This Samsung ED programme which aims to empower black-owned ICT and Service Centre enterprises to boost the economy and create jobs through entrepreneurship and business support – involves initiatives like grant funding, specialist business development support and access to supply chain opportunities for black-owned and women-owned small, medium and micro enterprises. This programme’s efforts are aligned with the country’s transformation goals and aim to foster a more inclusive economy. 

In an effort to inspire potential future participants coupled by Samsung’s need to measure the impact and effectiveness of its CSR initiatives – the company took the time to speak to two of the beneficiaries from the ED programme in the last few years. When asked how Samsung EEIP provided the participating SMME owners with the confidence and support needed to mean business about their businesses, this is what they had to say:

One of the beneficiaries is Thoriso Rangata. He is a 32-year-old, businessman and the owner of KTO Digital, which focuses on Business Process Automation, Software Development Services and Background Screening Software as a Service (SaaS) solution provider. Thoriso says from being part of the programme, he gained the reassurance and confidence he needed.

Thoriso based in Johannesburg, originally from Limpopo, became part of the programme when he responded to a public call for applications in 2020. At the time, his business, KTO Digital, needed support in order to meet the company’s growth objectives. Thoriso is a true example of how the programme is able to empowerment ICT entrepreneurship as well as stimulate job creation and assist in contributing to economic growth. 

Since being part of the EEIP programme, Thoriso’s company won the Nedbank Business of the Year Award in 2022. In the same year, his company launched their own product and received accreditation as a credit bureau business.

The support he received from the programme has allowed KTO Digital to create over 20 jobs between 2021 to date. This is in line with the programme’s objective of creating both direct and indirect jobs, with a particular emphasis on Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) and the development of township economy.

These achievements demonstrate how the EEIP programme has provided Thoriso and his team the opportunity to pursue their passions as well as bringing security and stability – not only to his employees but also to their families’ livelihoods. Thoriso explains, “the other direct benefits that KTO Digital received from being part of the programme included: Grant Funding, Asset Financing as well as Continuous Business Mentorship – and this, is exactly what our business needed in order to move forward.”

He added: “As a company, we strongly believe that the skills we acquired from this EEIP programme, which included Business regulatory governance structures and strategic business growth approaches/methods – have contributed to the success of our business to date. This programme has really helped us to achieve our goals, and it has taken our business to new heights.”

Based in Sinoville, Tshwane, the second EEIP beneficiary is Dumisani Mkhwebane – a 38-year-old businessman who co-owns and runs TIA-Solutions – an IT company with Boitumelo Mkhwebane – a 36-year-old, businesswoman. Their business focuses on Secure Scalable IT Solutions by building cloud infrastructure through collaborative team efforts. This provides their customers with resilience from cyber-attacks and contributes to productivity, efficiency as well as business continuity.

Dumisani explained further: “As TIA-Solutions, we partner with multinational vendors such as Microsoft, Fortinet and Veritas which allow us to give our customers end-to-end, tailor-made IT solutions that cater to their business needs.”

He also elaborated on how the company entered into the programme, Dumisani said: “We saw an advert on LinkedIn in 2023 about the EEIP Enterprise ED and decided to enter. We then received Capital Investment to buy computer equipment for our internal operations as well as company vehicles. In addition, we received Business Training and Skills development for our employees as well as other vital skills that we needed which included: Business Management Skills, Marketing and how to better position our company.

“The programme has both Financial and Non-Financial benefits for Business Growth and Sustainability,” Dumisani added. “It is for these reasons that we would like to encourage other SMEs to apply to be part of the programme. We strongly believe that the ED programme will help grow other SMEs like it did ours and it will help a great deal in upskilling their workforce.”

Importantly, this Samsung ED programme seeks to inspire potential future participants by demonstrating how the EEIP can help them kick-start their businesses. The tangible results articulated by these beneficiaries are a confirmation of Samsung’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and providing a reliable support system to SMEs in the country.

Nicky Beukes, Samsung South Africa EEIP Project Manager concluded: “It is clear from these testimonials that through the reassurance and confidence offered by this Samsung EEIP ED programme – we are slowly, but surely achieving our intention of shifting the perception of potential candidates from “I’m working on something” to “I run a successful business”. As Samsung, we are happy to be delivering according to our programme’s overall and multi-faceted objectives which include the creation of a more inclusive and prosperous society through strategic investments, skills development and entrepreneurial support.” 

Samsung’s R280-million worth EEIP, which was launched in 2019, has managed to demonstrate considerable success since its inception. In its six years of sustained success, this year represents the 3rd edition of the programme and 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 Samsung’s broader commitment to the ICT sector, SMME development and the government’s Vision 2030.

Nicky Beukes, Samsung EEIP Project Manager said: “This programme has in the last few years seen great success and has also had a positive impact in the lives of entrepreneurs in the ICT space. As part of our transformation objectives, our EEIP programme continues to contribute to the sustainable development goals of the National Development Plan (NDP).”

Importantly, through Samsung’s collaboration with the DTIC – these partners remain committed to making a positive contribution to broader economic growth and, to continue playing a significant role in both job creation as well as sustainable entrepreneurship opportunities within South Africa.

Beukes added: “And together with the DTIC, we have in the last few years re-affirmed our commitment to ICT development and economic transformation which are aligned to South Africa’s Vision 2030. This third edition of EEIP and its success to date, is a clear indication that Samsung’s significant investment in SMME development is yielding tangible results.”

This third, consecutive call to all black-owned SMEs in the ICT and Service Centre space across South Africa is a great opportunity for the country’s ICT SMMEs to grow and shape the future of their businesses through this Samsung ED Programme.

For more information on how to respond to the call and apply, please see link: www.samsung.com/za/local-programme/ed-programme/

• Main Page:  Samsung EEIP | Enterprise Development | Samsung South Africa
• Application form: Samsung EEIP Application for Enterprises | Samsung South Africa