Samsung South Africa and the Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct have celebrated the graduation of the sixth cohort of their Software Development (SWD) Programme, marking another milestone in their efforts to equip young South Africans with industry-ready digital skills.
The graduation ceremony, held on 23 July 2026, recognised 18 graduates who successfully completed the 12-month internship programme designed to bridge the gap between tertiary education and employment in the technology sector.
The event was attended by senior representatives from Samsung, Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct and the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), highlighting the impact of the long-standing partnership on South Africa’s digital economy.
The programme was established in response to a common challenge facing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) graduates, many of whom struggle to secure employment because employers often require two to four years of practical industry experience.
Since 2020, Samsung has funded the internship programme through its R280-million Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP), launched in 2019. The initiative provides graduates with intensive workplace experience under the guidance of senior software developers, exposing them to real-world software engineering projects while receiving mentorship, technical training and monthly stipends.
According to Tshimologong, 89 students have now completed the programme across six cohorts. Of these, 79% have secured employment through the programme’s network of industry partners, with the latest group completing their training at the end of June 2026.
Tshimologong CEO Mark Harris said the partnership continues to address one of South Africa’s biggest youth employment challenges by preparing graduates for the realities of the technology industry.
“Our partnership with Samsung is fundamentally rooted in developing high-end digital skills that create tangible opportunities for unemployed youth,” Harris said.
He noted that the programme has evolved to keep pace with the rapid transformation of software engineering through Artificial Intelligence (AI).
“AI is no longer a peripheral tool. It is reshaping how software is designed, written, tested and deployed. We ensure that our graduates are proficient in both core software development and AI-assisted development, preparing them for the future of work,” he said.
Harris added that many former participants have gone on to build successful careers, with some launching their own technology businesses.
This year’s cohort consisted of 18 African graduates, evenly split between nine women and nine men, all holding tertiary qualifications in Information Technology.
Throughout the year, they worked closely with experienced developers on practical projects, including developing digital solutions to address societal challenges.
Samsung EEIP Project Manager Nicky Beukes said the company remains committed to investing in digital skills development that creates long-term economic opportunities.
“We are delighted to see another group of young graduates successfully completing this ICT training. Our approach ensures that graduates are prepared for real-world challenges, giving them a competitive advantage in South Africa’s technology industry,” Beukes said.
She added that while most graduates pursue formal employment, Samsung also hopes the programme will inspire more young people to establish technology start-ups and contribute to South Africa’s growing innovation ecosystem.
Beyond technical training, the internship enables participants to build portfolios of practical work, making them more attractive to employers in a competitive job market.
Samsung said the continued collaboration with Tshimologong demonstrates how partnerships between the private sector and higher education institutions can help tackle youth unemployment while strengthening South Africa’s digital skills pipeline.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining investments in programmes that improve employment prospects and create meaningful opportunities for young people to build careers in the country’s technology sector.
