In attendance was Mr. Simon Lee, the President and CEO of Samsung Africa with his management team and some of the country’s dignitaries and strategic partners that included Ms Elspeth Khembo, Director for Mathematics, Science and Technology (MST), Curriculum Innovation and E-Learning at the National Department of Basic Education (DBE); as well as Mr. Tlali Tlali, the Director of Corporate Affairs at State Information Technology Agency (SITA).

Pictured: Samsung, Department of Basic Education and State Information Technology Agency representatives

This announcement marks the end of the initial application phase which ran until 06 March 2026 and Samsung along with its partners were recognising the outstanding contributions that these Top 20 schools have made to the programme; showcasing their achievements and potential impact. This year’s participation has reached new heights, with over 143 submissions from public schools across the country – a remarkable growth from 47 entries last year. This is testament to the unwavering dedication of the country’s educators and learners as well as Samsung’s valued partners: DBE and SITA.

The notable increase in participation can also be credited to the major shift in the application process in this year’s SFT competition, which has now been opened to all public schools, including quintile 5 – making it more inclusive and nationally representative. Now, the competition has reached a stage where it moves beyond theoretical knowledge. It is shifting from mere idea submissions going towards an active, mentored development of the solutions stage that is designed to create a positive social impact in local communities.

This year’s global themes: Social Inclusion through Sports & Technology and Environmental Sustainability via Technology, reflect our shared responsibility to build an equitable, sustainable and inclusive future. These themes which seek to foster innovation among high school learners from underprivileged backgrounds throughout South Africa – are encouraging critical thinking and problem solving for Gen Z to build sustainable solutions through STEM.

Mr. Simon Lee, the President and CEO of Samsung Africa

Speaking at the event, the President and CEO of Samsung Africa, Mr. Lee shared his sentiments on the collaborative agreement between Samsung and DBE which has in the last few years – highlighted the direct alignment of the SFT’s objectives to the country’s national education priorities. He added that the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Samsung and DBE has been instrumental in driving this success, anchoring the company’s partnership in strengthening STEM education and equipping learners with critical skills for the digital economy.

Elspeth Khembo, Director for Mathematics, Science & Technology (MST), Curriculum Innovation & E-Learning at the National Department of Basic Education.

And, according to the Director for Mathematics, Science & Technology (MST), Curriculum Innovation & E-Learning at the National Department of Basic Education, Ms. Elspeth Khembo: “By teaching learners to use digital tools, data and technology to develop innovative solutions, this Samsung SFT competition advances the department’s ongoing efforts to strengthen STEM education, expand digital learning opportunities and cultivate future-ready skills among the country’s learners.

Ms. Khembo explained further and said: “All of this is in direct alignment with our national education priorities including fostering 4IR (Fourth Industrial Revolution) skills, critical thinking and equitable access to opportunities in an effort to build a capable, innovation-driven and inclusive economy,”

For these Grade 10 and 11 learners from selected public schools – making it to this stage of the competition is a significant milestone. Advancing to this next phase means that these Top 20 school learners will – through project-based learning – be equipped with the 4Cs which are Creativity, Critical Thinking, Collaboration and Communication. These skills are essential for solving real-world challenges.

Tlali Tlali, Director at SITA – Corporate Affairs

The Director at SITA – Corporate Affairs Mr. Tlali Tlali also added: “We’re honoured to be part of this amazing initiative and even prouder of the fact that we’ve been partners with Samsung from inception. It gives us great joy to see the enthusiasm that’s evident in the significant increase in the number of schools from the country’s previously disadvantaged communities, that participate in this unique, global initiative. Our goal of aligning with Samsung’s transformation goals and building a digital South Africa by improving educational and career prospects for our youth, remains intact.”

With the support of mentors, design thinking workshops, prototype funding and tablets for research and project execution, the learners will have the resources to turn their visions into reality. This is complemented by the invaluable contributions from the judges and partners whose expertise and guidance is instrumental in nurturing this year’s young innovators.

Lefa Makgato, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager for Samsung South Africa

Lefa Makgato, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager for Samsung Electronics in South Africa said: “We would like to congratulate the Top 20 schools that made it to the next stage of this competition. As Samsung, we are very happy with the quality of the entries that we received from various schools around the country and are appreciative of the interest and overwhelming participation in this year’s competition. We are also grateful to our partners: DBE and SITA, whose strategic priorities align perfectly with our mission to empower students with skills that transcend the classroom and are able to prepare them for the challenges of tomorrow.”

And when taking a closer look at the themes for this year – the social change through sports and tech theme focuses on how the power of sport as a unifying force in South Africa is recognised. And, when combined with technology – sport becomes a tool for inclusion, youth development, health and community building. This first theme encourages young innovators to use digital platforms, data and smart solutions to improve access to sports, develop talent, promote wellness and create safer, more connected communities. It’s about using technology to amplify the positive social impact of sport beyond the field.

The second theme which focuses on Environmental sustainability through technology addresses the urgent environmental challenges that the country faces, such as climate change, water scarcity, waste management and energy access. This environmentally focused theme invites young people to develop tech-driven solutions that protect natural resources, promote renewable energy and support sustainable living. It signifies a shift toward responsible innovation using technology not just for convenience, but to secure a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come.

And furthermore, this year’s announcement places these Top 20 schools in the running to win substantial prizes, including up to R100,000 in STEM equipment for the winning school – with 2nd and 3rd place winning R50,000 and R30,000 respectively: plus Samsung devices for the top learners in the winning schools.

Makgato concluded: “As a pioneer in education and innovation, this SFT programme provides us with an opportunity to reinforce our dedication to nurturing the country’s future problem-solvers. Samsung is resolute in its mission when it comes to its education goals: we remain committed to continue empowering South Africa’s learners to address global challenges through technology and innovation.”

Top 20 Schools for the 2026 Solve for Tomorrow STEM Competition

This is a transformative experience for learners’ personal development and career aspirations – empowering them with critical skills to innovate and solve real-world problems. Launched for the first time in 2023 in South Africa, this SFT competition encourages innovative thinking and problem solving for Gen Z to build sustainable solutions through STEM. This year marks a major shift, the programme is now open to all public schools, including quintile 5 – making it more inclusive and nationally representative.

The SFT competition aims to reduce skills gaps, encourage youth led innovation and show young South Africans that their ideas have value and real-world impact. This global initiative envisions a South Africa where young people are not just job seekers, but solution creators who contribute meaningfully to inclusive growth and sustainable development.

This year’s competition that’s themed: “Social Change through Sports and Technology” and “Environmental Sustainability via Technology” – seeks to foster innovation among high school learners from underprivileged backgrounds throughout South Africa. With the social change through sports and tech theme – here the power of sport as a unifying force in South Africa is recognised. When combined with technology – sport becomes a tool for inclusion, youth development, health and community building.

This theme encourages young innovators to use digital platforms, data and smart solutions to improve access to sports, develop talent, promote wellness and create safer, more connected communities. It’s about using technology to amplify the positive social impact of sport beyond the field.

The Environmental sustainability through technology theme on the other hand addresses the urgent environmental challenges South Africa faces, such as climate change, water scarcity, waste management and energy access. This theme invites young people to develop tech-driven solutions that protect natural resources, promote renewable energy and support sustainable living. It signifies a shift toward responsible innovation using technology not just for convenience, but to secure a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come.

Lefa Makgato, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager for Samsung Electronics in South Africa said: “As Samsung, we are inviting more South African public schools to enter this competition so that their learners can have the exposure and networking opportunities that will help them connect with industry leaders and our Samsung mentors – aiding their transition to tertiary studies. By engaging in this year’s incredible themes; as well as fostering innovation and providing critical skills for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), public school learners who enter the 2026 SFT competition have an opportunity for their lives to be significantly impacted and transformed in more positive ways.”

Public schools in the country are encouraged to apply for the 2026 SFT competition and join this year’s challenge that will give them an opportunity to showcase their creativity. Schools can now be part of a movement that empowers the next generation to shape a brighter future. In addition, school learners and educators will now be empowered with technological aspects that will help them to solve their communities’ problems using STEM skills. With this SFT competition, this is an opportunity for those that are ready to turn their ideas into action.

This year’s participants can look forward to being tasked with addressing pressing community problems using STEM principles, thus improving their analytical abilities and gaining professional guidance from Samsung employees. Importantly, school teams that enter this year’s competition stand a chance to win exciting prizes and the recognition as South Africa’s next generation of innovators and problem-solvers. The 1st prize is R100K worth of STEM equipment for their school, with 2nd and 3rd prizes winning R50K and R30K respectively. And that’s not all, the prizes also include Samsung devices for the learners on the top three teams – to help them develop their STEM-based, tech-for-good projects even further.

Makgato explained further: “Even though there’s ultimately three winners of the competition; the previous participating learners have also learnt something fundamental – that this SFT competition is less about winning and more about the journey of learning and personal growth. We are happy to see that some of the former participants and winners of this SFT competition have transitioned into tertiary education, often pursuing degrees that align with the STEM skills they developed during the programme.”

According to Samsung, this SFT competition aligns very closely with the national education in particular the Department of Basic Education’s priorities and transformation goals of South Africa, especially those that focus on improving STEM learning, critical thinking and equitable access to opportunities. First, at the heart of South Africa’s education policy is the goal of strengthening science, technology, engineering and mathematics education because these subjects are essential for the current jobs market. The SFT competition does exactly that: it gives learners practical, hands-on STEM experience. This directly supports the national education priority of building stronger STEM capacity in schools.

Acting Director for Communications and Research at the Department of Basic Education (DBE), Terence Khala added: “The Department of Basic Education welcomes the continued expansion of the Samsung SFT programme as a strategic STEM enrichment platform that advances curriculum relevance, innovation capability and equitable access to opportunity within the public schooling system. Experiential competitions of this nature strengthen critical problem-solving, design thinking and applied learning competencies essential for participation in South Africa’s digital, green and knowledge-based economies.”

‘’The inclusion of all public schools reflects a shared commitment to broadening high-quality STEM exposure and nurturing a diverse pipeline of future innovators,” Khala concluded.

Additional Information on the Qualifying Criteria for Entering 2026 SFT Competition

In order to enter the Competition, a Team shall be required to comply with the following entry criteria:

• The Candidates of each Team must be South African citizens
• Prior written consent must be obtained by the applicable Public School from each Candidate’s parent and/or legal guardian for written permission that the Candidate may enter and participate in the competition
• The Candidate must be enrolled as a learner at the applicable Public School, as at the date of the commencement of the Competition and for its duration thereof
• Each Team may comprise of a maximum of 5 (five) learners from Grade 10 to Grade 11
• The Public School entering a Team into the Competition may only enter one Team.

How to Apply:

Application forms are accessible online. Visit our website https://www.samsung.com/za/solvefortomorrow/ to register your school and submit your team’s proposal. Do not miss out on an opportunity to empower your learners to gain critical thinking skills, collaborate and shape the future of our country. Together, we can inspire change – one idea at a time. Join and be part of the movement that seeks to empower school learners to innovate and change their communities’ problems using STEM.

For more information, visit https://www.samsung.com/za/solvefortomorrow/ or contact us at ssasft@samsung.com

In an effort to highlight how learners envision a better future through education – three learners were selected from the Top 10 schools and given an opportunity to share real and relatable stories on how they found their passion for school as well as Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). Their personal stories aim to highlight how these young people who participated in this year’s Solve For tomorrow competition viewed their experience and the power of choice as well as the impact of being part of this succesful initiative.

As one of Samsung’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives – the Solve For Tomorrow competition has a striking effect on the lives of the youth in the country. Over the years, Samsung has been using its resources in its quest to bridge the STEM education resource gap in the country and this is an illustration of Samsung’s commitment to empowering the youth from underprivileged communities.

Samsung is dedicated to fostering responsible corporate citizenship in the education sector through various global and regional initiatives that include the Solve For tomorrow competition. Over the years, this global electronics giant has demonstrated a strong commitment to education across Africa through programmes such as these, with notable results in South Africa. By leveraging its technological expertise, Samsung focuses on empowering youth, closing digital divides and promoting STEM education in underserved communities.

One of the learners from Masibambane Secondary School said his community has had a serious water scarcity and power cut crisis for some time and, while he cared about this situation – he felt powerless to do anything.

The Masibambane learner explained further: “I knew a bit about STEM and was excited to learn how I can apply it to find solutions to solve real world problems. This competition seemed like a huge mountain to climb and honestly, I wasn’t sure if I had what it takes to reach the top 10. My team and I decided to tackle water scarcity and the effect of power-cuts in our student community by designing a “smart” system titled: HYDRO GUARD.

“This Hydro Guard system is able to use the water that is normally wasted by residents in our community and stores this unclean water in an effort to create power (Hydroelectricity) for the school. It’s now able to recycle this unclean water through water treatment before it is served to the school so that it can be used again.”

This learner and his team mates spent weeks in the Solve For Tomorrow 2025 design thinking workshops, where they learnt how to brainstorm ideas, collaborate with others and even fail forward when their initial designs didn’t work. Participating in this competition, he said: “The skills I’ve learnt from problem solving, scientific research and critical thinking to public speaking aren’t just for a school project; they are tools I can use in my life. I’ve realised that I don’t have to wait for someone else to solve the problems I see – I now have the power to be a part of the solution.”

Because of this impactful experience, this learner from Masibambane Secondary is now considering a career in architecture, specifically in the theme of designing sustainable and eco-friendly buildings that are powered by renewable energy. He said that he’s now more confident about his future than ever before. “The Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition didn’t just help me build a smart bin; it also helped me build a smarter, more confident me,” he added.

A second learner from Umlazi Comprehensive Technical School said: “Through this journey, I’ve learnt that teamwork is very important. What you do together as a team has a better chance of turning out well than when it is done by an individual. I’ve also learnt that communicating well with your team, makes the process of working together much easier. And through this Solve For Tomorrow competition, I also discovered some of the skills that I didn’t know I had, like creativity as well as being able to speak in front of many people.”

This Umlazi Comprehensive Technical School learner went on to say: “The Solve For Tomorrow experience also helped me realise that people are affected by the same problem in different ways. This therefore taught me to not only look at things in my own perspective, looking for information from other people also helps an individual to see things in a different light. It also helped me realise that when faced with challenges such as load shedding or floods – I can come up with innovative ideas to help solve these pressing problems in my community.”

Another team member from Phomolong Secondary School explained: “When we began our journey in this competition, I didn’t know how it would work out. It seemed like a big challenge, but as we worked together – I realised the power of teamwork. Each of us had different ideas and when we combined them, we were able to achieve something meaningful.

“This journey has taught me that teamwork is not always easy – there were moments of confusion and even disagreements. But those moments helped us learn how to listen and respect one another. I am grateful to my teammates, our teachers and the Samsung mentors for their support. This journey has helped me to grow, not only as an individual but also as a team player and a leader.”

Samsung is dedicated to fostering responsible corporate citizenship within the education sector through initiatives such as the Solve For tomorrow competition.

After months of dedication, creativity and innovation, Gauteng-based Tembisa West Secondary School was named the overall winner. Their ground-breaking energy efficiency AI system earned them first place for its potential to drive meaningful change in their school. The achievement earned the learners R100,000 prize money which will go towards purchasing STEM equipment for their school.

Umlazi Comprehensive Technical High School (KwaZulu-Natal) and Koffiefontein Combined School (Free State) took second and third place respectively for their forward-thinking ideas and practical applications of STEM to their community’s challenges. The second and third runners-up received R50,000 and R30,000 respectively to go towards purchasing STEM equipment for their schools. Each of the learners in the top three teams also received a Samsung Galaxy smartphone as part of the prizes.

The announcement followed an intense final round on 7 October 2025, where the top ten finalist schools showcased their prototypes before a panel of expert judges. Each team presented innovative solutions designed to address pressing issues in their communities. Under any of these three themes; Energy Efficient Schools, Innovative Transport Solutions or Affordable Safety Devices, the learners had to demonstrate sustainability and the transformative power of STEM when fuelled by purpose and collaboration.

The winning school chose the Energy Efficient Schools theme and came up with a smart energy solution AI system dubbed Green Jarvis. Their solution produces energy by using electromagnetic harvesting), and also monitors and reduce its usage. Green Jarvis has sensors which monitor energy usage at their school, adjusting where necessary to optimise efficiency. Housed in a dedicated server, Green Jarvis can monitor any system or tool that uses electricity, from lights to air-cons and heaters. For instance, when a room is being heated, as soon as it reaches the required temperature, the system will kick in and switch the heater off. The smart system, that has an interactive application as well as real-time metrics tracker for reporting, can also reduce the brightness of lights when needed.

“In doing our research and trying to find what we can do, we realised that a lot of energy was being used in our school and that there was room for us to be more efficient. That’s when we came up with the idea to build this system, that could be a game-changer even for other schools, especially those in underdeveloped areas where financial resources are in short supply. I’m so happy to be part of the team and very proud of our achievement,” said Ntumiseng Mafemo, team member and Grade 11 learner from Tembisa West Secondary.

“We are delighted to announce the winner of Solve for Tomorrow in South Africa, a remarkable example of how young innovators can drive meaningful change. This initiative aligns perfectly with our goals of enhancing STEM education in underserved public schools, fostering a culture of innovation, and equipping learners with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. By empowering these bright minds, we are not only addressing immediate challenges but also investing in a sustainable future for all. We are proud to support these inspiring individuals as they transform their innovative ideas into impactful solutions.”,” said Lefa Makgato, CSR Manager at Samsung South Africa.

Echoing this statement, Dr. Neo Mothobi, Chief Education Specialist in the Ministry at the Department of Basic Education, said the competition is a reminder of the potential that the youth of South Africa has in the fields of STEM. “The competition inspires young people to drive innovation through creativity and collaboration. It is remarkable that it inspires the youth to find solutions to real challenges in their communities. This initiative reflects what’s possible when industry and education work hand in hand and together, it shows that we can build the South Africa we all want. These learners have not only embraced STEM, they’ve shown that with the right guidance, South Africa’s youth can lead the way toward a smarter, more inclusive future.”

“Public-private partnerships, such as the one we have with Samsung, remain a major catalyst for development. They are particularly key to unlocking uniquely South African solutions to local challenges, and this competition helps push that very notion of localisation as it gives our youth an opportunity to find solutions for our issues. Information and communication technology is one of the sectors that we can use to ensure that young people are not left behind. We really need to focus our attention on investing in young people, who can be at the forefront of helping our country to grow and move forward,” said Tlali Tlali, Head of Corporate Affairs at SITA.

Now in its third year in South Africa, Solve for Tomorrow is part of Samsung’s global education initiative designed to equip young people with critical STEM skills and a mind-set for innovation. The competition has given learners the tools, mentorship and confidence to tackle local issues with global potential. SFT is a reflection of Samsung’s continued commitment to investing in youth empowerment and community-driven innovation.

As the winners celebrate their success, their journeys mark just the beginning of what promises to be a legacy of ideas that inspire progress, ignite change and shape a better tomorrow for all.

This year’s Top 10 schools were selected following the successful completion of the Design Thinking Workshops held between April 10 and May 30. These workshops equipped both Learners and educators from the 2025 Top 20 Finalist Schools with the tools needed to prepare for the critical prototype development phase. In this next phase, the Top 10 schools will receive resources and support to create physical prototypes, which will be presented to a panel of judges during the final evaluation.

The Solve for Tomorrow competition hosted by Samsung, is a flagship initiative in South Africa aimed at enhancing STEM education and fostering innovation among young people. It empowers Grade 10 and 11 learners from underserved communities to develop solutions to real-world problems using STEM skills. This year’s theme: “Infrastructure and Safety”; challenges learners to tackle pressing issues in their schools and respective communities.

The competition encourages creative problem-solving, teamwork and the application of 21st-century skills such as critical thinking and collaboration. By addressing local challenges, it not only equips learners with valuable skills but also promotes community-driven solutions and contributes to South Africa’s advancement of STEM. Participants have expressed how the programme has boosted their confidence, fostered teamwork, and created lasting friendships. The competition has instilled a sense of social responsibility in learners, empowering them to make a positive impact in their communities.

The judging process involves multiple stages and a rigorous evaluation criteria, culminating in a final assessment of prototypes. Schools initially submit their entries, which are reviewed by a panel of judges based on innovation, feasibility, and completeness. This is followed by a paper prototype submission and a final prototype evaluation conducted by judges who volunteer their time and expertise to ensure the competition’s success and credibility.

Malcolm Darwin, Talent Partner at Samsung and a volunteer judge on the SFT programme, shared his perspective: “I agreed to be a judge again because there are many kids with ideas to change the world or bring about change that may never be heard due to limited access. The SFT competition provides these Learners the opportunity to showcase their ideas and gain the resources needed to succeed. We have incredibly talented young minds in South Africa and I’m proud to be part of uncovering that talent as they tackle real-life problems.”

The winning teams stand to gain recognition as innovators and problem-solvers of the future, with prizes including cash awards and Samsung devices for schools and learners. The top three schools receive cash prizes for STEM equipment, while all top three teams are awarded Samsung devices. The first-place school receives R100 000, second place R50 000 and third place R30 000.

In no particular order, below are the names of the Top 10 schools advancing to the SFT finals:

Samsung emphasised how this competition fosters collaboration between learners, teachers and Samsung employee mentors, potentially leading to further partnerships and initiatives focused on innovation and development. Beyond being a competition, Solve for Tomorrow serves as a powerful platform for empowering young South Africans with the skills and knowledge needed to become innovators and leaders in the 21st century.

Lefa Makgato, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager for Samsung Electronics in Southern Africa, concluded: “Congratulations to the schools that have advanced to this year’s Top 10. The level of innovation displayed was truly inspiring, and we are excited to see these ideas come to life through prototypes. At Samsung, we are proud to drive this positive change and support the Department of Basic Education’s mission to increase STEM participation in our schools. As we move into the finals, we encourage all finalists to give their best effort and remember that your best is more than enough. This competition reaffirms Samsung’s commitment to fostering innovation and problem-solving skills as a responsible corporate citizen.”

To stay updated on the Solve for Tomorrow competition, including announcements, progress and results, be sure to follow the official Samsung Solve for Tomorrow channels. You can find the latest information on the Samsung Newsroom and the Solve for Tomorrow section of the Samsung website. These are the best places to get accurate and timely updates on the competition as it unfolds.

Given the scope and impact of the competition, it is essential that the judging process be both fair and effective, ensuring that all participants are evaluated equitably and that the most innovative, impactful solutions rise to the top. Samsung employees who have volunteered their time to judge the competition are passionate and generous individuals who are there to ensure that a fair process is followed.

Themed: “Infrastructure and Safety”, the 2025 Solve for Tomorrow competition is brought to life by a group of dedicated Samsung volunteers and carefully curated to show how technology can help tackle some of society’s biggest issues. Two Samsung employees: Craig King, an experienced Supply Chain and Logistics Professional and Astrud Meintjes, a head of e-commerce – are part of a group of judges that are evaluating and selecting the three finalist schools that are contending for the highest and ultimate prizes: R100,000 (first place winner); R50,000 (second place) and R30,000 (third place winner), respectively.

The judging process involves multi-stage phases and criteria that culminates in a final evaluation of prototypes. Initially, schools submit their entries and this dedicated panel of judges take the time to evaluate them based on innovation, feasibility and completeness. It is then followed by a paper prototype submission and then final prototype evaluation by judges that include Craig and Astrud, who volunteer their time and expertise to ensure the success and credibility of this competition.

Craig has extensive history of working in the information technology and services industry. He believes that he is also a student that’s learning daily, but also an aspiring leader who is a strong advocate of continuous improvement, development and progression. Craig has, over the last few years been part of the judging team that has ensured that the entire process is transparent, ethical and focused on evaluating every school’s submissions against established standards.

This year, Craig has been working in tandem with Astrud – an experienced Samsung E-Commerce and Business Development Professional whose experience is underpinned by a mindset that is both result and growth-oriented. With a career spanning over 25 years, Astrud has extensive breadth and depth of knowledge in financial management. She comes with a winning attitude that never forgets to have fun and, she has taken these traits with her to the judging process in the Solve for Tomorrow competition.

The competition has now progressed through several rounds, with the Top 20 finalists presenting their paper prototypes, which will then be judged to select the Top 10 schools. From here on, the Top 10 schools will develop physical prototypes and present them to this unique and dedicated panel of judges, who will then determine the ultimate winners. And, in the final phase – the selected top 10 schools will receive resources and support that will assist them to develop physical prototypes of their solutions.

These prototypes will then be presented to this panel of judges. After this entire process is finalised and the top three winners are determined – the winning teams will then receive outstanding prizes that will also be accompanied by STEM equipment and funding for their schools. 

Ultimately, the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition aims to use a fair and transparent judging process to identify and reward young innovators that are able to use STEM to solve real-world problems. And furthermore, this competition seeks to honour and recognise the innovative spirit of learners from underprivileged communities in South Africa.

The Top 20 schools that were selected to attend this year’s Samsung Solve for Tomorrow – Design Thinking workshops were paired with a group of mentors who were more than ready to turn and empower participating school learners into the next generation of problem-solvers. During these workshops which took place between April 10 and May 30, the 2025 mentors were able to assist both the participating learners and their educators by ensuring that they were equipped with essential skills and tools to approach problem-solving creatively and systematically.

These advisors also played a crucial role in ensuring that the workshops fostered critical thinking, design thinking practices, teamwork and the ability for the learners to develop human-centred solutions. During these workshops, the mentors were able to offer support through Question & Answer (Q&A) sessions, video calls and other forms of communication. And when the work of these mentors was analysed – looking at how they contributed in empowering learners from different schools to transform ideas into tangible solutions that address real-world challenges – ultimately leading to positive change in their communities – this is how the whole process penned out:

Zanele Sobuswa who was assigned to mentor learners form Mthiyaqhwa High School, in Kwa-Zulu Natal expressed just how  excited she was to be part of the group of mentors this year as well. Last year, Zanele mentored Mbilwi Secondary School learners that hailed from Limpopo into a second place win. She is convinced that she can also help this year’s KZN-based school to not only move into the Top 10, but also to be part of the Top 3 winners for 2025.

This year, Zanele acted as a support structure – guiding learners of Mthiyaqhwa High School through the competition process and provided them with guidance in areas of problem-solving, research and prototyping. As a committed advisor who contributed to the development of learners last year as well – Zanele has once again helped to develop these incredible learner’s skills in STEM and encouraged their creative thinking capacity.

Another dynamic Samsung employee who returned as a volunteer this year is Rose Legodi. Rose is a very passionate marketing professional at Samsung – she possesses a curious nature, which allows her to approach life with imagination, creativity and an open mind. She was yet again more than willing to share her expertise, experience and guidance with the learners from two Bloemfontein-based schools: Lenakeng Technical and Lereng Secondary Schools.

In addition, Rose played a critical role in guiding learners from the two schools through the competition process and this included brainstorming and research – in preparation for the prototype development stage. She was also able to assist this year’s learners and their educators to not only identify a challenge, but to also come up with a solution that will help address a genuine and pressing issue within their community related to infrastructure and safety, using technology. Like all the other advisors, she also ensured that the ideas for their solutions were based on the 2025 theme: “Infrastructure and Safety”.

Sizwe Mahlobo, another dedicated volunteer was assigned to a Limpopo based school – Thengwe Secondary. Sizwe has played a pivotal role in keeping his students focused and on track throughout the competition. He has successfully provided guidance and support to the learners, helping them to understand the competition’s requirements and develop their solutions. Importantly, during the workshops – Sizwe was able to help both the learners and teachers of Thengwe Secondary School with planning, learning and developing their solution – using the design thinking process.

As a mentor and advisor, he has also managed to offer STEM expertise and experience, checking the learners’ ideas and helping them refine their solutions. Sizwe has successfully provided guidance and support to the learners as they are in the process of developing their projects and prototypes – helping them to refine their ideas even further, while improving their problem-solving skills.

With the help of the Samsung mentors – one of the most significant and consistent takeaways from this year’s workshops is how the learners were able to effortlessly exercise their critical thinking skills. They have now been able to add to their STEM proficiency and are prepared for the rigors of higher education. Another critical observation is the growth in the learners confidence – allowing them to take on leadership roles, collaborate with their peers and successfully prepare to build their fully realised projects from idea to execution.

The Samsung Solve for Tomorrow STEM competition which honours and recognises the innovative spirit of learners from quintile 1 – 4 public schools, aims to empower young people in grade 10 & 11 from underserved communities through education and skill enhancement, particularly focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). This year’s theme: “Infrastructure and Safety” – challenges learners to tackle pressing issues in their schools and respective communities.

The entries to this year’s competition closed at the end of March and from the applications submitted – the Top 20 schools were selected to participate in the next phase of the competition, with the help of assigned Samsung employee mentors. This year, the selected participants are tasked with addressing genuine community problems using STEM principles, thus improving their analytical abilities and gaining professional guidance from Samsung employees.

Launched for the first time in 2023 in South Africa, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow is a unique competition that encourages creative thinking, problem-solving skills and teamwork to nurture social innovative ideas that address local communities’ most pressing challenges. Since inception, the competition has been growing from strength to strength and this alone, is an affirmation of Samsung’s dedication to empowering the youth with the skills required to drive innovation and change.

Lefa Makgato, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager for Samsung Electronics in Southern Africa said: “Congratulations to the top 20 schools for advancing to the 2nd phase of the Solve for Tomorrow contest. We are incredibly impressed by the passion, creativity and innovative ideas demonstrated in their entries. Each submission has shown a deep commitment to addressing real-world challenges with fresh perspectives and practical solutions. At Samsung, we believe that the future is shaped by young minds and we are excited to see how their ideas will continue to inspire change and drive progress.

Makgato explained with excitement how Samsung is now looking forward to seeing the learners’ continued dedication in the next phase – where they will be expected to conduct research, develop paper prototypes and submit their solutions for evaluation.

Below is a list of the Top 20 schools that have been selected:

And, with Samsung helping them with resources as well as mentors guiding them in phase two, the learners will need to conduct research, develop and submit their paper prototypes for the challenges they had identified in the preliminary phase. As part of this very crucial stage, the teams from the Top 20 schools for 2025 will now be taken to Design Thinking workshops to be held within their respective regions. Also, to help learners conduct their research and communicate with their mentors, the teams from the selected schools will be sponsored with a Samsung tablet as well as data.

At the Design Thinking workshops, learners will be taught invaluable skills on how to best approach and get the most out of their work, think critically, speak and act like designers as well as a cognitive and structured process for human-centred, creative problem-solving. Learners will also be encouraged to focus on building strong teams and will be trained on how to conduct research that can help transform their ideas from mere concepts to workable solutions that can address the identified issues within their communities.

At the end of this phase, the Top 20 Finalists will be expected to submit the paper prototypes of the solutions they have identified and the judges will evaluate to determine the top 10 schools to proceed to the final phase. The participating teams stand a chance to win exciting prizes and the recognition as South Africa’s next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.

In recognition of their efforts and brilliance, the participating schools have an opportunity to walk away with an overall, first prize of R100,000, the school that takes 2^nd place will receive R50,000 and the school that will complete in third place will be awarded R30,000 in STEM equipment. Moreover, Samsung will yet again sweeten the deal by rewarding each of the learners in the top three teams with a Samsung device.

Makgato added: “These prizes combined with the principles of this competition are a clear indication of Samsung’s commitment to empowering the country’s youth and rewarding excellence. We would therefore like to encourage schools, learners and the broader community to follow the competition and support these schools that are not only participating in the competition but are also representing their respective communities.”

The competition seeks to foster innovation among high school learners from underprivileged backgrounds throughout South Africa.  Grade 10 and 11 learners attending public schools are encouraged to apply. Participants will be tasked with addressing genuine community problems using STEM principles, thus improving their analytical abilities and gaining professional guidance from Samsung employees.

Teams stand a chance to win exciting prizes and the recognition as South Africa’s next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.

This year’s theme, “Infrastructure and Safety,” challenges learners to tackle pressing issues in their schools and communities. They have an opportunity to explore creative solutions in one of the following topics:

1. Energy-Efficient Schools – Develop practical and sustainable ways to reduce energy consumption in schools.

2. Innovative Transport Solutions for Learners in Rural/Township schools – Design efficient and accessible transport systems for learners in remote areas.

3. Affordable Safety Devices for Learners Traveling Long Distances – Create low-cost, effective tools to enhance the safety of learners during their daily commutes.

Qualifying criteria

• Entries should be made by a team of 2 to 5 learners
• Must choose one topic to address
• The school must be a quintile 1 – 4 public school
• Applicants must be South African Citizens
• Entries should be made on the Samsung Solve for tomorrow website

How to Apply:

Application forms are accessible online. Visit our website https://www.samsung.com/za/solvefortomorrow/  to register your school and submit your team’s proposal.

Do not miss this opportunity to empower your learners to think big, collaborate, and shape the future of South Africa. Together, we can inspire change, one idea at a time. Join us and be part of the movement to change our communities’ problems using STEM.

For more information, visit https://www.samsung.com/za/solvefortomorrow/  or contact us at ssasft@samsung.com.

Mandisa Shiceka High School, from Krugersdorp in Gauteng, took the honours after beating nine fellow finalists to be crowned the winners of the latest edition of the competition. In second place was Mbilwi Secondary School from Venda (Limpopo), who took first prize last year, while Adam’s College from Amanzimtoti (KwaZulu-Natal) rounded off the top three.

Run in partnership with the State Information Technology Agency (SITA), Solve for Tomorrow gives Grade 10 and 11 learners from underserved communities a unique opportunity to learn, and apply themselves as they solve some of the challenges in their communities through the practical application of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). In this process and as intended by the competition, the learners get the level of exposure that shows them their areas of interest, while also gaining invaluable experience and skills that help harness their path toward a career in the STEM fields.

As the overall winner, Mandisa Shiceka was awarded a R100 000 cash prize, while second-placed, Mbilwi Secondary received R50 000, and Adam’s College got R30 000 for third place. All the cash prizes will go towards purchasing STEM equipment for each school, according to their various unique needs. Samsung placed the cherry on top by rewarding each learner from the top three teams with a new Samsung Galaxy device.

The participating schools identify problems within their communities and use STEM to solve them by conducting research and developing prototypes. Samsung further enabled the schools with resources and mentors to guide them through the process.

To emerge victorious, the learners of Mandisa developed an automated hydroponic structure that grows food without using soil. They identified food security as the main challenge because their township, Kagiso, predominently a mining environment, which affects the quality of the soil, air and water (resources necessary for growing healthy food). To mitigate this, their innovative system would use greenhouses as well as rain water and boreholes as their source of water. “We came into the competition with a strong belief that we would win because we believe in our idea as a great solution – that’s the attitude that the entire team carried until the end. We’d love to thank Samsung for the opportunity to improve our community and learn some valuable skills,” said Makhosazana Mazibuko, team member and grade 10 learner.

Their educator, Nonki Motlogelwa, who also helped guide them in their project said, “When we entered, the excitement of winning this competition was high from all the learners. Even though they started feeling the pressure as soon as the work began, they always had faith in themselves and that pushed them through. We are proud especially because we won at our first attempt. I am so excited for the learners, they have shown so much courage, creativity and teamwork that I am sure they are heading in the right direction. Overall, the experience was amazing and thought provoking.”

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Minister Mhaule said, “Well done to Samsung for recognising a gap and walking the talk by working to fill it with this initiative. Their efforts and commitment to contributing towards educating our youth are highly commendable. It’s easier to stand by and criticise but with such a programme, Samsung is showing that doing will always be better than talking. Every learner and school that participated in the Solve for Tomorrow competition is a winner, simply for getting up and doing something, to solve problems in their community and also skill themselves and prepare for the future. This initiative is not just a competition; it is a beacon of what social responsibility should be.”

Solve for Tomorrow is one of Samsung’s corporate social investment initiatives and an ambitious effort to increase interest and proficiency in STEM, and help the country contribute to the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Innovative thinking, creative problem-solving, and teamwork form part of what the competition seeks to encourage among the learners as they learn important skills that could benefit them in their future careers.

Lenhle Khoza, Manager for BBBEE & Transformation at Samsung highlighted the importance of corporates supporting the youth with such platforms that could be a catalyst for their futures and the country’s destiny. “Since its launch in 2023, Solve for Tomorrow has grown into an annual creative thinking playground for underprivileged high school learners. The youth is key to Africa’s development potential and it is our ambition as a business to spread the competition to more countries on the continent for transformative ways to solve societal issues through STEM initiatives like these. Now more than ever, we need to guide young learners on the value of STEM skills to solve the greatest issues impacting our communities. Samsung is a firm believer in the power of education to drive positive change and we remain committed to unlocking the potential of Africa’s abundant resource, the youth,” said Khoza.