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

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

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

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

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

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