According to the Western Cape Government: “Despite having the lowest unemployment rate in the country, the rate remains high (18.1% to 19.6% as of 2025/2026), indicating a need for even more job creation”.^** This is one of the reasons why Samsung continues to be committed to investing in ICT education within the communities it serves; it’s the company’s way of trying to assist both the province and the country to overcome the youth unemployment challenge.

The graduating students are part of the Future-Innovation Lab (FIL) at UWC – a driving force in South Africa’s digital transformation agenda. Established in 2019 through a multi-year partnership with Samsung, the FIL creates pathways for young people to thrive in the digital economy through advanced training, applied research and inclusive innovation.

As the programme reaches the conclusion of its 2^nd phase, its achievements are remarkable and deeply transformative. Over the past six years, the programme has empowered its beneficiaries with comprehensive training in cutting-edge software development technologies. Participants have gained proficiency in high-demand coding languages, software architecture, web and mobile app development, database management and more.

The hands-on and project-based approach has ensured that graduates emerge not just with theoretical knowledge, but also with the practical skills demanded by the modern job market. Just over 90% of the programme’s 384 beneficiaries have already successfully been taken up in industry. Another core focus of the programme has been addressing the lack of female software developers in the industry. In this regard, 51% female representation has been achieved in the programme to date.

Leona Craffert, Director for Western Cape Colab and Institutional Planning.

Lois Dippenaar, Institutional Planner at UWC said: “This collaboration with Samsung demonstrates the real impact that industry-academic partnerships can have on social mobility and inclusive innovation. Our graduates leave this programme with practical experience, professional networks and a strong sense of purpose to shape South Africa’s digital future.”

The FIL aims to provide an opportunity to deserving previously disadvantaged youth (18-35) and equips students not only with strong foundations in software development and digital social innovation, but also with the advanced skills needed for emerging careers in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data-driven software development.

Importantly, through its work-integrated learning streams and close collaboration with industry, the FIL highly contributes to graduates’ readiness for the rapidly evolving AI and technology landscape. In addition, the Western Cape CoLab – an applied research unit at UWC which manages the FIL – complements this skills pipeline with research, policy engagement and applied projects on digital inclusion and technology governance.

Nicky Beukes, Samsung South Africa EEIP Project Manager.

Speaking at the event, Nicky Beukes, Samsung South Africa EEIP Project Manager added: “The Future-Innovation Lab reflects Samsung’s long-term commitment to developing digital skills and supporting youth employability in South Africa. Through this partnership with UWC, we are not only equipping young people with in-demand technical skills but also helping them build the professional confidence and workplace readiness required to succeed in the digital economy.”

Towards the end of the 10-month programme, students from this graduating cohort were able to present their projects, which showcased technology solutions addressing real-life problems or improving systems for greater efficiency. By designing apps and utilising the skills and knowledge gained throughout the programme, they demonstrated innovative approaches to solving challenges.

All of this illustrates the lasting impact that this programme has had on these graduating students. Also, it means that by aligning student training with national priorities such as AI maturity, digital skills and innovation for inclusion – UWC in collaboration with Samsung have managed to position themselves at the forefront of Africa’s efforts to ensure that digital technologies drive sustainable and equitable growth.

Beukes concluded: “As Samsung, we are very proud of these student’s achievements and the positive impact of our collaboration with UWC. Together with our partners, our continued commitment to ICT Education and youth empowerment allow us the opportunity to strengthen our focus on uplifting local communities by providing access to ICT training and skills development programmes – ensuring that individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds can thrive in the technology sector.”

^** Source: Western Cape Government – https://www.westerncape.gov.za/education/article/202526-education-budget-stepping-our-learners

In 2019, Samsung in collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) launched this EEIP initiative which was formulated specifically to address some of government’s priorities as well as Information and Communication Technology (ICT) challenges faced by South African youth from underprivileged communities.

Through strategic public, private partnerships (PPPs) with various institutions of higher learning, government and the private sector; Samsung’s EEIP programme has over the years managed to make a tangible impact in the lives of the youth in the country. The FIL at UWC in particular, is now a driving force in South Africa’s digital transformation agenda. Established in 2019 through a multi-year partnership with Samsung, the FIL creates pathways for young people to thrive in the digital economy through cutting-edge training, applied research and inclusive innovation.

The FIL equips students not only with strong foundations in software development and digital social innovation, but also with the advanced skills needed for emerging careers in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data-driven software development. Through its work-integrated learning streams and close collaboration with industry, the FIL ensures graduates are job-ready for the rapidly evolving AI and technology landscape.

A large number of young individuals who were part of Samsung’s EEIP programme across the country have now been able to overcome challenges, secure meaningful employment and drive positive change within their communities. In an effort to show evidence of these tangible results from individuals who were impacted specifically by the FIL programme at UWC; Samsung is now bringing testimonial stories that are highlighting the journeys of the participants as well as their personal growth achieved through this programme:

Buhle Mcetywa, a 23-year old student from UWC says she found out about the EEIP software development (SWD) programme through the institution’s notice emails and applied. She had heard of it before through her professor while pursuing her degree in Chemical Sciences and decided to take part in this EEIP programme, namely the Multi-platform software development with an emphasis on C#, six (6) months after completing her degree. She went from not being able to write a line of code to being part of a team that built a gardening application incorporating an AI model for disease detection.

She added: “I gained a lot of experience from the programme and went from being a Chemist student to being able to read and write software in a space of 10 months. The regular presentations during the programme also helped me to become a better public speaker and communicator and now, this is a skill I’m actively working on developing further.”

Luke Padiachy, a 26 year-old who is originally from Eerste River in Cape Town said that his sister was part of the programme before him. Prior to enrolling, he didn’t have any tertiary education – he was just a general worker and about a year or two later, he met two colleagues who were part of the EEIP SWD programme.

He said: “At that time, I had gotten a promotion at work and was asked to train them on our new system. Getting to know them inspired me to apply for the programme as well. Honestly, I never thought I’d get in, but when that acceptance message came through, I was so surprised and excited. It really felt like someone was taking a chance on me and I’m so grateful they did.”

According to Luke, through the programme, he studied Multi-Platform Software Development and Digital Social Innovation for Impact and gained so much from being part of it. He believes that some of the programme’s benefits included access to tons of learning materials and he was introduced to a huge network of people in the tech world. They had guest lecturers like Scott Hanselman, VP Developer Community, Microsoft, and met so many tech influencers that they’d be able to look up when they needed help solving problems.

Luke explained: “The biggest benefit was that the programme helped me land my first tech job at Full Stack in Century City. We started as interns and then, got hired full-time. I learnt project management skills and the basics of coding which I use every day now as a Junior Developer. All of this experience now comes in real handy when I’m working with teams at my job. The programme has also taught us how to think through problems and solve them step by step, which made it so much easier to adapt to the real world of being a developer and, its been an amazing ride since then.”

Nicky Beukes, Samsung SA EEIP Project Manager concluded: “It’s quite satisfying to hear testimonies from the beneficiaries of the EEIP programme. To us, this says that together with our partners – we are achieving the objectives that we set for ourselves when we initially launched the EEIP programme. Together with UWC, this initiative reflects our strategic focus on graduate employability, socially responsive research and it’s strengthening the university’s role in South Africa’s innovation ecosystem. All of this is an affirmation of our commitment to empowering the country’s youth in in-demand skills needed by the local economy.”

South Africa, like many countries globally, grapples with the challenge of youth unemployment. This is supported by statistics indicating a 45,5% unemployment rate among young individuals (aged 15-34 years), in contrast to the national average of 32,9% in the first quarter of 2024”, according to Statistics SA.”  The Western Cape is no exception to this alarming trend.

In response to the country’s youth unemployment issues and a way to assist government to address this challenge, Samsung launched a R280-million worth Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP) in 2019. The company is now celebrating five years of this EEIP programme’s sustained success. This EEIP programme is projected to have a measurable impact on job creation and a contribution of nearly R1-billion to the South African economy at large. Five years in and Samsung’s EEIP programme has managed to train 539 youth in SWD and artisanal skills.

Jose Frantz, Deputy Vice Chancellor: research and innovation, University of the Western Cape said: “We firmly believe in the transformative power of higher education to empower youth. The Future-Innovation Lab at UWC exemplifies this commitment by equipping previously disadvantaged youth with the skills and experiences necessary to succeed in an AI-driven economy. By bridging the gap between education and industry, this initiative not only addresses the pressing issue of youth unemployment but also fosters a culture of innovation and resilience. As we celebrate the upcoming graduation of the fourth cohort, we recognize the importance of such programs in nurturing the next generation of leaders and change-makers. Together, we can create a future where every young person has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.”

This SWD programme that is part of Samsung’s EEIP has ensured sustained ICT investment in historically disadvantaged universities, which in turn has helped to enhance the prospects of employment in the country’s youth. Importantly, this SWD programme has provided an opportunity to previously disadvantaged youth to gain skills in software development and digital social innovation with the ultimate aim of opening doors to employment or further training. Samsung strives for a 100% absorption rate of all the students in its training programmes.

Lenhle Khoza, Manager for B-BBEE and Transformation at Samsung South Africa said: “As Samsung, we would like to congratulate this group of brilliant students. From the start of this programme, our focus has been on capacity building in ICT training and development. With these software development skills, we are confident that these UWC students will now be able to play a crucial role in the digital economy.”

For Samsung, this graduation of the fourth cohort in this SWD programme is a clear indication of how successful partnerships with institutions of higher learning such as UWC are helping to address the country’s societal challenges through the development of digital solutions.

And according to UWC, the 41 students that participated in the SWD programme have gained proficiency in high-demand coding languages, software architecture, web and mobile app development as well as database management and more. The hands-on and project-based approach has ensured that graduates emerge not just with theoretical knowledge, but also with the practical skills demanded by the modern job market.

With hands-on, real-world experience provided through creativity and fun in a learning and working environment, these UWC students will now be able to successfully apply their new skills, which are highly sought-after in the country’s digital economy.

“As Samsung, we’ve always prioritised the need to demonstrate a measurable outcome on the country’s youth in all our education-focused initiatives. This SWD is no exception, in collaboration with UWC – we have ensured that these graduating students are employable and that some are able to attain permanent employment through our partner network,” concluded Khoza.

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^*Source – Unemployment in South Africa: A Youth Perspective | Statistics South Africa (statssa.gov.za)

Software development skills are highly sought-after in the digital economy, which is why Samsung considers it as an important part of its educational initiatives. Programme partners for software development include the University of the Western Cape (UWC) and Tshimologong Digital Precinct. A further capacity building program is the training and development of electronics, refrigeration and air-conditioning technicians. Partners here include Ekurhuleni Artisans and Skills Training Centre (“EASTC”) and Ocule IT in KZN. Together, the initiatives are harnessing the power of technology to train and inspire young people to pursue their ambitions.

“Despite the many challenges that face our country’s youth, there is immense potential that can be explored. We believe these programmes can open new doors for previously disadvantaged youth. Working together with like-minded institutions such as the University of the Western Cape, Tshimologong, EASTC and Ocule IT we can dedicate the necessary resources and time to create endless possibilities. Samsung will remain steadfastly committed to the idea of real empowerment and education that changes lives,” said Hlubi Shivanda, Director: Business Innovation Group and Corporate Affairs at Samsung South Africa.

The first cohort of the UWC software development programme launched last year has successfully come to an end where students showcased their learning by solving social problems through digital innovation.. Marketing and recruitment for the 2^nd cohort is underway. The Microsoft AppFactory at Tshimologong is an advanced nine-month software development programme that aims to address the gap of high-demand software skills. The programme aims to facilitate hands-on, real-world experience through creativity and fun in a learning and working environment. Overall the software development programme benefits 80 disadvantaged youth per annum.

During this time there have been many success stories including that of Sibusiso Labi from the Western Cape. 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 packer 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 70 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. As a result of his excellent academic results in this course, as well as his practical software development skills he, along with six other aspiring developers, are now ready for the next step in their career and will enter the Samsung EEIP App Factory at UWC for a further 9 months of applied skills training and building of software products.

“As a key part of our commitment as an engaged university, we are proud of the fact that the first cohort of the Future-Innovation Lab has completed the first steps on their journey into the opportunities offered through the digital economy,” said Prof Jose Frantz, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation at UWC about their programme. “We are looking forward to seeing how they will apply and further refine these skills within their local communities. We believe that through innovative partnerships such as the UWC Samsung EEIP collaboration, we can develop skills and innovations that are truly focused on our local realities, yet comparable to international best practice. UWC is also committed to seeing how we can further assist in implementing the App ideas through research and making it count for communities thus further developing the relationship between the university and the community.”

In addition, EASTC is hosting the 24-month MERSETA accredited Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Apprenticeship and Ocule IT is hosting the 12-month MICTSETA accredited Electronics learnership. Overall, the programme benefits 40 unemployed black youth per annum.  Furthermore, the Technician programme started on the first of June, despite the national lockdown and the challenges that come with it. The Technician programme is a fully funded bursary programme that provides for tuition, equipment and stipends. In essence, it is a comprehensive integrated skills development investment programme that prioritises the delivery of an integrated holistic package of personal, technical, entrepreneurial and business skills, aligned to meet the needs of the country’s economic development strategies. As qualified artisans the prospects of employment are raised. The words of the students on innovative courses such as these say it all:

“I am so excited that I was given this opportunity to be trained as an air-conditioning, refrigerator and ventilation technician with Samsung. I could not believe it when I got the call that I made it because I have been looking for such an opportunity for years. With the qualification I believe I will be able to get a better job, gain experience and who knows, may even start my own business. I already have big dreams. I would like to thank Samsung for giving me and other students this opportunity to shine, “said Petunia Malinga.

I would like to start by thanking Samsung and Ocule IT for the great opportunity. Giving us young people an opportunity to be part of integral building blocks of our country’s economy and help South Africa take her best foot forward through technology, “said Noluthando Dladla.

“South Africa now, more than ever needs to equip the youth to seize the opportunities that lie in the ICT sector. Samsung looks forward to working with Government and educational institutions to empower the leaders of tomorrow and we will, therefore, continue to seek out the avenues that will lead to success, “concludes Shivanda

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, 07 May 2019 – At a function, held in Johannesburg today, Samsung announced its R280 million Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP), projected to have a measurable impact on job creation and a contribution of nearly R1 billion to the South African economy at large. EEIP is an initiative of the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) where multinational companies that are unable to sell equity in South Africa are invited to participate and contribute positively towards B-BBEE and development of South Africa. The announcement event, which was addressed by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies, through a video, as well as the President and CEO of Samsung Africa, Mr. Sung Yoon, followed Samsung’s recent commitments to long term investment in South Africa.

According to Minister Davies, the Samsung South Africa’s Equity Equivalent investment amounts to almost R280 Million over 10 years. It joins nine other multinationals that have been approved for a value of R2.2 billion collectively. The programme has to date resulted in the creation of over 3 000 direct and indirect jobs.

The Samsung plan will create and address key developmental aspects linked to the National Development Plan (NDP) and overall transformation of our economy. These include the Black industrialisation through e-Waste recycling, beneficiation research and development in partnership with Mintek, which is a first for Africa, where a beneficiation plant is planned to be built and maintained by South Africans, and operated by a Black entrepreneur, enterprise development, and the development of township economies through Accredited Services Centres and software development.

“We are delighted that the Samsung EEIP will have the following measurable impacts on the South African economy: it will result in the creation of 262 direct jobs; it will allow the emergence of a new Black Industrialist; it will support 13 black-owned and women-owned businesses and will contribute R945 million to the economy. We are happy that the dti has contributed and supported Samsung in the design and development of this programme that will result in the establishment of five accredited service centres that are black and women-owned. These will be providing repair service to all kinds of brands of consumer electronics, hand-held devices, air-conditioning and refrigerators,” said Minister Davies.

The Director of Business Innovation Group and Corporate Affairs at Samsung South Africa, Mr Hlubi Shivanda added: “We believe our EEIP strategy will help alleviate the many challenges the nation faces. Our alignment with the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 is part of our statement of intent. The fact is, Samsung is firmly committed to growing South Africa through socio-economic change and has dedicated the necessary resources and time to create a future, which was once merely a dream.”

The approved Samsung SA’s EEIP has an integrated approach, which means that Samsung will be an integral partner in the creation of the first and only black-owned and operated e-waste beneficiation plant in Africa that can separate Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE). The company has also opted for a strategic partnership-aligned model to achieve greater impact. In this regard Samsung has partnered with government departments such as DEA, DHE, DTPS and the IDC. UWC has been selected as anchor partner for the development of black application development skills. Additionally, a partnership with Microsoft AppFactory will provide real experience to supplement the theoretical knowledge gained by beneficiaries at UWC. Mintek will be Samsung’s technology partner for e-Waste beneficiation.

Ultimately, The Samsung SA EEIP will make a measurable difference to socio-economic development of black South Africans. The alignment with the overarching objectives of the NDP Vision for 2030, B-BBEE policy, Industrial Policy Action Plan, as well as the Gauteng Township Economy Revitalisation Strategy is set to make a difference by; strengthening government’s Black Industrialisation Programme, driving a culture of innovation through digital solutions, enhancing entrepreneurship development, job creation and township economic development and technical skills development to contribute to much needed skills in the country and raise the prospects of employability.

Samsung will continue to pursue opportunities where people can become meaningfully engaged in the economy and in doing so, have a positive impact on their families, communities and therein, the entire nation.