JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – Samsung South Africa, in partnership with State Information Technology Agency (SITA), launched the Solve for Tomorrow school competition in Bryanston. The competition is aimed at giving grade 10 and 11 learners from underserved communities an opportunity to gain invaluable skills while solving some of the challenges within their communities through Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).

This unique competition has been designed to increase interest and proficiency in STEM education. This contest started in January this year and teams in various schools were advised to register via an online form on the Solve for Tomorrow website. Supervising teachers at each of the selected schools were requested to oversee the teams participating in the competition.

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Competition has – since 2010 – been challenging public school students to dream, develop and build real-world solutions to enact positive change. This programme has reached over 1.5 million contestants in more than 30 countries around the world by 2020. Samsung South Africa in partnership with SITA has, from this year piloted this Solve for Tomorrow contest with 51 pre-selected schools nationally – encouraging innovative thinking, creative problem-solving and teamwork to nurture social innovation ideas that can address various communities’ most pressing problems.

Hlubi Shivanda, Director of Business Operations and Innovation and Corporate Affairs at Samsung South Africa said: “As Samsung, we have long-recognised the philosophy of investing in the country’s technological advancement as this is intrinsically linked to economic growth. This is why Samsung is spearheading large-scale ICT-driven initiatives aimed at enabling previously underserved societies and introducing disruptive innovation that contributes to superior networks that reach remote areas.”

In conjunction with SITA, Samsung used the launch event as a platform to announce the 2023 Top 10 schools, out of 51 participants nationally, who will go through to Phase Two (2) – where they will tackle an emerging challenge and produce tangible innovations to help improve society with the help of assigned Samsung employee-mentors.

Samsung is enabling these learners by giving them funding for prototypes, taking them to a design thinking workshop and sponsoring every school with a Samsung tablet and data to help them do research. The final stage of the competition will be an opportunity for each school to present the prototype of their solution to a panel of judges with the potential to win STEM equipment for their schools worth R100 000 (1^st place), R50 000 or R30 000 (2^nd and 3^rd places respectively). In addition to the main prizes, each of the learners in the top three teams will be rewarded with a Samsung device.

The Top 10 schools that have been selected include:

Government believes that the most effective and sustainable way to build an economy is to equip young people with the skills and know-how to drive it, thus its efforts are focused on strengthening the link between the skills that are developed and those needed by the workplace*. This is what motivated state-owned agency SITA, to be part of the initiative.

Samsung shares government’s view that South Africa now more than ever, needs to equip the youth to seize the opportunities that lie in the ICT sector. The company recognises that education and beneficiation are the cornerstones of the country’s future and are requirements for it to be a major player in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

Head of Corporate Affairs at SITA, Tlali Tlali, said the state-owned entity found some synergies between its work and Samsung’s efforts in the area of corporate social responsibility. “When we speak of public-private partnerships, this is about collaboration in working towards achieving meaningful progress. Our country has an unfortunate past of inequality and we need to do something about it. As like-minded organisations in technology, this partnership seeks to do just that as we redress the imbalances of the past, empower the youth and shape South Africa to be able to be counted among the top nations. We’re happy and proud to be associated and working with Samsung in this initiative.”

The Solve For Tomorrow competition is a carefully curated programme which is supported by ten (10) of Samsung employee-mentors from various disciplines in the Samsung business, who also have a passion and interest in STEM. These mentors act as a support structure to the learners.

“We believe that this community and youth-driven initiative is but one of the ways that we are using to embrace digital transformation in South Africa, by continuing to harness the power of technology and innovation to effect great positive change in the country. We are convinced that investment in South Africa through digital transformation will contribute positively towards sustainable future economic growth,” added Shivanda.

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

to life like never before

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – 09 November 2021 – Today Samsung launched Life Unstoppable 2021, which this year takes the virtual experience one step further with a colourful and stylised mini-movie that tours the iconic Samsung ‘house of surprises’.

Our homes have become everything to us in the last 18 months – transforming into schools, offices, gyms and entertainment spaces. Although with so much time spent within our four walls, the home has also become a little too comfortable, with many Europeans in need of a reset. This year’s Life Unstoppable experience seeks to spark inspiration for those seeking to innovate their home experience, with products that enable consumers to once again ‘press play’ on a life of wonder and delight.

Life Unstoppable: ’house of surprises’ follows a family of eclectic characters, on a journey through their vibrant home, demonstrating the ways in which Samsung’s connected ecosystem of devices allows the family to unearth their inner creativity, passion and fuel a Life Unstoppable.

Life Unstoppable: ‘house of surprises’ is the first feature mini-movie of its kind for the brand, bringing technology to life in ways never seen before. The experience tours six different rooms in the ‘house of surprises’, with interactive vignettes each showcasing a collection of truly connected Samsung products, that fuel a much-needed reset of joy and inspiration in the home – from mobile screens that flip and fold, to immersive TVs that take your breath away, and home appliance innovations that bring a new spark to even your least favourite tasks.

“At Samsung, we develop innovations that go beyond what people expect. From folding phones to TVs that show art when switched off and washing machines that get your clothes faster by only using the amount of time, detergent and water actually needed,” said Dudu Mokholo, Chief Marketing Officer at Samsung Africa. “With the Samsung ‘house of surprises’ we are showing how our connected products bring innovations that help customers to live a Life Unstoppable.”

Samsung products and services are spotlighted in the immersive and colourful ‘house of surprises’, through brand spokespeople and the eccentric Unstoppables family: Gym-Buff Dad, Rockstar Mom, Magician Archie, Superstar Chef Evie and former Lucha-Libre Wrestler Gran.

Throughout the experience, attendees are immersed in a series of vignettes, each showcasing the full capabilities of Samsung’s 2021 product line-up for inspiring joy in the Unstoppables’ lives:

Space Race

The almost magical modularity of the Bespoke Refrigerator is brought to life when budding chef Evie runs out of room for the evening feast and her magician brother astonishingly adds another module to the unit.

Curious Incident of the Snowing Cake

The Unstoppables put the Samsung Bespoke Jet to the test when Evie’s snowing cake creation causes a wintery mess in the kitchen. Can the Samsung Bespoke Jet handle the heat or lack of?

Step into the Action

The family is transported into the action with The Premiere – Samsung’s lifestyle projector, and Q800 Soundbar at one of the famous Unstoppables’ movie nights, with truly immersive entertainment that creates laughter, tears and everything in between.

Colonel Dad

The Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 Gaming Monitor puts Dad one step ahead of the competition, as he leads his team to victory with a dynamic curved screen that enables him to fully execute his battle plans.

Lost in Music

Mom is immersed in her favourite musical moments on the true-to-life Neo QLED TV and Q950 Soundbar, which join Samsung’s other immersive QLED TV’s, The Frame – with unique personalised bezels – and The Serif, in the ‘house of surprises’, as she indulges in a dance party. But not wanting to rock out on her own, she dials some of her best friends into the fun thanks to Google Duo on her Galaxy Z Flip3.

The second edition in the Life Unstoppable series fuses storytelling and entertainment together in an interactive digital experience, which blends a range of Hollywood and digital techniques to place attendees in the heart of the narrative. Added interactive layers enable guests to engage with the movie in real time, creating a unique and disruptive experience, underpinned with the creative use of technology.

Discover the Unstoppables’ hidden talents and Samsung’s latest ecosystem of products in the colourful and immersive Life Unstoppable: ‘house of surprises’ at https://www.samsung.com/uk/explore/experiences/life-unstoppable-2021/.

“Samsung has been actively planning for the roll-out of vaccines, as the safety of our employees is reliant on them. With this in mind, we decided to make it easier for staff members and their spouse to get vaccinated during the week, as opposed to times when it may be less convenient to do so. We will continue to rise to the challenges of the pandemic to ensure the safety of our people and their families, “said Zain Reddiar, HR Director at Samsung Africa.

Samsung is also dedicated to making a difference by affording its staff the additional support they may need. Staff as well as their family have been given free access to Trauma and Bereavement counsellors to assist them if affected by the impact of the pandemic.  For now, its employees are continuing to work from home where possible, as protection from Covid-19, which continues to affect South Africans and businesses, despite the easing of lockdown restrictions. Recently, a donation scheme was also put in place to assist colleagues in Kwazulu-Natal, who were affected by the unforeseen unrest. Support staff were sent to these facilities to assist wherever possible.

Beyond its staff, Samsung is currently working with partners to rebuild the ICT value chain, affected by the recent looting and damage to infrastructure. As a partner to South Africa, Samsung is proud to join the country in showcasing its resolve and capacity to rise to a challenge. Inspired by this spirit of resilience and unity Samsung has elevated its #StrongerTogether campaign to be a part of the nation’s inspiring mission to rebuild South Africa.

‘We appreciate the strong support of the Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize and his team who assisted with the rapid testing kits donation process. It is through these types of public-private partnerships and the resilient spirit of South Africans, that we as a country will overcome’ said Sung Yoon, President & CEO of Samsung Africa.

In normal circumstances on Mandela Day, the Samsung team would have been out contributing through the employee volunteer program, building houses and fixing schools. This year due to COVID-19 the company is supporting differently. South Africa is still at a critical stage of dealing with the pandemic and it is crucial to curb the spread of the virus.

In response, Samsung is proud to donate rapid testing kits to the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC). “This donation from Samsung will enable the evaluation of a rapid PCR test that can deliver a result in less than an hour in the field” says Prof Glenda Gray, President and CEO of the SAMRC.

The SAMRC is leading the field evaluation of various diagnostic strategies to better understand the epidemic in South Africa. The rapid testing kits are an essential part of the strategy to roll out testing and get results in real-time. Testing is a critical tool for the diagnosis, management and containment of the epidemic.

‘Samsung is committed to South Africa and we are fortunate as a company to be able to leverage the power of our innovative technology to respond to the core pillars designed to curb the spread of COVID-19. Our contribution of these innovative tests, supplements the support we have provided in collaboration with our network partners to equip the brave, frontline responders with smartphones, tablets and communication technologies. It is to them we owe our thanks’ continued Sung Yoon.

“What we face is a generation-defining moment, a challenge unlike any other. However, our belief in Africa and its people remains steadfast and strong. I know, working together, we can and we will rise to this challenge,” said CEO & President of Samsung Africa, Sung Yoon.

Tracking is an important part of fighting the spread of the virus as the cases in South Africa increase the more people need to be located and tested. Trackers will have to travel around the country to find primary and secondary contacts and get testing to those people. Many countries around the world have moved to using surveillance technology to get ahead of the virus. However, South Africa does not have the luxury of such technology as most of our people still do not carry smartphones.

“As we venture into uncharted waters, we need to heed the call of our President in working through this together, while apart. It is up to each one of us to do what we can to flatten the curve and reduce the possible impact of this virus particularly for those who rely on the public health system” said Serame Taukobong CEO, Telkom Consumer.

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – 14 March 2020 – Sandton City Shopping Centre came to life in a big way at the Samsung Galaxy Studio this past weekend. Hip hop superstar, Cassper Nyovest attracted throngs of fans to launch the incredible Galaxy S20 at a purpose-built Galaxy Studio. To add to the excitement, popular influencers and content creators captivated those wanting to learn how to harness the power of the Galaxy S20.

The event went into overdrive when Cassper took to stage to perform an electric set of songs. His entrance into the studio arena was captured live and in crystal clarity, with the Galaxy S20 Ultra’s 100x zoom. With the Galaxy S20’s Space Zoom technology, even when you are far away, you can zoom in close. You can use up to 30X zoom on the Galaxy S20 and 20+, or step-up to the S20 Ultra’s revolutionary folded lenses with 10x lossless zoom for 100x Space Zoom. The performance enthralled the fans, who were able to clearly enjoy the performance, even through the crowd. Additionally, Samsung gave away Samsung 65-inch Q90 TV’s valued at R45,000* to customers that bought the Galaxy S20 and entered the competition.

Lightning Strikes Twice

Last weekend’s competition draws revealed a twist nobody expected. Husband and wife Antonios Hatiras and Daniella Pisanti-Hatiras both decided to purchase a Galaxy S20 and enter into the TV draw. As lifelong Galaxy fans, the couple purchased their devices and then waited for hours to be in the lucky draw, armed with two draw tickets. Their patience was rewarded. They won the awesome Q90 TV. And then, proving that lightning can strike twice, they won another Q90 TV with their second ticket. Remarkably, they have been on a winning streak in other ways.

“My wife and I have always loved Samsung and we’re also clearly very lucky – doubly lucky. Even my wife is pregnant with twins,” said Mr. Hatiras, as they celebrated their amazing wins.

There will be more TV’s waiting to be won – one at Gateway Shopping Centre on 21 March and Canal Walk Shopping Centre 28 March. The live draws for all venues will be at 2pm.

A Touch of Class

The Galaxy Studios featured masterclasses and demos to learn about the Galaxy S20’s cutting-edge cameras and their ability to enhance photography and content-creation skills. The interactive classes were conducted by well known influencers such as Austin Malema Sarah Langa, Chef NTI (TBC) and Tik Tok influencers, Witney Ramabulana and Robbie & Chane.

“It was a day to remember. The Galaxy S20 and its pioneering features have become an instant hit with South Africans. The Galaxy Studios were designed to dynamically showcase the groundbreaking features, specifically on the cameras, in a captivating and memorable way. The energy at the studios and the overwhelmingly positive reaction was truly inspiring,“ said Cambridge Mokanyane, Chief Marketing Officer at Samsung South Africa.

About the Galaxy S20

The Galaxy S20 series introduces a brand-new camera architecture that combines AI with Samsung’s largest image sensor yet for stunning image quality. Along with the camera, the Galaxy S20 makes the experience of everything we love to do with our phones easier and better including personalised music for every moment of the day, watching videos the way they are meant to be seen and play console-style games on-the-go. The Galaxy Studio brought the amazing breakthrough features to life through various activation stands.

The Galaxy S20 series (S20, S20+ and S20 Ultra), also includes the biggest screen size (6.9’) in the market, and is available in various, classic colours:

• Galaxy S20: Cosmic Grey, Cloud Blue, Cloud Pink
• Galaxy S20+: Cosmic Grey, Cloud Blue, Cosmic Black
• Galaxy S20 Ultra: Cosmic Grey, Cosmic Black

And because life happens, you can get the peace of mind of Samsung Care+ with up to two screen repairs as well as a free battery swap with a valid screen repair, free software updates and free device health diagnostic. As a special launch offer, those who purchase the device by 31 March will be offered Samsung Care+ at a discounted price – 24 Month Samsung Care+ cover for only R499. This is a saving of up to R1999. The Care+ offer must be activated within 30 days from your device purchase**. For Samsung Care+ terms and conditions and to sign up, visit https://www.samsung.com/za/mobile/samsung-care-plus/

Galaxy S20 Price Guide:

Galaxy S20 R18 999*
Galaxy S20+ R20 999*
Galaxy S20 Ultra R26 999*

For more info on the Galaxy S20 Series, visit Samsung.com/za 

*Recommended Resale Price
**Terms and Conditions Apply

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – 13 March 2020 – This past weekend, from Friday 6 March, South Africans were able to experience and purchase the pioneering Galaxy S20. To showcase the innovative features of the device, Samsung South Africa set up purpose-built Galaxy Studios in Sandton City Shopping Centre from 6 to 15 March, then Canal Walk and Gateway shopping centres from the 20 to 29 March. Those who purchase a Galaxy S20+ or S20 Ultra by 12 March will receive an exclusive launch gift of Galaxy Buds+ valued at R2,999*.

Samsung is also giving away Samsung 65-inch Q90 TV’s valued at R45,000* with free delivery and installation**. There are 6 winners in total. To enter, those who buy a Galaxy S20 should bring their proof of purchase to a Galaxy Studio. The first Sandton City draws took place on Saturday 7 March and there will be another on Saturday 14 March. There will also be 2 more TV’s waiting to be won, one at Gateway Shopping Centre on 21 March and another at Canal Walk Shopping Centre on 28 March. The live draws for all venues will be at 2pm.

Along with the special offers, the Galaxy Studios features masterclasses and demos where people can learn about the powerful features of the Galaxy S20 Series. The interactive classes will be conducted by Beauty and Fashion Blogger Mihali Ndamase, Popular Influencer and Photographer Thickleeyonce, Celebrity Videographer, Scott Hurley, Famed Photographer Cyril Zuma, Popular Youtube Blogger, Hayls World, Tik-Tok influencers, Witney Ramabulana and Robbie and Chane, Actress and Model as well as Somizi as emcee.

The Galaxy S20 series, which includes the biggest screen size (6.9’) in the market, is available in various, classic colours:

• Galaxy S20: Cosmic Grey, Cloud Blue, Cloud Pink
• Galaxy S20+: Cosmic Grey, Cloud Blue, Cosmic Black
• Galaxy S20 Ultra: Cosmic Grey, Cosmic Black

And because life happens, you can get the peace of mind of Samsung Care+ with up to two screen repairs as well as a free battery swap with a valid screen repair, free software updates and free device health diagnostic. As a special launch offer, those who purchase the device by 31 March will be offered Samsung Care+ at a discounted price – 24 Month Samsung Care+ cover for only R499. The normal price is R1999 so this is a saving of R1500. The Care+ offer must be activated within 30 days from your device purchase**. For Samsung Care+ terms and conditions and to sign up, visit https://www.samsung.com/za/mobile/samsung-care-plus/
For more info on the Galaxy S20 Series, visit Samsung.com.

Galaxy S20 Price Guide:

Galaxy S20 R18 999*
Galaxy S20+ R20 999*
Galaxy S20 Ultra R26 999*

ABOUT THE GALAXY S20

The Galaxy S20 is a new series of flagship devices, which fundamentally change the way we capture and experience our world. The series introduces a brand-new camera architecture that combines AI with Samsung’s largest image sensor yet for stunning image quality. Along with the camera, the Galaxy S20 makes the experience of everything we love to do with our phones, easier and better—enjoy personalised music for every moment of the day, watch videos the way they are meant to be seen and play console-style games on-the-go.

CHANGE THE WAY YOU CAPTURE

Now, more than ever, we capture our lives and tell our stories through our smartphones—and that is why the camera is the single-most important feature for consumers purchasing a new smartphone. Designed for the way we live, the Galaxy S20 introduces an entirely new camera system—powered by AI and with our biggest image sensor yet—to bring out the best in every image and every moment.

•Details in Stunning Clarity: The Galaxy S20’s camera offers super-high resolution (108MP for the Galaxy S20 Ultra; 64MP for the Galaxy S20 and S20+) to bring out the details with stunning clarity. The Galaxy S20 Ultra takes things a step further by combining nine pixels into one at the sensor level for higher quality images in low light, using cutting-edge binning technology.
•Groundbreaking Zoom Capability: With the Galaxy S20’s Space Zoom technology, even when you are far away, you can zoom in close. Use up to 30X zoom on the Galaxy S20 and 20+, or step-up to the S20 Ultra’s revolutionary folded lenses with 10x lossless zoom for 100x Space Zoom. With advanced crop-zoom technology, S20 users can also capture a shot, crop it and edit it more easily, while maintaining the amazing quality.
•Single Take, Multiple Possibilities: Single Take lets you stay in the moment, while you capture the moment. The Galaxy S20 can capture a number of photo and videos, such as live focus, cropped, ultra wide and more, and use AI to recommend the best shots.
•Pro-Grade Filming Capability: The Galaxy S20 offers stunning 8K video shooting, so users can capture their world in true-to-life colour and quality. Even the bumpiest videos look like they were shot using a gimbal, thanks to Super Steady and its anti-rolling stabilisation and AI motion analysis. And when you are done shooting, stream your video to a Samsung QLED 8K TV and enjoy a best-in-class viewing experience.

DO WHAT YOU LOVE, BETTER

The Galaxy makes the experience of everything we love to do on our phone, easier and better. With new features and impactful partnerships, inspired by open collaboration, the Galaxy S20 is built for how we use our phones today.

•Music: Whether you are just waking up, or heading to the gym, enjoy a personalised soundtrack based around your routine, thanks to a new integration between Spotify and Bixby Routines. With Music Share, extend your paired Bluetooth connection to a car stereo or speaker via your device, so you and your friend can take turns DJ-ing during the road trip.
•Streaming: Because of the Galaxy S20’s professional-grade camera, Samsung partnered with Netflix to put the Galaxy S20 in the hands of renown directors to capture exclusive content for Samsung users.
•Gaming: The Galaxy S20 series takes mobile gaming to the next level. With a 120Hz display, you’ll experience incredibly smooth gaming. Later this spring, Samsung partner, Microsoft, will launch its popular Forza Street in the Galaxy Store, marking the first time the game is coming to mobile. Combined with a fast processor, up to 12 GB of RAM , audio tuned by AKG and a game booster, working in the background to optimise settings for peak performance, the Galaxy S20 offers a powerful gaming experience.

EXPERIENCE ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES

As our latest, flagship device, the Galaxy S20 series feature the premium technologies that Galaxy fans have come to know and expect. The most secure device Samsung has ever made, the Galaxy S20 is protected by Knox—the industry-leading mobile security platform that protects the device from the chip level through the software level. The Galaxy S20 also features a new, secure processor which protects against hardware-based attacks.

Powered by a big, intelligent battery, the Galaxy S20 Series comes with a 25W fast charger, while the Ultra supports 45W Super Fast charging***. With S20, you can also experience Samsung’s cleanest, simplest, most intuitive interface yet with One UI 2. You can also use the Galaxy S20 to control your smart home with SmartThings, achieve your health and wellness goals with Samsung Health, pay on the go with Samsung Pay, and more.

^{*Recommended Resale Price
**Terms and Conditions Apply
***The 45W Super Fast Charger is available separately and can be purchased at a Samsung Store and selected retailers}

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – March 12, 2020 – Samsung kick-started March with the inaugural Samsung RUN in Bryanston, Johannesburg. The run was inspired by Samsung’s support of lifestyle choices that are healthier and initiatives that uplift people and communities. Samsung Africa President and CEO, Sung Yoon welcomed runners to the event, that saw both 5km and 10km runners rise to the challenge of being the best version of themselves.

The participants also ran with a purpose as Samsung matched the amount received from race entry fees as a donation to the Gauteng Sports Trust. The Trust was formed to provide sporting infrastructure, kit and equipment and benefit programmes aimed at developing the young people of South Africa.

“Through our Samsung ecosystem, partnerships and pioneering technology we will continue to amplify the Samsung RUN in unique ways. We believe we can harness the power of our unrivalled innovation to continue to enhance the lives and wellbeing of millions of South Africans,” said Kagiso Khaole, Head: Content & Services Africa.

With over 1000 participants the Samsung Run Results were as follows:

5KM
Female
Nadine Claassen 23:37:71
Rosy Mudzanani 23:51:23
Kaitlyn Kruiskamp 25:13:79

Male
Tranquil Gumbo 17:41:74
Lympson Maifo 18:11:34
Ryan Mathaba 18:47:46

10KM
Female
Precious Hlaka – 40:34:60
Ilse Marais – 42:07:75
Natalie Mullany – 42:28:44

Male
Thepiso Khati – 32:08:720
Ronaldo Van Wyk – 32:43:74
Edwin Sesipi – 35:08:51

Samsung RUN returns on the 7th of June 2020 for the winter edition of the series.

Samsung South Africa and the University of the Western Cape are on a mission to empower youth to overcome the obstacles to their dreams.

Sibisiso Labi’s story is an example of how organisations can make a difference: Labi, now 20-years-old, was among the thousands of child-headed households in South Africa. But the determined boy from the Cape Flats refused to be a statistic. At the age of 18, he found a job as a picker at a supermarket distribution centre. A year later he resigned to pursue his dream of becoming a web developer.

Today, thanks to an innovative collaboration between Samsung South Africa and the University of the Western Cape the 20-year-old’s dream is materialising. He is one of 40 students receiving web and mobile software development training at a new Future-Innovation Lab which focuses on building digital innovation skills for unemployed youth in South Africa.

In May 2019, Samsung South Africa unveiled its R280 million Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP). Samsung’s EEIP projects, many of which have a focus on education such as the Samsung Engineering Academy and Bursary programmes are focussed on preparing youth to place their future in their own hands.

This is aligned with Samsung’s global mission: ‘Enabling People’, which is aimed at aiding people, discovering and developing their full potential. The EEIP initiative is projected to have a measurable impact on job creation and a contribution of nearly R 1-billion to the South African economy at large. Now the EEIP R&D Academy, in partnership with UWC and Microsoft, has showcased exactly what can be achieved.

“We believe our EEIP strategy will help alleviate the many challenges faced by the country’s youth. This exciting stage of the rollout through the R&D Academy affirms our commitment to growing South Africa through education, and we have dedicated the necessary resources and time to create possibilities, which were once merely a dream,” said Hlubi Shivanda, Director: Business Innovation Group and Corporate Affairs at Samsung South Africa.

The Future-Innovation Lab aims to provide an opportunity to deserving previously disadvantaged youth (between the ages of 18-35, to gain skills in software development and digital social innovation.

“We need to support and create the digital literates to build the economy we all seek. This is something that cannot be delivered by Government alone. We create policy to make it happen but it’s by working together with the private sector that we can effect meaningful change. We embrace companies such as Samsung and Microsoft who partner with us on our journey to empower our youth to be at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, “said Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Ms. Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams at the opening of the Future Innovation Lab.

The six-month Future-Innovation Lab programme focuses on:

· The development of software development skills and portfolios that can open doors to employment or further training;
· The development of transferable skills and experience in digital social innovation and
· The fostering of pathways into industry networks.

In addition to the six-month development experience, Samsung and UWC partnered with the Microsoft AppFactory to deliver an advanced nine-month software development programme to address the gap of high-demand software skills. The target group for this programme is more experienced software developers who lack practical or work experience. The programme aims to facilitate hands-on, real-world experience through creativity and fun in a learning and working environment.

Professor Josè Frantz – University of the Western Cape Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation – said: “The University of the Western Cape, as an engaged university, aims to make research count for the communities it serves. We value the importance of this initiative which will empower and prepare students for the Fourth Industrial Revolution”.

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – 25 February 2020 – Valentines Day 2020 in Mbumbulu in Kwa-Zulu Natal got the hearts of educators, learners and parents beating for all the right reasons. Samsung South Africa unveiled an ICT Innovation Hub that will benefit the community for years to come. Adams College became the proud recipient of a R2,5 million facility that will create access to computer literacy, the internet, basic IT and coding skills in remote communities. The unveiling ceremony was attended by Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, who was also key note speaker; Premier of Kwazulu-Natal, Mr. Sihle Zikala; MEC for Education in Kwazulu-Natal, Mr. Kwazi Mshengu and President and CEO of Samsung Africa, Mr. Sung Yoon amongst other guests.

This project is a part of Samsung’s ongoing vision for its global citizenship initiative, Enabling People. The vision reflects Samsung’s commitment to helping the future generation fulfill their true potential and work towards a brighter future for themselves and their communities. Samsung is continuously working to build on and expand the programs offered to young people across South Africa, in partnership with Government.

“As a human-centred company we are committed to technology that makes a difference where it really counts. We want to place technology in the hands of eager learners and support community and social development. This reduces isolation, bridges the digital divide and promotes the narrative of shifting traditional teaching to a digitalised one. It is also another positive step to positioning South Africa at the forefront of the 4th Industrial Revolution and that is truly inspiring, “says Hlubi Shivanda, Director of Business Innovation Group and Corporate Affairs at Samsung South Africa.

Samsung’s core focus as a passionate corporate citizenship is to aid sustainable development for quality education, and supporting the United Nation’s vision of digitising education over the next few decades. The innovation centre has been built in Adams College in Mbumbulu – a deserving recipient of this initiative with a proven record of academic excellence. In 2019, the college achieved matric results far above the national average including a 96% pass rate and 461 distinctions received.

The Samsung ICT Innovation Hub includes:

• A fully furnished ICT Classroom that seats 60 learners
• Samsung desktops and keyboards
• 65” interactive learning board
• Learning software that allows learners to track their school work and assist them with completing their tasks on time
• Training for teachers who will be teaching computer literacy, IT, and other related subjects

The learners will be taught coding in the lab. The is a Learner Management System (LMS) installed as part of this solution.

“Today the 14th of February 2020 is an historic day. We are thankful to Samsung for this generous gift. However, it does not just serve us but will impact the entire community and neighbouring schools. We are considered as 19 schools in one because of our impact on other schools, so the legacy of this facility will prepare many more learners for a future filled with possibility, “ said Thulani Khumalo, Principal of Adams College.

About Adams College

It is a historic Christian mission school in South Africa, associated with the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA). It was founded in 1853 at Amanzimtoti a settlement just over 20 miles (32 km) south of Durban by an American missionary. The settlement there is known as Adams Mission. The college’s alumni include Presidents of Botswana and Uganda as well as several ministers and leaders in South Africa. It is recognised as a historic school.