Antunisia Naledi Njamela and Nokukhanya Magwaza, Advanced Diploma students in Computer Networking and proud Samsung Innovation Campus achievers. With their newly honed skills, the digital world is theirs to shape. 

In an era where digital innovation fuels economic growth, partnerships between academia and industry are essential to national development. The collaboration between Samsung Electronics and the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) demonstrates how strategic alliances can unlock opportunities for young people, particularly in high-demand fields where critical skills are scarce.

Through advanced training in coding, programming and Artificial Intelligence, the Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) equips CUT students with in-demand digital competencies, giving them a distinct competitive edge. More than preparing them to participate in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the programme empowers them to actively shape and lead it.

On 19 February 2026, the partners celebrated the third cohort of SIC graduates, with 34 students from CUT’s Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology completing advanced training in coding, programming and Artificial Intelligence (AI). This milestone brings the total number of graduates to 82 since the programme’s launch in 2022.

More than a skills development initiative, the Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) has become a powerful catalyst for employability and academic progression. According to Prof. Wendy Setlalentoa, acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, 24% of graduates have already secured employment or paid internships, while 26% have advanced to further studies. Many are now building careers as data analysts and Python programmers at leading financial institutions, demonstrating the programme’s measurable and meaningful impact.

Representing Samsung Africa President and CEO Mr Simon Lee, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager Ms Lefa Makgato described the partnership as a “beacon of hope” for young people in the Free State. By combining the global technological expertise of Samsung Electronics with the academic strength of the Central University of Technology, Free State, the initiative delivers internationally benchmarked training that advances digital inclusion, entrepreneurship and job readiness. She further highlighted the programme’s commitment to meaningful female participation, reinforcing the importance of gender equity in the technology sector.

 For graduates such as Antunisia Naledi Njamela and Nokukhanya Magwaza, Advanced Diploma students in Computer Networking, the journey has been transformative. What began as a foundational understanding of Artificial Intelligence has developed into a deeper appreciation of its practical applications across industries shaped by the Fourth Industrial Revolution, equipping them with the confidence and competence to pursue emerging opportunities in the digital economy.

A proud milestone: 34 graduates standing alongside the dignitaries whose leadership and partnership helped make their success possible.