Samsung Electronics, in partnership with the Department of Basic Education (DBE), has announced the Top 20 public schools advancing to the next phase of its 2026 Solve for Tomorrow (SFT) competition, an initiative designed to foster science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) innovation among South Africa’s youth.
The announcement, made on 14 April, marks the conclusion of the competition’s initial application phase, which closed on 6 March. This year’s programme recorded a significant rise in participation, with over 143 submissions, up from 47 entries in 2025, reflecting growing engagement with STEM-driven problem-solving across the country’s public school system.
Senior representatives from Samsung and its partners attended the event, including Simon Lee, President and CEO of Samsung Africa; Elspeth Khembo, Director for Mathematics, Science and Technology (MST) at DBE; and Tlali Tlali of the State Information Technology Agency (SITA).
The competition has expanded its reach in 2026 by opening participation to all public schools, including quintile 5 institutions. Organisers say the move has made the programme more inclusive and nationally representative, while shifting its focus from concept submissions to the development of practical, community-oriented solutions.
Two global themes underpin this year’s challenge: Social Inclusion through Sports and Technology, and Environmental Sustainability via Technology. Both are aimed at encouraging learners, primarily in Grades 10 and 11, to apply digital tools and critical thinking to real-world challenges, particularly within underserved communities.
Samsung Africa’s leadership highlighted the alignment between the programme and South Africa’s broader education priorities, noting that a recently signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the DBE has strengthened collaboration around STEM education and digital skills development.
Khembo said the initiative supports national goals to expand digital learning and prepare students for a technology driven economy. She added that equipping learners with competencies linked to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) remains central to building an inclusive and innovation led society.
Participants advancing to this stage will receive mentorship, attend design thinking workshops, and gain access to prototype funding and digital tools. The programme also emphasises the development of core competencies, creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and communication, through project based learning.
SITA, a long standing partner in the initiative, underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between public and private sectors in advancing digital education and improving opportunities for young people.
The competition’s structure allows learners to refine and implement their ideas with support from industry experts, positioning the initiative as both an educational platform and a pipeline for future innovators.
Winning schools stand to receive up to R100,000 in STEM equipment, with second- and third-place prizes set at R50,000 and R30,000 respectively. Top performing learners will also be awarded Samsung devices to support their academic and technological development.
Top 20 Schools Advancing to the Next Phase
The selected schools represent all nine provinces:
- Cape Recife High School (Eastern Cape)
- Welkom High School (Free State)
- Koffiefontein Combined School (Free State)
- Kagisho Comprehensive Secondary School (Free State)
- Kaalfontein Secondary School (Gauteng)
- Katlehong Engineering School of Specialisation (Gauteng)
- Empangeni High School (KwaZulu-Natal)
- Mowat Park High School (KwaZulu-Natal)
- Mbilwi Secondary School (Limpopo)
- Patrick Ramaano Secondary School (Limpopo)
- Florapark Comprehensive High School (Limpopo)
- Stanwest Combined School (Mpumalanga)
- Ithafa Secondary School (Mpumalanga)
- Motswedi Secondary School (North West)
- Gaopalelwe Secondary School (North West)
- Klerksdorp Secondary School (North West)
- Sekete IV Secondary School (North West)
- Kgomotso High School (Northern Cape)
- Masibambane Secondary School (Western Cape)
- Môrester Oudtshoorn (Western Cape)