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App Factory and the Future Innovation Software Development programme have received additional investment from Samsung South Africa to increase the number of experienced software developers in the country. Sponsored graduates will now be equipped with expertise and knowledge that appeals to potential employers, and in this way, the programme can make a meaningful difference in South Africa’s ICT sector.
App Factory and Future Innovation Software Development programme are beneficiaries of Samsung South Africa’s R280 million equity equivalent investment programme
Samsung partnered with Microsoft for the App Factory sponsorship – which is a nine-month internship programme hosted by Tshimologong Digital Precinct and Wits University. Over the last two years, Samsung has invested in 49 selected interns with an IT tertiary qualification that can work with a senior developer to grow their skills.
The sole responsibility of the senior developer is to focus full-time on the growth of the interns by providing the right mentorship and guiding them on real-world projects.
The Future Innovation Software Development programme targets unemployed matriculants with an aptitude for software development. This six-month internship provides disadvantaged youth with software development and digital social innovation expertise so that they too can access the digital economy. The programme is facilitated by the University of the Western Cape (UWC).
To date, 311 unemployed youth have participated in the R&D programme with 226 students already proud graduates, ready to take their place in the local ICT sector where these skills are highly sought-after.
“Samsung is pleased to see how well our education programmes such as the App Factory, along with work placements are making a difference. We feel it is essential to continue to support these far-reaching initiatives,” said Hlubi Shivanda, Director: Business Innovation Group and Corporate Affairs at Samsung South Africa.
With the right skills and opportunities, such skilled interns can be part of driving local and global growth while achieving personal successes. This intern-centred approach enables the students to grow their competence and sharpen their skills and serves as a solid foundation for the graduates to continue to grow and be part of shaping the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”
Importantly, the programme has also attracted female graduates, who are an integral part of future growth in the sector. Soweto native Lindiwe Mnwcabe is a Samsung App Factory graduate and now a java developer at BMW.
Samsung has poured R94 million into the Spouth African software development sector over 10 years, and these programmes provides a full scholarship to the students that includes equipment, stipend and tuition fees.