When Unfold Durban received the invite to attend Samsung and Ocule IT’s 4th Electronics Technician Programme graduation ceremony, I couldn’t say no. Events like these remind us what real, lasting impact looks like in our communities. My fellow content creator, Mel from Mulling It Over with Mel, and I had the privilege of experiencing a truly inspiring day in KZN—celebrating young people who are stepping into the tech world with confidence, skill, and pride.
A Graduation That’s About More Than Certificates
Held on the 3rd of April 2025, this event wasn’t your average graduation—it was a celebration of transformation. Twenty graduates (including a powerful 12 women!) from underprivileged communities completed their 12-month training as part of Samsung’s Electronics Technician Programme, in collaboration with Ocule IT. That’s 20 fresh opportunities to break cycles, enter the workforce, and make real change—not just for themselves, but for their families and communities too.
A Closer Look at the Programme
This initiative forms part of Samsung’s Equity Equivalents Investment Programme (EEIP)—a R280-million investment aimed at bridging the gap in employment, especially in the ICT space. Since 2019, the programme has been empowering South Africa’s youth and women with real, industry-ready skills aligned with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Think diagnosing faults, repairing electronics, interpreting circuits, and even starting their own tech businesses. These are not just skills—they’re game-changers.
And the proof is in the numbers: out of 81 learners trained over the past four years in KZN, 80% are now employed, 6% pursued further studies, and 12% went on to launch their own businesses. That’s huge.
Community, Collaboration & Celebration
As someone who believes deeply in celebrating local wins, this programme ticks all the boxes: youth development, women empowerment, tech education, and local economic growth. Hearing from speakers like Samsung EEIP Project Manager Nicky Beukes and Ocule IT’s Sanele Gcumisa drove home just how impactful this partnership has been—not only for the graduates but for the broader KZN region.
There was such a spirit of joy and pride in the room as each graduate received their certificate. Many of them had overcome significant obstacles to get there, and their achievement is a beautiful reminder that when communities and corporations collaborate, incredible things happen.
I left the event feeling hopeful. The kind of hope that comes from seeing people show up, invest in others, and commit to a long-term vision of empowerment. To Samsung, Ocule IT, and all the partners involved—well done. And to the graduates? You’re the future we’ve been waiting for.
What’s Next ?
This programme doesn’t just boost employment stats—it builds a generation of skilled technicians who can lead us into the future. With more women entering tech and more youth equipped with in-demand electronic repair skills, KZN’s local economy is set to benefit in a big way.
We’ll be keeping an eye on how these graduates grow—whether they enter the workforce, start businesses, or continue their studies. Programmes like this are exactly the kind of success stories we love to share on Unfold Durban.
If you’re as inspired as we were, check out more about what Samsung’s doing in South Africa at news.samsung.com. And keep following Unfold Durban for more local stories worth celebrating.
*Words by me, shaped with a little digital AI magic
