Congratulations to the talented students who completed the Samsung Innovation Campus Artificial Intelligence Programme at CUT! These graduates are now equipped with cutting-edge skills in coding, programming, and AI, ready to shape the digital future of South Africa. Pictured from left back row: Mr. G.A Louw; Ms. D.R Mhlongo; Mr. K. T. Sephoko; Ms. M. Moabi and Mr. B.D Wessels. Middle row: Mr. C.B. Khaketla; Ms. K. Moribe; Ms. L. Motsabi; Ms. K. J. Chongorero. Front row: Mr. M. M. Ramaisa; Ms. B. Nqeobo and Mr. S. Nondwatyu.

In 2023, the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT), had an opportunity to collaborate with global tech powerhouse Samsung through the Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC). This game-changing partnership culminated in a graduation ceremony hosted by the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology (FEBIT), celebrating students who completed the SIC Artificial Intelligence Programme.

The Samsung Innovation Campus is a global initiative that delivers cutting-edge technological education to young people, focusing on high-demand skills such as coding, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT). The programme aims to empower young people for the tech-driven future and increase their employability in an evolving digital economy. CUT proudly serves as the strategic partner for SIC in the Central Region of South Africa. So far, SIC has produced 84 graduates trained in coding, programming, and AI, with another 34 on track to graduate by the end of 2025.

Notably, several alumni have already secured positions at major financial institutions, including Standard Bank, Nedbank, ABSA, FNB, and Capitec, as Data Analysts and Python Programmers. These careers, which were previously out of reach for many youths in the Free State, make this programme a gateway.

Mr. Katleho Sephoko, a proud graduate of the Samsung Innovation Campus AI Programme and one of the top performing students in the graduating cohort shared how the experience transformed his mindset and future.

Mr. Katleho Sephoko, CUT SIC student shared a heartfelt testimony about how the programme transformed his life and thinking. “One of the top performing students in the graduating cohort Katleho Sephoko said: “I know that I speak for everyone when I say that we are overjoyed and exceptionally grateful to have been part of the SIC programme. We have been equipped with critical skills, particularly in the tech field and these, have now boosted our confidence in our abilities, given us a clearer career direction and enhanced our innovative thinking skills.

“What has motivated us the most is the fact that most of us have already secured jobs and this alone, has given us a sense of purpose and accomplishment. For us, access to these in-demand tech skills needed by our local economy and the employment opportunities that we have secured - means that we can now break free from the cycle of poverty in our communities and create better opportunities for ourselves and our families,” said Sephoko.

He added “we were not just taught how to code, we were taught how to think, break down problems, apply logic, and build structured solutions,” he said. Katleho reflected on how the SIC experience has reshaped his perspective on technology, not just as a career tool, but as a force for community impact, industry transformation, and personal growth.

Uploaded: 30 June 2025