explore their increasing role in the ICT sector

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – 08 September 2021 – On Friday 20 August, Samsung South Africa kicked off its annual Samsung Women in Dialogue series. Aimed at providing a platform to cultivate inspiring conversations amongst women in the technology field, the dialogue was driven by international speaker and event MC, Jo-Ann Strauss. Joining her on the panel was, Dr Aisha R. Pandor, co-founder and CEO of multi-award winning online home services platform –SweepSouth; Dr. Penny Law co-founder and current Dean of Regenesys; Ndileka Mandela a social activist, former ICU nurse and the head of a rural upliftment organisation Thembekile Mandela Foundation; as well as Samsung Africa, Chief Marketing officer, Dudu Mokholo. The panellists shared their personal stories and perspectives to illuminate the most pressing issues for women in the 21st century and narrate the remarkable role now have in the technology sector.

“This series celebrates ordinary women in an extraordinary way.  As the industry grows and leaders emerge, we hope to give our women the forum to feel empowered to tell their story, to connect and inspire a new wave of leaders. As Samsung, we believe this will lead to innovation, motivation and leadership growth within Samsung and throughout the ICT sector. We want our women to feel inspired and celebrate the tremendous efforts women make to shape a more equal future for all”, said Zain Reddiar, HR Director at Samsung Africa.

The Samsung Women in Dialogue series outlined a clear vision for how women can thrive in the ICT industry, and the necessary boundaries needed to enable inclusivity, resulting in a shift in attitudes and behaviour. It places women’s unique stories at the forefront of its mission to positively impact people, companies, industry, and society at large. The dialogue provided a candid exchange, facilitating a stimulating and motivating conversation.

Launched during Women’s month, the Samsung Women in Dialogue series is a reminder of the struggle for equality, which must be addressed. Globally, this was expressed through the #ChooseToChallenge theme, noting that a challenged world is an alert world, and from challenge comes the need for change. In South Africa, this year’s Women’s Month theme is: Generation Equality: Realising Women’s Rights for an Equal Future’. Samsung drew inspiration from both themes to create the series and guide the narrative.

“As Samsung, we believe that the future is female, and all businesses and the industry will benefit greatly from placing women at the forefront of the fourth industrial revolution. We must work together for this aim, and when we do, we will be Stronger Together. The country and industry can only move confidently into a future where the efforts of all people are recognised in equal measures”, concluded Reddiar.

“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.

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – 05 August 2021 – The first South African of colour to compete in the Tour de France took on the world’s elite athletes at the Tokyo Olympic Games. His determined performance was inspired by his career journey – from his township roots in Capricorn Park, Cape Town to taking on the world’s best on an international stage. Samsung, as a technology partner to the 2020 Olympics, proudly supported this local hero as he chased down his Olympic dream. In conjunction with the International Olympic Committee, Samsung launched the #StrongerTogether project, where people across the globe including South Africa, can actively show their support for Olympic athletes such as Dlamini. Making his Olympic debut for the country, he was part of a five-man breakaway in the gruelling 234km race in late July in Tokyo. Samsung chatted with the inspiring star:

“Being in the South African Olympic Team was a dream come true. For me, it was a busy few weeks after participating in my maiden Tour de France at the beginning of the month. Our team were young and proud to participate in this gruelling competition. Being a part of the five-rider leading pack, and sensing the support of the South Africans who had woken up early to watch us as we saw the Fuji International Speedway, outside Tokyo, in the distance was extremely motivating. Whilst we never finished in the medals, the lessons were learnt and the support we received will stay with us as we take on all future challenges. Being so far away from home, it was great to instantly connect with family and friends through my Galaxy S21, provided to Olympic athletes. I’m going to enjoy and treasure looking at the Olympic rings printed on this special device,” said Dlamini.

South Africans are encouraged to support amazing South African athletes like Nic Dlamini in the Olympics and be a part of the #StrongerTogether campaign. This includes the chance for Olympic athletes and fans to stay connected and enjoy a virtual walk together via the Samsung Health app. The campaign is based on the power of technology and human connection to create a shared commitment to diversity and inclusion. Samsung aims to spread the Olympic spirit through innovative products, enabling all fans around the world to stay connected and share the excitement of the Olympic movement. This is an exciting moment for South Africans to rally behind local talent such as Nic Dlamini.

“The world moves forward only when it moves together. As we have done in the past in South Africa, we must continue to use sport to bring hope and optimism to all. Through diversity and inclusion, we can use the power of sport for the greater good, “concluded Dlamini.

Samsung will continue to partner with world-class athletes who defy barriers and inspire fans through their athletic achievements and off-field contributions to their communities. Their stories showcase strength, resilience and determination to bring hope, unity and inspiration to people around the world.