The prestigious event that was celebrated as a highly successful Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between Samsung and the DBE, was graced by key dignitaries including the President and CEO of Samsung Africa, Simon Lee as well as the Minister of Basic Education, the honourable Siviwe Gwarube. Image: Samsung
Three South African public schools have emerged victorious in the 2026 Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition after developing innovative solutions aimed at tackling some of the country’s most pressing social and environmental challenges.
The science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)-based competition, a partnership between Samsung South Africa and the Department of Basic Education (DBE), culminated in a national awards ceremony held at the Irene Country Lodge in Centurion, where learners were rewarded for using technology to address real-world problems in their communities.
Top honours
Taking top honours was Cape Recife High School in the Eastern Cape, which walked away with the first prize of R100 000 for developing a prototype that converts plastic waste into sports equipment.
Mbilwi Secondary School in Limpopo secured second place and R50 000 for a project that transforms waste into affordable construction materials, while Sekete IV Secondary School in North West claimed third prize and R30 000 for an innovation aimed at addressing food insecurity.
The prize money will be used to purchase Stem equipment for the winning schools, while each learner from the top three teams received a Samsung Galaxy smartphone
Future of Africa
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Samsung Africa President and CEO Simon Lee said the growing success of the competition demonstrated the immense potential of South Africa’s youth.
“The future of Africa lies in the hands of its young innovators. Through our partnership with the Department of Basic Education, we are not only helping to address environmental and societal challenges but also equipping young people with the skills and confidence needed to build a sustainable digital future.”
Innovate
Lee said the sharp increase in entries, from 47 submissions last year to 143 this year, showed that young South Africans were eager to learn and innovate when given the opportunity.
“The growth of this competition proves that young people have an appetite for learning. We see investing in human potential through initiatives such as Solve for Tomorrow and the Samsung Innovation Campus as more than just part of our work. It gives our existence greater meaning.”
Partnerships
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube praised the initiative, saying partnerships between government and the private sector were critical to improving educational opportunities and preparing learners for the future.
“Education must help young people prepare for the future that they want for themselves, and that we want as a country. We cannot perpetuate the inequality that currently exists.”
“We cannot solve some of our challenges alone and can only do so through partnerships like this one. Thank you to Samsung for investing in South Africa and the future of our young people.”
Successes
One of the competition’s standout success stories came from Cape Recife High School, where learners developed a device that converts recycled plastic bottles into 3D-printer filament used to manufacture sports equipment.
Samsung South Africa CSR Manager Lefa Makgato said the competition continues to prove that education remains one of the most powerful tools for unlocking opportunities.
“As Samsung, we strongly believe that education is the foundation that allows young people to realise their full potential. Through our partnership with the DBE, we are proud to continue empowering young minds and inspiring positive change across South Africa.”
Competition
The annual competition challenges learners to use Stem skills, mentorship and innovative thinking to build practical solutions under themes linked to social inclusion and environmental sustainability, while helping equip South Africa’s next generation of problem-solvers with future-ready skills.
