Samsung celebrates selection of top 20 schools for the 2025 Solve for Tomorrow STEM competition
The Samsung Solve for Tomorrow STEM competition which honours and recognises the innovative spirit of learners from quintile 1 – 4 public schools, aims to empower young people in grade 10 & 11 from underserved communities through education and skill enhancement, particularly focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). This year's theme: 'Infrastructure and Safety' – challenges learners to tackle pressing issues in their schools and respective communities.
The entries to this year's competition closed at the end of March and from the applications submitted – the Top 20 schools were selected to participate in the next phase of the competition, with the help of assigned Samsung employee mentors. This year, the selected participants are tasked with addressing genuine community problems using STEM principles, thus improving their analytical abilities and gaining professional guidance from Samsung employees.
Launched for the first time in 2023 in South Africa, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow is a unique competition that encourages creative thinking, problem-solving skills and teamwork to nurture social innovative ideas that address local communities' most pressing challenges. Since inception, the competition has been growing from strength to strength and this alone, is an affirmation of Samsung's dedication to empowering the youth with the skills required to drive innovation and change.
Lefa Makgato, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager for Samsung Electronics in Southern Africa said: 'Congratulations to the top 20 schools for advancing to the 2nd phase of the Solve for Tomorrow contest. We are incredibly impressed by the passion, creativity and innovative ideas demonstrated in their entries. Each submission has shown a deep commitment to addressing real-world challenges with fresh perspectives and practical solutions. At Samsung, we believe that the future is shaped by young minds and we are excited to see how their ideas will continue to inspire change and drive progress.
Makgato explained with excitement how Samsung is now looking forward to seeing the learners' continued dedication in the next phase – where they will be expected to conduct research, develop paper prototypes and submit their solutions for evaluation.
Below is a list of the Top 20 schools that have been selected:
# SCHOOLS PROVINCE 1 Thengwe High School Limpopo 2 Setswakgosing Secondary School North-West 3 Lenakeng Technical School Free State 4 Mbilwi Secondary School Limpopo 5 Masibambane Secondary School Western Cape 6 Phomolong Secondary School Gauteng 7 NM Tsuene Secondary School Gauteng 8 Patrick Ramaano Secondary School Limpopo 9 Umlazi Comprehensive Technical High School Kwa-Zulu Natal 10 Moyaneng Secondary School Limpopo 11 Phaphamani Secondary School Mpumalanga 12 Khwezi Lomso Comprehensive School Eastern Cape 13 Adams College Kwa-Zulu Natal 14 Phendukani Full Service High School Kwa-Zulu Natal 15 Buhlebemfundo Secondary School Gauteng 16 Tembisa West Secondary School Gauteng 17 Lereng Secondary School Free State 18 Mthiyaqhwa High School Kwa-Zulu Natal 19 Koffiefontein Combined School Free State 20 Maphuthaditshaba Secondary School Mpumalanga
And, with Samsung helping them with resources as well as mentors guiding them in phase two, the learners will need to conduct research, develop and submit their paper prototypes for the challenges they had identified in the preliminary phase. As part of this very crucial stage, the teams from the Top 20 schools for 2025 will now be taken to Design Thinking workshops to be held within their respective regions. Also, to help learners conduct their research and communicate with their mentors, the teams from the selected schools will be sponsored with a Samsung tablet as well as data.
At the Design Thinking workshops, learners will be taught invaluable skills on how to best approach and get the most out of their work, think critically, speak and act like designers as well as a cognitive and structured process for human-centred, creative problem-solving. Learners will also be encouraged to focus on building strong teams and will be trained on how to conduct research that can help transform their ideas from mere concepts to workable solutions that can address the identified issues within their communities.
At the end of this phase, the Top 20 Finalists will be expected to submit the paper prototypes of the solutions they have identified and the judges will evaluate to determine the top 10 schools to proceed to the final phase. The participating teams stand a chance to win exciting prizes and the recognition as South Africa's next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.
In recognition of their efforts and brilliance, the participating schools have an opportunity to walk away with an overall, first prize of R100,000, the school that takes 2nd place will receive R50,000 and the school that will complete in third place will be awarded R30,000 in STEM equipment. Moreover, Samsung will yet again sweeten the deal by rewarding each of the learners in the top three teams with a Samsung device.
Makgato added: 'These prizes combined with the principles of this competition are a clear indication of Samsung's commitment to empowering the country's youth and rewarding excellence. We would therefore like to encourage schools, learners and the broader community to follow the competition and support these schools that are not only participating in the competition but are also representing their respective communities.'
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
30-05-2025
- The Citizen
Samsung's real quantum dot technology – perfect for every family
In households where entertainment needs are as varied as those living in them, one thing remains constant; the demand for superior picture quality and versatility. That's where Samsung's QLED, powered by 100% Colour Volume real and safe Quantum Dot technology, comes in – delivering a next-level viewing experience that meets every lifestyle head-on. Samsung's Neo QLED and QLED TVs, are not just about flexibility – they're about real innovation at the core. This is not your average TV – it's the result of years of refinement and leadership in Quantum Dot display technology. The real QLED advantage: 100% colour volume with Quantum Dot Samsung's Real Quantum Dot technology transforms how you see colour on a screen. Unlike traditional displays, Quantum Dots produce consistently bright, vivid, and accurate colours regardless of brightness levels. That means whether you're watching an intense action movie, a lush nature documentary, or a fast-paced football match, you'll see every detail in stunning clarity and realism. Real QLED means 100% Colour Volume, powered by Quantum Dot, delivering billions of shades for unmatched picture depth. Combined with Neo QLED's ultra-precise Mini LED backlighting and the Neo Quantum Processor, your TV becomes a true visual powerhouse, adapting dynamically to your content and surroundings. Experience the real QLED difference Samsung's QLED and Neo QLED TVs, built on true Quantum Dot technology, are the gold standard in home entertainment. For families with diverse viewing habits, these TVs offer not just flexibility – but an uncompromising, vibrant experience that only Real QLED powered by Real Quantum Dots can provide. Enjoy safe cadmium-free quantum dot Samsung TVs with your family Samsung's long-standing commitment to its principle of 'No Compromise on Safety' came to the forefront in 2014 when the company successfully developed the world's first no-cadmium quantum dot material. Since then, the company has been leading quantum dot technology through continuous technological advancements and sustainable efforts. Built for every lifestyle From gaming marathons to family movie nights, Samsung's QLED and Neo QLED TVs shine in any scenario. Thanks to their superior brightness, deep blacks, and ultra-sharp contrast, these TVs ensure that everyone in the family has a perfect view, no matter the room's lighting or their seating position. Gamers will love the low-latency response and motion handling, while movie lovers will be drawn into cinematic visuals with lifelike colours. And sports fans? They'll appreciate the clarity and smoothness of every goal, ace, dunk, or lap. Multi-view and mlti-persona: Tailored for real life Samsung's TVs aren't just visually stunning – they're also smart and adaptable. The Multi-View feature, for example, allows multiple content sources to be displayed at once, so one person can follow a live match while another watches YouTube or scrolls through social media – all on the same screen. It's versatility made simple, and another example of how Samsung is designing for real families with real needs. Real innovation meets AI intelligence The Quantum Dot experience is taken even further with Samsung's Neo Quantum Processor. This AI-powered engine uses deep learning to optimise both picture and sound in real-time, making the most of the Quantum Dot technology's full potential. The result? Crystal-clear scenes, perfectly tuned audio, and smooth transitions – tailored automatically to your content and environment. From a sun-lit daytime cartoon marathon to a late-night thriller binge, Samsung's AI enhancements ensure that Quantum Dot brilliance always looks its best. Sustainability without compromise Samsung's Real QLED technology doesn't just perform – it also respects the planet. With energy-efficient design, eco-friendly materials, and certifications like Product Carbon Footprint Reduction, No-Cadmium SGS, and EyeCare Circadian Certification, Samsung is committed to sustainability while delivering industry-leading performance. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
28-05-2025
- The Citizen
Trump's Apple tariff threat expanded to other smartphones
Trump extended his proposed tariffs to cover smartphone makers operating in the US, including Apple and Samsung. Apple iPhones could become a lot more expensive after United States (US) President Donald Trump threatened Apple and other smartphone manufacturers with a 25% tariff unless their devices are built in the United States. Trump initially said the tariff would apply only to Apple—an unusual move to single out a specific company in trade policy. ALSO READ: Trump warns China 'not getting off the hook' on US tariffs for electronics Tariffs on smartphones However, the US president later expanded the threat to include all smartphone makers. 'It would also be Samsung and anybody that makes that product, otherwise it wouldn't be fair,' Trump told reporters in Washington, adding that the new tariffs would take effect by the 'end of June'. Samsung During Samsung's new A series launch in South Africa, the company's head of product management, Zahir Cajee, told The Citizen that Trump's tariffs were 'a sensitive topic'. 'It is something that our HQ [headquarters] team is engaging on, and as soon as we know the implications in terms of our value and supply chain and the implications they may or may not have within the South African market, Cajee said. Apple While Apple designs its products in Cupertino at the company's headquarters in the United States, most iPhone assembly occur at the Foxconn factory in China. Apple has announced plans to shift some production to other countries, including India, but Trump said this would not satisfy his demands. iPhones in US In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote that he had 'long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect their iPhones that will be sold in the United States of America will be manufactured and built in the United States, not India, or any place else'. 'If that is not the case, a tariff of at least 25% must be paid by Apple to the US,' he added. Trump's comments echoed statements he made during a trip to Qatar last week, when he urged Apple to bring iPhone production stateside, according to AFP. 'I had a little problem with Tim Cook,' Trump said on 15 May.` India He recounted how he told Apple's CEO, 'We're not interested in you building in India… we want you to build here, and they're going to be upping their production in the United States.' Apple's main rival, Samsung, finds itself in a similar situation, with most of its production in Vietnam, China and India Apple and Samsung account for about 80% of smartphone sales in the United States. Smaller players, including Google, Xiaomi and Motorola, also have most of their handsets made outside the US. ALSO READ: Huawei's R70k Mate XT smartphone now available in SA
Eyewitness News
24-05-2025
- Eyewitness News
Trump expands Apple tariff threat to all smartphones
WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump on Friday threatened Apple and other smartphone manufacturers with a 25 percent tariff unless their devices are built in the United States. Trump initially said the tariff would apply only to Apple - an unusual move to single out a specific company in trade policy. However, he later expanded the threat to include all smartphone makers. "It would be also Samsung and anybody that makes that product, otherwise it wouldn't be fair," Trump told reporters in Washington, adding that the new tariffs would take effect by the "end of June." While Apple designs its products in the United States, most iPhone assembly occurs in China, which remains embroiled in a trade war with the United States. Apple has announced plans to shift some production to other countries, including India, but Trump said this would not satisfy his demands. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote that he had "long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect their iPhones that will be sold in the United States of America will be manufactured and built in the United States, not India, or anyplace else." "If that is not the case, a Tariff of at least 25% must be paid by Apple to the US," he added. Trump's comments echoed statements he made during a trip to Qatar last week, when he urged Apple to bring iPhone production stateside. "I had a little problem with Tim Cook," Trump said on 15 May. He recounted how he told Apple's CEO: "We're not interested in you building in India... we want you to build here and they're going to be upping their production in the United States." Apple's main rival, South Korea's Samsung, finds itself in a similar situation, with most of its production in Vietnam, China and India. Apple and Samsung account for about 80% of smartphone sales in the United States. Smaller players including Google, Xiaomi and Motorola also have most of their handsets made abroad. 'FAIRY TALE' Analysts widely agree that shifting iPhone manufacturing to the United States is unrealistic and would require a fundamental overhaul of Apple's business model - a process that could take years, if it's possible at all. According to Wedbush Securities estimates, about 90% of Apple's iPhone production and assembly remains based in China despite some production shifts. Reshoring iPhone production to the United States "is a fairy tale that is not feasible," Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives said in a research note. The constant pressure from the White House has taken a toll on Apple's stock price, which has fallen more than 20%since Trump took office in January with his protectionist agenda. Apple shares closed down 3.0 percent in New York on Friday. Unlike during Trump's first term, when Apple received exceptions from China-focused trade measures, the company has become a regular presidential target this time around. Cook warned last month about the uncertain impact of threatened US tariffs on Chinese products, which at one point were hiked to 145%, despite temporary relief for high-end tech goods like smartphones. He said Apple expects US tariffs to cost it $900 million in the current quarter. "Prices of handsets look set to rise, given iPhones will end up being more expensive, if the threats turn into concrete trade policy," said Susannah Streeter, an analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown. "While die-hard fans will still be prepared to pay big bucks for Apple's kit, it'll be much harder for the middle-class masses who are already dealing with price hikes on other goods, from Nike trainers to toys sold in Walmart." Last week, the United States and China agreed to suspend sweeping tariffs on each other's goods for 90 days, marking a temporary de-escalation in the trade war.
