The Durban University of Technology (DUT), through the DUT Business School, has officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Samsung Africa Electronics and launched the Samsung Innovation Campus during a ceremony held at the Coastlands Musgrave Hotel and Conference Centre on Thursday, 4 June 2026.
DUT students who are part of the Samsung Innovation Campus programme.
The landmark partnership marks a significant step towards advancing digital skills development, innovation, entrepreneurship and youth empowerment. Through the Samsung Innovation Campus programme, 60 selected students will gain access to world-class learning opportunities designed to enhance employability and prepare future leaders for an increasingly technology-driven world.
Welcoming guests to the event, Interim Executive Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences, Professor Matthys Swanepoel, highlighted the importance of partnerships between academia, industry, government and communities in addressing societal challenges. He emphasised that universities must play an active role in solving real-world problems through innovation and skills development.
Providing an overview of the Samsung Innovation Campus programme, Director of the DUT Business School, Professor Pfano Mashau, described the initiative as a practical response to South Africa’s unemployment challenges. He revealed that the programme attracted 846 applications within just one week, despite only 60 spaces being available.
“The level of interest demonstrates the demand for digital and AI-related skills among young people. This programme is not only about technical training, it is about creating opportunities for graduates to become employable, start businesses and contribute meaningfully to the economy,” said Prof Mashau.
Delivering remarks on behalf of Samsung Africa Electronics Chief Executive Officer, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager Ms Lefa Makgato reaffirmed Samsung’s commitment to youth development and digital transformation. She noted that Samsung Innovation Campus forms part of the company’s global initiative aimed at preparing young people for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
Ms Makgato announced that Samsung will invest approximately R3.6 million in the programme over the next three years. She explained that the initiative seeks to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry requirements while addressing South Africa’s growing digital skills shortage.
“We believe innovation must be inclusive and that technology should empower people and unlock opportunities. Through this partnership, we are investing in South Africa’s digital future and helping to create work-ready graduates equipped with coding, programming and artificial intelligence skills,” she said.
A major highlight of the event was the official signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between Samsung Africa Electronics and DUT. The agreement was signed by Samsung Electronics Africa’s Head of Public Affairs, Mr YunSon Yoo, and DUT’s Director of Financial Accounting, Ms Ntombomzi Cenga. The signing formalised the partnership and reaffirmed both institutions’ commitment to empowering young people through technology-driven education and training opportunities.
One of the programme participants, DUT graduate Sisanda Mazibuko, expressed her gratitude for being selected to participate in the Samsung Innovation Campus programme and welcomed the opportunity to gain valuable skills in coding and artificial intelligence.
Closing the event, Head: Research and Innovation at the DUT Business School, Professor Simpiwe Nojiyela, expressed appreciation to Samsung Africa Electronics, university leadership, academic staff, students and international partners for their support. He congratulated the 60 students selected for the programme and acknowledged the collective effort required to make the initiative a success.
The launch of the Samsung Innovation Campus and the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement reinforce DUT’s ENVISION2030 strategy of fostering innovation, collaboration and sustainable socio-economic development. The partnership is expected to create valuable opportunities for students while contributing to the development of future-ready graduates capable of thriving in the digital economy.
Pictured: Samsung Electronics Africa’s Head of Public Affairs, Mr YunSon Yoo and DUT’s Director of Financial Accounting, Ms Ntombomzi Cenga shaking hands after signing the MOA.
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile
Sinamile Sithole
