programme’s strategic focus is to drive local development and empowerment as well as to provide critical skills to the youth – tailored specifically to meet industry demands and the needs of the economic development for both the Eastern Cape and the country as a whole. The 100% employment rate in the programme over the last three years is testament to the demand for qualified artisans in electronics and other trade-related disciplines.

Nicky Beukes, Samsung EEIP Project Manager said: “With this technician programme, we have been able to achieve our main objective of providing skills development to the provincial artisans in an effort to stimulate job creation in a province with so much potential. As Samsung in partnership with Ocule IT, we are committed to empowering the province’s youth by equipping them with much-needed skills to land employment or start their own businesses.”

The Electronics Technician programme was established in 2020, after Samsung identified Eastern Cape’s critical shortage of technicians needed to service consumer electronics and hand-held devices. Since then, it has focused on training unemployed youth from rural and township areas with the end goal of developing sought-after artisan skills in the fields of electronics. The individuals that were part of the programme have been trained and mentored by accredited specialist providers as part of their workplace training. Samsung’s commitment to empowering the country’s youth has had a significant impact in driving the success of the programme.

Sanele Gcumisa, Ocule IT: Managing Member said: “For students, this programme offers unsurpassed access both in workplace learning and in business, as it assists learners to have the ability to sustain themselves even if they were not employed. Ocule IT in partnership with Samsung is pleased to offer an innovative and exciting programme of learning that emphasises an interdisciplinary approach to knowledge and the solution of real-life problems. We therefore thank Samsung, DTIC and all other stakeholders including employers and learners who participated in this programme.”

Gcumisa explained further that the main objective of this programme is to empower youth by equipping them with much-needed ICT skills to land employment or start their own businesses. This programme is an example of how successful partnerships with organisations such as Samsung and government can make a difference and help create an inspiring story.

Samsung’s sustained investment in ICT training and development in partnership with Ocule IT has contributed greatly in creating a workforce equipped with essential, in-demand skills. This Electronics Technician programme is one of the initiatives that can open new doors for previously disadvantaged youth.

Beukes concluded: “Through our drive for educational advancement and the transformative power of collaboration with institutions such as Ocule IT, we have been able to contribute positively to the growth of this programme over the years. Together, we have ensured that the programme enhances employment prospects and fosters sustainable economic development in the province and the country as a whole. And, all these efforts have had long-term benefits for both, the partners involved and the community.”

Samsung in conjunction with Ocule IT hosted a Graduation Ceremony in celebration of the successful completion of the 1^st Cohort of the MICT-SETA Accredited Electronics Technician programme in the Eastern Cape. This first group of graduates from this province now form part of the four cohorts in the national, electronics artisanal skills development initiative, which aims to stimulate job creation in a less economically active province.

In 2022, the Eastern Cape was one of the country’s rural provinces that recorded an expanded unemployment rate of above 50% and is now looking to attract and maintain investment to lower these unemployment figures. In an effort to assist the province to overcome its unemployment issues and create a group of employable students, a graduation ceremony was held on Tuesday, 14 November 2023 at Ray Mhalaba Skills Training Centre, Glendinningvale in Gqeberha.

This Electronics apprenticeship programme is part of Samsung’s mission to empower youth in the ICT sector and has produced incredible results since the launch of the R280-million Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (“EEIP”) in 2019. It all started in 2020 when Samsung sought to address the country’s critical shortage of technicians to service consumer electronics and hand-held devices. The company therefore decided to sponsor the 12-month SETA accredited Electronics apprenticeship programme in partnership with Ocule IT.

In this province, 19 students enrolled for the first cohort, which comprises of six (6) males and 13 women. The gender bias is a deliberate move to address the shortage of women in the tech industry. In the first three (3) cohorts since 2020, the programme has seen about 80 learners being enrolled nationally.

When asked, this is what one of the graduates from the Eastern Cape programme, Lwazikazi Tatayi had to say: “Before this programme, I knew absolutely nothing about IT. In this 12 months, I’ve learnt so much and I have now been exposed to specialisations that include automation, fault-finding and troubleshooting as well as soft skills that include administration through the SAP system. But the turning point for me was when I was placed at Centurion Systems for the practical part of the programme, focusing on mechatronics – an interdisciplinary branch of engineering that focuses on the integration of mechanical, electrical, electronic and software engineering.

“Everything that I learnt in the first five months when we focused on theory made more sense when I applied it practically. Working in a conducive environment with a mentor that is passionate about women empowerment has helped me to find my purpose and motivated me to always do my best. I’m grateful to the partners that played a part in not only improving my life, but also changing my mindset towards my work and my life in general.”

This Electronics Technician programme aims to develop sought-after artisan skills in the field of electronics. These artisans are trained, guided and mentored by accredited specialist providers as part of their workplace training. Lab tests and assessments are conducted, which ultimately lead to certification. At the end of the theoretical and workplace training, learners would have mastered the processes around design, manufacturing and repairing of electronic equipment and products.

Hlubi Shivanda, Director: Business Operations, Innovation & Corporate Affairs at Samsung South Africa said: “The Eastern Cape government has been on a mission to look for investment, in an effort to fight the high unemployment rate in the province. This partnership with Ocule IT is part of a comprehensive integrated skills development investment programme that is prioritising the delivery of an integrated holistic package of personal, technical, entrepreneurial and business skills, aligned to meet the needs of the economic development strategies for both the Eastern Cape and the country as a whole.”

As testament to the demand for qualified artisans in the electronics repair industry and the measurable impact of this programme, eight (8) students have successfully been permanently employed, seven (7) students started their own small businesses and four (4) students enrolled to further their studies. Lwazikazi is one of the students that has been employed in the company permanently and has already been exposed to different aspects of the business.

Matthew Lennon senior technician and mentor at Centurion Systems in the Eastern Cape added: “We are grateful to this programme because as a company and the electronics and automation industries, using the latest electronic technology, we have gained a group of technicians of such high calibre. As a company, we are convinced that this passionate group of young technicians will not only contribute to our business’ success, but also to the specialised skills needed by the country to grow our local economy.”

Samsung in conjunction with Ocule IT believe that despite the many challenges that face the country’s youth, there is immense potential that can be explored. This Electronics Technician programme is, but one of the initiatives that can open new doors for previously disadvantaged youth.

Sanele Gcumisa, Ocule IT Managing Member emphasized: “Both Samsung and our organisation, are well aware of the fact that rural provinces such as the Eastern Cape, more than ever need to equip the youth to seize the opportunities that lie in the ICT sector. This programme has already seen great success in various parts of the country, focusing mainly on training unemployed youth from rural and township areas.”

The partners are convinced that in collaboration with government, they are in a great position to empower the leaders of tomorrow by continuing to seek out the avenues that will lead to continued success. “Working together with like-minded institutions such as Ocule IT and government, we are able to dedicate the necessary resources and time to create endless possibilities for youth in previously disadvantaged communities. We remain steadfastly committed to the idea of real empowerment and education through technology that changes lives,” Shivanda concluded.

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

Samsung South Africa and Ocule IT have announced the graduation of the Cohort 1 of its 12-month Electronics Learnership programme. At a virtual ceremony, the new graduates were commended for their achievement and their ability to adapt to the unique learning conditions during Covid-19. To overcome these challenges and ensure effective remote learning, Samsung supported the learners with tablets and access to data. Samsung South Africa’s mission to empower youth in the ICT sector has produced incredible results since the launch of its R280 million Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (“EEIP”), launched in 2019.

Participating in the ceremony was Jacob Maphutha, the Chief Director of the dtic, Sanele Gcumisa, CEO of Ocule IT, Ms. Lungile Shabangu-Dlamini and Ms. Lungile Ngcobo from MICTSETA and Hlubi Shivanda: Director: Business Innovation Group and Corporate Affairs at Samsung South Africa

Sanele Gcumisa, CEO of Ocule IT

“Samsung will remain committed to the idea of real empowerment and education that changes lives. We are pleased to partner with Ocule IT who share our vision of equipping the youth to seize the opportunities that lie in the ICT sector.  This is an inspiring capacity building programme, that showcases the power of technology to train and inspire young people to pursue their greatest ambitions. We wish the graduates the greatest of success on their journey, and will continue to seek out the avenues that will lead to their success,” said Hlubi Shivanda, Director: Business Innovation Group and Corporate Affairs at Samsung South Africa

Ocule IT hosted the 12-month MICTSETA accredited Electronics Learnership. The programme is focussed on the training and development of electronics, technicians. Overall, the programme benefits 40 unemployed black youth over two years. This is a fully funded bursary programme that provides for tuition, equipment and stipends. In essence, it is a comprehensive integrated skills development investment programme that prioritises the delivery of an integrated holistic package of personal, technical, entrepreneurial and business skills, aligned to meet the needs of the country’s economic development strategies.

Ocule IT is pleased with the progress achieved by the first cohort of 20 young unemployed youth recruited and trained during challenging period, when COVID 19 hit South Africa. The majority of the group has managed to secure employment or is involved in self-employment initiatives. Ocule and Samsung is committed to providing support and guidance to those with an interest in meaningful employment, in order to create more opportunities in the future.

Jacob Maphutha from the Dtic