An agreement between Walter Sisulu University (WSU) and Samsung Electronics SA, fostered through the Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator (WSU-CfERI) has yielded its first cohort of students who successfully completed their training in programming and coding.
Nineteen students from WSU’s Department of Information Technology officially received their certificates at an award ceremony held by WSU and Samsung in recognition of the students’ completion of the Samsung Innovation Campus programme.
The programme was instituted in 2022 to equip students with in-demand technology skills, core future technology capabilities, as well as soft skills and job preparation.
The award ceremony was graced by the presence of dignitaries including WSU management, Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni Abrahams, Samsung CEO Bamsuk Hong, as well as delegates from SEDA.
“As South Africa we need to foster an economy that empowers its citizens with necessary future fit skills. In this regard, we are grateful to Samsung for stepping up, in partnership with Walter Sisulu University to avail a much needed opportunity for our young people and arm them with valuables skills," said Ndabeni-Abrahams.
As a rural University, WSU was predestined to play a pivotal role in equipping its surrounding communities and the Eastern Cape Province at large with crucial 4IR skills; and with the success of the SIC, the institution is looking to do more.
“We are very proud of the students who have completed this course, which is the first of its kind in South Africa. We expect more from the ministry, as well as the colleagues from Samsung, to continually assist us in pursuing our bold vision of being a technology infused African university. We believe that our students and communities are still going to continue to participate in this programme and work towards changing the face of our province” said Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Institutional Support, Doctor Prince Jaca.
Some of the University’s 4IR-intensive programmes include the recently launched Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) centre which will be at the forefront of equipping university students, high school learners, as well as the broader community on 4IR skills.
By: Yanga Ziwele