Samsung South Africa, in partnership with the National Department of Basic Education (DBE), has announced the ultimate winners of the 2026 Samsung Solve for Tomorrow (SFT) science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM)-based competition. The National Awards Ceremony was held on October 2, 2026, at the Irene Country Hotel in Centurion, Gauteng, where three outstanding public schools were crowned champions, taking home major prizes to boost STEM learning in their classrooms.
The prestigious event was celebrated as a highly successful Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between Samsung and the DBE, graced by key dignitaries, including the President and CEO of Samsung Africa, Simon Lee, and the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube. The winning schools were awarded cash prizes, which will go entirely toward purchasing vital STEM equipment for their respective schools. The first-prize winner, Cape Recife High School from the Eastern Cape, received R100,000 for their exceptional prototype that turns plastic waste into sports equipment.
The second-place winner, Mbilwi Secondary School from Limpopo, received R50,000 for their innovative prototype project focusing on transforming pollution and waste into low-cost construction materials aimed at reducing overcrowding and supporting sustainable community development. The third-place winner, Sekete IV Secondary School from North West, received R30,000 for their brilliant prototype that addresses the severe waste management crisis in their school and the surrounding Kanana Village.
In addition to the cash prizes, each individual learner from the three winning teams walked away with a brand-new Samsung Galaxy smartphone to help them continue their tech-for-good journeys. Samsung Africa CEO, Simon Lee, congratulated the winners and the Top 20 finalists, highlighting how Samsung, as the catalyst for youth empowerment, remains deeply committed to driving education and technology-driven initiatives.
Minister Gwarube expressed her optimism about what the future holds for South Africa if opportunities are continuously created that not only strengthen education but also access to it. She emphasized that working together as government, corporates, and communities is the best approach to addressing challenges. The Solve for Tomorrow initiative directly supports South Africa's National Development Plan (Vision 2030) by teaching public school learners skills needed for the future.
The competition challenged learners to develop real-world solutions under two crucial themes: Environmental Sustainability through Technology and Social Inclusion through Sports and Technology. Kukhanya Mbebe, a Grade 10 learner from Cape Recife High School, shared their excitement, stating that working on the project has taught them how to think like inventors and use technology to make a difference.
Key points
- Samsung and the National Department of Basic Education have partnered to equip South Africa's youth with future-ready skills through the 'Solve for Tomorrow' STEM competition.
- Three outstanding public schools were crowned champions, taking home major prizes to boost STEM learning in their classrooms.
- The competition supports South Africa's National Development Plan (Vision 2030) by teaching public school learners skills needed for the future.
