Positive impact of Samsung Innovation on WSU students

In today’s digital age, traditional qualifications alone are no longer sufficient to meet the demands of the local economy – practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and technological fluency are now also essential to develop work-ready job seekers and entrepreneurs with in-demand skills needed by the local economy.

In response to this need, Samsung has – over the years through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives such as the global Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) – collaborated with esteemed academic institutions such as the Walter Sisulu University (WSU). This strategic partnership was formed 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.

Importantly, Samsung recognises how essential SIC is in driving economic growth and technological advancement in South Africa and the continent. This partnership with WSU, therefore, 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. This SIC programme is a forward-thinking initiative that seeks to continue addressing the evolving demands of the modern workforce.

These are some reasons why 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) and 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.

These high-demand skills position the country’s youth for careers in technology-driven and entrepreneurship sectors. The institution is making these incredible strides because it has long recognised that the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) reshapes education, work and daily life. WSU has also ensured that technology is integrated into its teaching, research, and student development initiatives. Importantly, the university has now ensured 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.

For Samsung’s CSR initiatives, measurable impact on the country’s youth, including young women, has always been essential. This SIC programme has now touched the lives of about 71 young people at WSU – a combination of both males and females. With this programme, WSU students have now been prepared for careers in technology by creating both employment and entrepreneurial opportunities that will help them positively impact society. For this reason, Samsung spoke to some alumni students about their experience in the programme and this is what they had to say:

A graduate and alumnus from the WSU-SIC programme, Atsho Nota, is originally from Lusikisiki. She has a diploma in application development studies, which she believes has given her a strong foundation in technology and problem-solving.

Atsho has always been passionate about technology and how it can be used to improve people’s lives. She added that this programme has significantly impacted her personal and professional growth.

“It has allowed me 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. Atsho’s plans include advancing her career in the tech industry, possibly specialising in software development. She hopes to use her skills to contribute to innovative solutions and maybe even start her own business. Atsho also wants to continue learning and growing in technology to stay updated with industry advancements.

Another impressive alumni student from the SIC programme is Lazola Leonardo Mbangata. He is currently running his start-up company, Xero Technologies, while pursuing a postgraduate degree in software development. Born and raised in Butterworth, this young man has various data science and cybersecurity certifications. For Lazola, 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.”

Lazola found the most interesting during the SIC lessons is the diversity in IT and the opportunity to build software and deal with software management and publishing. These skills that Lazola acquired have ensured that his business is on track for success. What is still a bit of a challenge is finding local clients, however he’s still quite determined and very optimistic.

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.

These testimonies prove that this SIC initiative not only enhances individual career prospects, but also contributes significantly to building a group of resilient and future-ready workforce and technology entrepreneurs. Samsung’s efforts underscore its broader commitment to technological innovation and sustainable community development in the country.

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 look forward to strengthening our collaboration with Samsung, expanding these programmes, and continuing to empower students with skills ready for the future.”

Mpambane added that all these WSU-driven initiatives will complement this SIC programme by providing a platform for students and industry partners to engage in cutting-edge AI-driven projects. For WSU, the impact of this SIC programme is clear. Graduates are leaving with more than just certificates; they possess tangible, in-demand skills that enhance their employability and entrepreneurial potential.

Furthermore, WSU, in partnership with Samsung, is committed to shaping the next generation of African technology leaders. This institution seeks to become an impactful, technology-infused African university that remains relevant in today’s digital world, while preparing its students for the future. The SIC programme is but one of the ways of ensuring that WSU achieves its vision for the future.