A group of 20 young South Africans from underprivileged communities have officially graduated from Samsung’s Electronics Technician Programme, marking a major milestone in the company’s R280-million Equity Equivalents Investment Programme (EEIP).
The latest graduation ceremony, which celebrated eight men and 12 women, was held following intensive training hosted in both KwaZulu-Natal and Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape.
Launched in 2019, Samsung’s EEIP has been pivotal in equipping youth and women with Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) skills, with a particular focus on ICT and electronics training.
The initiative is designed to support job creation, stimulate economic development, and address the critical shortage of skilled artisans in South Africa—especially the underrepresentation of women in the tech industry.
“This graduation is not just a celebration of individual success, but a testament to the power of partnership and purpose,”
said Nicky Beukes, Project Manager for Samsung EEIP.
“Our mission is to develop industry-aligned skills that lead to real employment and sustainable economic participation. We are proud to see our investment translating into tangible opportunities.”
The 12-month Electronics Technician Programme, which ran from February 2024 to January 2025, provided participants with SAQA-accredited training towards a Further Education and Training Certificate: Electronics (NQF Level 4).
Learners received both theoretical instruction and practical workplace training through accredited providers. Graduates are now equipped with competencies to diagnose faults, conduct component-level repairs, and maintain a variety of electronic equipment—skills that are in high demand across multiple industries.
The success of the programme is attributed not only to Samsung’s financial investment but also to its strategic partnership with Ocule IT and collaboration with government and industry stakeholders, including the Department of Trade, Industry & Competition (Dtic), the Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT SETA), and private sector workplace partners.
Sanele Gcumisa, Managing Member at Ocule IT, praised the programme’s long-term impact:
“We are thrilled to see the graduation of the fourth cohort in KZN—our partnership with Samsung over the past four years has empowered 81 learners. Of those, 80% have already secured employment, 6% are pursuing further education, and 12% have started their own businesses. This is a real driver of economic growth in our communities.”
Samsung sees the programme’s outcomes as clear evidence of the transformative potential of long-term investment in ICT training. The company reaffirmed its commitment to youth development and continues to champion collaborative models that bridge the gap between training and employment.
“As a company, we are pleased with the calibre of training and mentorship provided through this initiative,”
Beukes added.
“Together with our partners, we are fostering a generation of skilled artisans ready to meet the demands of South Africa’s evolving tech landscape.”
The graduation not only marked the end of a training cycle but symbolised a new beginning for the 20 young artisans poised to contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s economy—and to a brighter, more inclusive future in the world of electronics and ICT.
