Latest news with #SamsungSouthAfrica
The Citizen
22-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Samsung EEIP calls for eligible ICT enterprises to apply for the ED Programme
Encouraging black-owned ICT enterprises to be part of the 2025 transformative SMME Development Programme South Africa – 17 July 2025 – Samsung in collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) has opened its third call, inviting all suitable, black-owned ICT and Service Centre SMMEs to apply for participation in this year's Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP) for Enterprise Development (ED). Samsung's R280-million worth EEIP, which was launched in 2019, has managed to demonstrate considerable success since its inception. In its six years of sustained success, this year represents the 3rd edition of the programme and seeks to continue making a measurable difference to the socio-economic development of black South Africans. This year's call follows two successful cycles and forms part of Samsung's broader commitment to the ICT sector, SMME development and the government's Vision 2030. Importantly, this transformative SMME Development programme aims to empower black-owned ICT and Service Centre enterprises, while also ensuring that Samsung fulfils its contractual obligations to the DTIC. Local small businesses in the ICT and Service Centre space have an opportunity to take their businesses to new heights with the Samsung EEIP. Nicky Beukes, Samsung EEIP Project Manager said: 'This programme has in the last few years seen great success and has also had a positive impact in the lives of entrepreneurs in the ICT space. As part of our transformation objectives, our EEIP programme continues to contribute to the sustainable development goals of the National Development Plan (NDP).' Importantly, through Samsung's collaboration with the DTIC – these partners remain committed to making a positive contribution to broader economic growth and, to continue playing a significant role in both job creation as well as sustainable entrepreneurship opportunities within South Africa. Beukes added: 'And together with the DTIC, we have in the last few years re-affirmed our commitment to ICT development and economic transformation which are aligned to South Africa's Vision 2030. This third edition of EEIP and its success to date, is a clear indication that Samsung's significant investment in SMME development is yielding tangible results.' This third, consecutive call to all black-owned SMEs in the ICT and Service Centre space across South Africa is a great opportunity for the country's ICT SMMEs to grow and shape the future of their businesses through this Samsung ED Programme. For more information on how to respond to the call and apply, Visit our Main page: Samsung EEIP | Enterprise Development | Samsung South Africa Application form: Samsung EEIP Application for Enterprises | Samsung South Africa
The South African
14-07-2025
- The South African
Two days on one charge: Why the Samsung Galaxy S25 is a writer's best friend
Home » Two days on one charge: Why the Samsung Galaxy S25 is a writer's best friend Samsung Galaxy S25 in mint. Image: Samsung South Africa I recently spent time with Samsung Galaxy's newest addition to the S series – the S25 – I have a simple verdict: it's a beast of a device and you should buy it you are a journalist, writer or publisher who is pressed for time. While it does not look too different from its predecessor, the Galaxy S24, it packs ease, smart features, speed and reliability that made my life and work easier. Let's start with the battery life, by far the most impressive offering of the Samsung Galaxy S25. I fully charged the phone at 17:00 on 11 June and by 16:30 on 13 June, it still had 13% left. That's nearly two full days of regular use – scrolling social media, instant messaging, taking pictures, checking emails and using WordPress – all without needing a charger. It's perfect for people always on the move (and a klutz like me who loses power banks and always forgets to pack a charger). The speed and responsiveness is just as impressive. Apps open quickly. Switching between apps or opening web links from another app is quick and seamless. I gave it a Herculean test by using the WordPress app – usually heavy and temperamental on Android devices – but it passed with flying colours, which means I didn't have to swear at it. One of the coolest features is the Circle to Search. Although not new to the Galaxy S series, it is a wonder to use on the S25. You just draw a circle around an element on your screen – be it an object, image or text, and the phone instantly (and I mean instantly) searches for it. It's quick, smart and surprisingly accurate. To give you an example, I took a picture of a CNN guest's face on my TV, long pressed the home button to bring up Circle to Search, encircled the woman's face and boom – I had her name (Pam Bondi), designation and credentials in my hand. All of this in less than 10 seconds. Speech-to-text and transcriptions The speech-to-text feature has improved significantly in terms of accuracy. I first used it with the Samsung Galaxy S21+ and the results were poor. However, with the S25, it is a vastly improved experience. I recorded quotes by Floyd Shivambu, former uMkhonto weSizwe Party secretary-general, during his exit press conference in June, and it picked up his 'revolutionary English' with incredible accuracy. This is very useful if you're not adept at speedily taking notes. When it comes to photos and videos, the S25 does the job. Granted, I wasn't outside taking pictures of beautiful sunsets, but where it came in really handy was when I wanted to shoot pictures or footage from a TV screen, which usually ends in blurry mess. With the S25, my images were crisp and clear, with colours popping and motion handled well. See below The Samsung Galaxy S25 is a reliable, powerful smartphone that handles everything, from AI features to heavy apps, like a champ. It's fast, smart and keeps going without needing a charge every few hours. For South Africans looking for a solid premium phone that won't let you down, the S25 is well worth it. Processor CPU Speed CPU Type 4.47GHz, 3.5GHz Octa-Core Display Size (Main Display) Resolution (Main Display) 156.4mm 2340 x 1080 (FHD+) Technology (Main Display) Colour Depth (Main Display) Dynamic AMOLED 2X 16M Max Refresh Rate (Main Display) 120 Hz Camera Rear Camera – Resolution (Multiple) Rear Camera – F Number (Multiple) 50.0 MP + 10.0 MP + 12.0 MP F1.8 , F2.4 , F2.2 Main Camera – Auto Focus Rear Camera – OIS Yes Yes Rear Camera – Zoom Front Camera – Resolution Optical Zoom 3x, Optical quality Zoom 2x (Enabled by Adaptive Pixel sensor) , Digital Zoom up to 30x 12.0 MP Front Camera – F Number Front Camera – Auto Focus F2.2 Yes Main Camera – Flash Video Recording Resolution Yes UHD 8K (7680 x 4320) @30fps Slow Motion 240fps @FHD, 120fps @FHD, 120fps @UHD Storage/Memory Memory (GB) Storage (GB) 12 256 Available Storage (GB) 223.5 Network/Bearer Number of SIM SIM size Dual-SIM Nano-SIM (4FF), Embedded-SIM SIM Slot Type Infra SIM 1 + SIM 2 / SIM 1 + eSIM / Dual eSIM 2G GSM, 3G WCDMA, 4G LTE FDD, 4G LTE TDD, 5G Sub6 FDD, 5G Sub6 TDD Connectivity USB Interface USB Version USB Type-C USB 3.2 Gen 1 Location Technology Earjack GPS, Glonass, Beidou, Galileo, QZSS USB Type-C MHL Wi-Fi No 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be 2.4GHz+5GHz+6GHz, EHT320, MIMO, 4096-QAM Wi-Fi Direct Bluetooth Version Yes Bluetooth v5.4 NFC PC Sync Yes Smart Switch (PC version) OS Android Sensors Accelerometer, Barometer, Fingerprint Sensor, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Hall Sensor, Light Sensor, Proximity Sensor Physical specification Dimension (HxWxD, mm) Weight (g) 146.9 x 70.5 x 7.2 162 Battery Video Playback Time (Hours) Battery Capacity (mAh, Typical) Up to 29 4000 Removable No Audio and Video Stereo Support Video Playing Format Yes MP4, M4V, 3GP, 3G2, AVI, FLV, MKV, WEBM Video Playing Resolution Audio Playing Format UHD 8K (7680 x 4320) @60fps MP3, M4A, 3GA, AAC, OGG, OGA, WAV, AMR, AWB, FLAC, MID, MIDI, XMF, MXMF, IMY, RTTTL, RTX, OTA, DFF, DSF, APE Services and Applications Gear Support Samsung DeX Support Galaxy Ring, Galaxy Buds3 Pro, Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Galaxy Buds Pro, Galaxy Buds Live, Galaxy Buds+, Galaxy Buds3, Galaxy Buds2, Galaxy Buds, Galaxy Buds FE, Galaxy Fit3, Galaxy Fit2, Galaxy Fit e, Galaxy Fit, Galaxy Watch FE, Galaxy Watch Ultra, Galaxy Watch7, Galaxy Watch6, Galaxy Watch5, Galaxy Watch4, Galaxy Watch3, Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Watch Active2, Galaxy Watch Active Yes Bluetooth® Hearing Aid Support SmartThings Support Android Audio Streaming for Hearing Aid(ASHA) Yes Mobile TV No Price R19,999.01 Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. 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The Citizen
13-05-2025
- The Citizen
Introducing Samsung SOS+ subscription service
Samsung South Africa has partnered with AURA to officially launch Samsung SOS+, a free-to-use, 24/7 subscription service exclusive to the new Galaxy A56, A36 and A26 device owners. In an emergency situation and on demand, the service will immediately geolocate you and send traceable private security and medical emergency services, giving you peace of mind wherever you are in South Africa. This makes the latest Galaxy A Series the ultimate all-in-one safety solution in your pocket combining communication, smart tech, and personal security in one package. Samsung SOS+ is provided by AURA, the leading emergency response platform that stands apart through its unwavering commitment to transforming emergency response. Since 2017, AURA has been delivering real-time, life-saving assistance to those in need, ensuring immediate access to medical and security services when every second counts. Samsung isn't just offering a service, we're embedding access to safety directly into the everyday lives of our customers. Emergencies don't come with warnings. Whether it's a car accident, a health event, or an unexpected threat while walking home, time is critical. Samsung's SOS+ is designed for instinctive use, it's accessible with just one tap from the ICE (In Case of Emergency) contact list and there are multiple ways to access the service, via the app, SMS and toll free number. It's fast, intuitive, and designed to help registered Galaxy A users in stressful situations. 'Woven into people's daily lives, Samsung acts as an enabling tool and a source of empowerment. If Samsung devices are always with our customers, why can't they be the lifeline our customers reach for, should such an emergency situation happen? Now with Samsung SOS+, the Galaxy A Series offers immediate access to security and medical assistance.' said Justin Hume, Vice President for Mobile eXperience at Samsung. The reality for many South Africans is that they do not have access to quick medical and emergency services. Recent reports suggest that only 17% of South Africans have medical aid that gives them access to get private ambulances, less than 13% having access to private security, and in the poorest communities, that number falling to just 1.2%, Samsung SOS+ could be life-changing. 'Samsung SOS+ turns your phone into a personal safety tool – one call, and professional help is on the way,' added Warren Myers, CEO of AURA. 'We're not just offering peace of mind – we're delivering it with unmatched speed and nationwide. Safety is a basic human need, and our mission is to save lives by democratising access to on-demand emergency response services.' Samsung's Galaxy A Series offers smartphones built on the foundations of dependable innovation and affordability. Building on this, access to the Samsung SOS+ subscription service is available, free of charge, on any new Galaxy A26, A36, and A56 device from 05 May 2025 to 06 August 2025 as a Proof of Concept. All devices purchased on or after 1 May 2025 qualify for the promotion. Samsung SOS+ is immediately there for you – accessible via the SOS+ APP or toll-free number – with immediate help, live location tracking, giving customers peace of mind. 'At Samsung, we're committed to enriching lives not only through innovative technology and devices, but also meaningful services that matter to our consumers,' said Hume. Designed for instinctive use, Samsung SOS+ offers: Once registered through a quick process, in any medical and emergency, customers simply dial the dedicated toll-free Samsung SOS+ subscription service number, which triggers an alert and shares their live location directly with AURA's secure platform. The closest vetted responder – either medical or armed response – is immediately automatically dispatched from AURA's nationwide network of over 3,500 professionals. Simultaneously, users receive a call back from the personalised call centre to offer reassurance and confirm help is on the way. One-tap access from your contacts or the phone's ICE (In Case of Emergency) contact list Multimodal communication: via app, SMS, voice, or web Toll-free and Data-free functionality: location tracking can be activated through SMS Live responder tracking: users can see help approaching in real time – offering critical peace of mind How do I set up the service? Step 1: Purchase and activate the device. Step 2: Have all the current Samsung software updates downloaded and installed from the settings menu on the device. Step 3: Download the Samsung Members application from the Samsung Galaxy Store or Google Play Store on the device. Step 4: Register for a Samsung Members account, then select 'Galaxy A-series Samsung SOS+ Launch Offer' promotional banner in the 'Benefits' section of the Samsung Members application and follow the prompts to complete the online registration and form. Step 5: Once the online form (referred to in step 4), has been submitted, the user will be required to complete the Samsung SOS+ service on-boarding process via the registration link and will be required to agree to and enter into the Application Terms. Buy the new Galaxy A56, A36, or A26 today and unlock 12-months free security and medical emergency peace of mind ready when you need it with the Samsung SOS+ subscription service. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Daily Maverick
30-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Maverick
Malatsi's smartphone tax break gets a mixed reception
Communications Minister Solly Malatsi's flagship initiative to waive the 9% ad valorem excise duty on smartphones costing less than R2,500 has industry players divided on whether it's a good idea. 'Affordability remains one of the biggest barriers to digital access, especially for low-income households,' the minister of communications and digital technologies, Solly Malatsi, declared at the 45th Southern Africa Telecommunications Association annual conference. He also proclaimed, once again, that 'the South African government has removed the 9% ad valorem excise duty on smartphones priced below R2,500'. The policy targets entry-level smartphones that predominantly offer 4G connectivity — a critical step in South Africa's transition away from 2G and 3G networks. With 87% 4G coverage in the country, the government has identified affordability, not infrastructure, as the primary obstacle to universal connectivity. The digital economy's contribution has reached 10% to 15% of South Africa's GDP, resulting in Malatsi framing smartphone access as 'a gateway to economic opportunity' that could expand participation in education, e-commerce and government services. Enthusiasm, meet scepticism The initiative has exposed a stark divide among industry stakeholders. Samsung, the biggest smartphone vendor in SA by value (and mostly volume, depending on how the market is sliced), can see the vision, but doesn't agree with the method. Justin Hume, Samsung South Africa vice-president of mobile, sees particular potential in mid-tier devices such as the Galaxy A16, which the company will now reduce from about R4,000 to R3,499. 'We're forecasting a nearly 200% increase in sales on that product when we move it to that price point because suddenly it moves into the realm of affordability,' Hume said during an interview at the recent Samsung Galaxy A56 launch event in Johannesburg. 'You're getting a great camera, great memory and processing capability that customers have never experienced before — and it's now affordable.' Although Hume strongly disagreed with her representation, Nomvuyiso Batyi, CEO of the Association of Communications and Technology (ACT), presented a more nuanced view of the industry's response to the tax exemption. Batyi said Samsung was 'really, really, really excited' about the tax exemption, but she noted that other stakeholders were significantly less enthusiastic. 'Cellular providers and manufacturers based in South Africa don't see the impact yet,' she said. 'No one really knows the impact except the likes of Samsung.' The affordability conundrum At the heart of South Africa's digital divide is the prohibitive cost of modern smartphones. Batyi herself illustrated this through personal experience: 'I have a 4G handset that I've had for the past seven years because I refuse to pay R30,000 for a new handset. It just doesn't make sense, but everyone aspires [to] the better handset, isn't it?' This aspirational gap represents a key challenge for Malatsi's policy. Simply removing a 9% tax on entry-level devices may not address the fundamental pricing structures that keep premium features out of reach for most South Africans. Batyi pointed out that even for low-end manufacturer Mobicel, which produces 4G and 5G handsets that would benefit from this exemption, the devices would primarily be distributed through bulk government contracts rather than retail channels. 'There is no person who walks into a store and says, 'I want the Mobicel 5 handset,'' she said, highlighting the disconnect between local production and consumer buying patterns. Is Malatsi's move enough? The ACT's position on the tax waiver was diplomatically cautious. 'For the tax relaxation for all devices, we approached National Treasury. We are happy that he [Malatsi] took that on, and we're like, okay, it's something,' Batyi acknowledged. But she immediately followed with a more ambitious proposal: 'If South Africa is serious about the digital economy and serious that [it wants] to transform, the luxury tax can be relaxed for a period of two years [on all 4G and 5G components] and just test the market…' This suggestion, that a more comprehensive, if temporary, tax holiday might yield more significant results, represents a widespread industry concern that Malatsi's initiative, although welcome, may be insufficient to create transformative change. Where do the numbers make sense? Understanding why the tax cut affects different price points differently requires unpacking smartphone economics in South Africa. Hume explained that the 9% ad valorem duty — essentially a luxury tax — applied to the import price of devices, not the retail price consumers see. For ultra-budget smartphones retailing at R1,000 to R1,200, a 9% reduction translates to barely R90 to R100 off — hardly enough to sway purchasing decisions. The real sweet spot, according to Samsung, appears to be in the R3,000 to R4,500 range, where the tax waiver creates enough of a price reduction to bring formerly premium features within reach of aspirational buyers. Hume also pointed to device financing as the 'critical multiplier that could amplify the impact of the tax cut'. When smartphones fall below certain psychological price barriers, they become eligible for more attractive instalment plans, effectively expanding the market of potential buyers. 'As you bring products into the realm of device financing opportunities, that's where the real growth will come from,' said Hume. 'Not simply because of the retail price reduction, but because more consumers qualify for financing at those lower price points.' The grey area problem Another dimension often overlooked in discussions about smartphone affordability is the significant grey market for imported devices. Parallel imports — phones brought into the country through unofficial channels — undermine legitimate businesses and government revenue. Industry representatives argue that making legal imports more affordable through tax cuts like Malatsi's could help combat this problem by narrowing the price gap between official and unofficial channels. Closing the digital gap Despite these limitations, Malatsi's initiative represents a concrete step towards addressing what he called 'one of the biggest barriers to digital access'. As the policy takes effect in the coming months, its true impact on SA's digital landscape will become clearer. Whether this represents a transformative moment in digital inclusion or merely a symbolic gesture will ultimately depend on how consumers respond — and whether price reductions actually translate to increased adoption of 4G technology among previously disconnected South Africans. The luxury tax waiver may be just the opening move in what needs to be a much longer game of digital empowerment. DM This story first appeared in our weekly Daily Maverick 168 newspaper, which is available countrywide for R35.
