Africa's Solve for Tomorrow in partnership with SITA wraps up with great fanfare

In South Africa, the 2024 Samsung Solve for Tomorrow concluded with the announcement of the overall winner in Johannesburg. Among the dignitaries at the event was the Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Dr. Makgabo Mhaule.

Out of the 10 finalists, Mandisa Shiceka High School from Krugersdorp in Gauteng was crowned the winner. Second place went to Mbilwi Secondary School from Venda (Limpopo), last year's winner, while third place went to Adam's College from Amanzimtoti (KwaZulu-Natal).

Run in partnership with the State Information Technology Agency (SITA), Solve for Tomorrow gives Grade 10 and 11 students from disadvantaged communities a unique opportunity to learn and apply themselves by solving some of the challenges in their communities through the practical application of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Students explore their areas of interest while gaining valuable experience and skills that will help them pursue careers in STEM.

Participants identify problems in their communities and use STEM to solve them by conducting research and developing prototypes. Samsung provides the students with resources and mentors to guide them through the process.

The Mandisa team, which won took first place, developed an automated hydroponic structure that grows food without using soil. They identified food security as a key challenge as their township, Kagiso, is predominantly a mining environment, which affects the quality of soil, air and water (resources needed to grow healthy food). To mitigate this, their innovative system would use greenhouses as well as rainwater and boreholes as water sources. "We entered Solve for Tomorrow with the strong belief that we would win because we believed in our idea as a great solution - that's the attitude the whole team carried through to the end. We thank Samsung for the opportunity to improve our community and learn some valuable skills," said Makhosazana Mazibuko, team member and Grade 10 student.

Their teacher, Nonki Motlogelwa, who guided them through the project, said: "When we entered Solve for Tomorrow, all the students were very excited to win. Even though they felt the pressure as soon as they started working, they always believed in themselves and that pushed them through. We are especially proud because we won at our first attempt. I am so excited for the students, they showed so much courage, creativity and teamwork that I am sure they are on the right track. Overall, the experience was amazing and thought provoking".

At the ceremony, Deputy Minister Mhaule said, "Samsung's efforts and commitment to contributing to the education of our youth is highly commendable. Every student and school that participated in Solve for Tomorrow is a winner, simply for stepping up and doing something to solve problems in their community, educate themselves and prepare for the future. This initiative is not just a competition; it is a beacon for what social responsibility should be.

Solve for Tomorrow is one of Samsung's corporate citizenship initiatives and an ambitious effort to increase interest and proficiency in STEM. Innovative thinking, creative problem solving, and teamwork are part of what the program aims to foster in students as they learn important skills that can help them in their future careers.