SAMSUNG, through its corporate social responsibility initiatives such as the global Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC), collaborates with academic institutions such as the Walter Sisulu University (WSU) to bridge the gap between traditional education and the demand for skills training, tailored specifically for the current job market that requires modern tech expertise.
The company recognises how essential SIC is in driving economic growth and technological advancement in South Africa and the continent as a whole. It says the partnership with WSU aims to provide ICT education to students from underserved communities in the Eastern Cape.
This global SIC programme is designed to provide practical, cutting-edge training in digital skills and has, since its inception, also trained participants on a range of soft skills to foster talented youth who will go on to shape the future society.
Samsung has remained dedicated to making a long-term social impact by investing in education, youth skills training and technological innovation. Over the years, the company has invested in youth development and workforce skills training by equipping students with in-demand digital skills needed by the local economy.
Along with core competencies such as artificial intelligence (AI) as well as Coding and Programming (C&P) training in Python, SIC has been providing progressive knowledge to students, ensuring that they are both academically qualified and industry work-ready.
WSU has now also ensured that technology is integrated into its teaching, research and student development initiatives. The university has now made sure that digital transformation has become a strategic priority, by establishing an AI Centre that will serve as a hub for advanced digital skills training, research and innovation.
This SIC programme has now touched the lives of about 71 young people at WSU and Samsung spoke to some alumni students about their experience in the programme.
Testimonials
A graduate and an alumni from the WSU-SIC programme who is originally from Lusikisiki, Atsho Nota has a diploma in Application Development studies which she believes has given her a strong foundation in technology and problem-solving.
Nota has always been passionate about technology and how it can be used to improve people’s lives. She added that this programme has made a significant difference in her personal and professional growth.
“It has given me the opportunity to develop hands-on technical skills”, she explained: “I’ve now gained industry experience, and it has improved my confidence in working with advanced technology. Also, the practical training has enhanced my problem-solving abilities significantly and prepared me for real-world challenges in the tech industry,” she added. Nota’s plans include advancing her career in the tech industry, possibly specialising in software development.
Another impressive alumni student from the SIC programme is Lazola Leonardo Mbangata, who is currently running his own start-up company called Xero Technologies, while also pursuing a postgraduate degree, majoring in software development. Born and raised in Butterworth, Mbangata has various certifications in data science and cyber security. For him, this SIC programme has played a crucial role in his career and advancement in IT.
He believes that studying Python and AI has advanced his development skills and enhanced his projects for automation and usability – thus bringing him one step closer to his future goal of AI security. “I decided to sign up for the programme because of my interest in AI and Python because I believed that this would grow my mind and understanding in the field, he said. “Also, working with a big company like Samsung was potentially an opportunity for crucial doors to be opened for me.”
For Samsung, this partnership with WSU exemplifies the kind of university-industry collaboration that has ensured that together, they can continue training the leaders of tomorrow to use AI tools and other innovative technology platforms to effectively maximise the benefits of these new and exciting emerging technologies in their future careers.
Sinethemba Mpambane, DVC: institutional support and development at WSU said: “In a country that is facing significant youth unemployment, this SIC curriculum is a game-changer as it offers students direct access to opportunities in AI, software development and digital solutions, while also fostering innovation and problem-solving. As WSU, we are now looking forward to strengthening our collaboration with Samsung, expanding these programmes and continuing to empower students with future-ready skills.”
