Samsung, Tshimologong celebrate sixth Software Development Programme cohort

Samsung, in collaboration with Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct, hosted a graduation ceremony for the sixthSoftware Development (SWD)Programme cohort on July 23. This was to celebrate the successful completion and measurable impact that this information and communications technology (ICT) training has had on the lives of the participating students. This market-relevant and skills-driven programme prepares students by guiding them through the process of getting ready for the workplace.

Together, Samsung and Tshimologong also provide a network of employment partners. The ceremony was a demonstration of the tangible outcomes of the SWD programme, which include the skills acquired by graduates, innovative projects completed and partners’ contributions to the tech space. In conjunction with the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)-owned Tshimologong,Samsunghas in recent years identified that one of the challenges faced by ICT graduates is the struggle to find jobs in software development.

This is because ICT job seekers generally need at least two to four years’ relevant experience to be able to secure employment. In reality though, when interns work in the industry under real-world pressure, they are at the mercy of those who have the time and willingness to mentor. It therefore takes longer to gain the required expertise.

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WithSamsung’s extensive investment into the SWD programme, the parties involved are pleased to see that this partnership has consistently yielded excellent results over the past seven years. With the help of employment partners, the total absorption rate from cohort one to six is 79%, considering the last group completed at the end of June 2026. Mark Harris, Tshimologong CEO, says their partnership with Samsung is fundamentally rooted in developing high-end digital skills that create tangible opportunities for unemployed youth.

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