Samsung celebrates mentors, learners and teachers in top 10 finals

The Samsung Solve For Tomorrow (SFT) Competition has now reached its Final stage and the electronics giant in collaboration with the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) and the Department of Basic Education (DBE) will host the Winner Announcement Ceremony at AHA Kopanong Hotel & Conferencing in Benoni on Wednesday, 02 October 2024.

In an effort to recognise and celebrate the work done by the participating schools, Samsung took the time to speak to both learners and teachers from four finalist schools that entered the competition this year. The aim of the conversation was to ascertain how these participants felt about being part of the contest, how their experience has been and how their preparations were going before the prototype presentation in October.

A crucial stage that would determine which school would end up walking away with the ultimate prize; and this is what they had to say:

Nomfundo Manqele, a learner from Adams College in KwaZulu-Natal expressed how thrilled she was to be part of the finalist schools. However, from time to time she did experience a bit of anxiety and a roller coaster of emotions when she was reminded just how big the competition was. Nomfundo mentioned that it was both an incredible and hectic experience for both the teachers and learners as they all learnt new things, every day.

She also admitted to the fact that they also faced many challenges along the way, but overall, it was an affirming experience. Nomfundo added by saying: “Preparations for our final prototype are currently underway and coming along quite nicely. Although, we have encountered many challenges in this journey, we somehow found a way to persevere. In spite of the challenges, I am certain that the win is coming to KZN considering the effort we put into crafting our masterpiece.”

To date, we’ve learnt quite a lot in this competition and one of the lessons that stands out for us and one that we will forever hold onto is that: “In life, if you want to go far, go together. Nothing beats working well as a team and having a great leader that will lead you to victory through healthy competition and teamwork.”

Nomfundo’s words of encouragement to schools that haven’t yet entered the contest are: “This is a really challenging contest that requires hard work and dedication, so always bear that in mind. However, in a competition arena, resilience separates winners from the rest. There are no winners or losers, only learners – nothing more, nothing less.”

Amyoli Resha, a grade 11 learner from Khwezi Lomso Comprehensive School at Zwide township in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape said: “Entering the Samsung SFT competition and even becoming a finalist makes me feel very ecstatic.

“This competition and this milestone has brought a sense of pride, considering the fact that we are the only school in the Eastern Cape to make it to the Top 20 & Top 10, we definitely embody the spirit of the Home of Legends.”

He added that it has been quite a wonderful, yet very challenging experience. From the start of the programme, their team has enjoyed a great deal of support from the entire school and its faculty. And this unwavering support is what got the team through all the challenges they faced during the process leading up to where it is today.

Amyoli confidently said that the preparations for the prototype were going quite smoothly. “The team is not in panic mode because we were told that the final product may take some time to materialise into perfection. However, by the look of things and the confidence we possess – the team is more than convinced that we WILL definitely Bring the Win Home,” he added.

Above all, the competition has taught the whole team from Khwezi Lomso – the importance of teamwork and believing that their combined proposals and ideas can actually make a large impact. Amyoli then called upon all schools to enter this competition so that they can unleash their learners’ potential because this contest will give them the opportunity to advance and explore their imaginations.

Zandile Sonandze, a teacher also from Khwezi Lomso Comprehensive School in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape said that she’s very excited because they didn’t think that they could get this far in the competition, especially as a new entry. She said that, as an educator, the entire team’s confidence has been boosted enough to enter other competitions. “When we first entered the SFT competition, we didn’t even think that we would be selected for the first round, but look at us now,” Zandile exclaimed.

According to this enthusiastic teacher: “This experience has been exciting and overwhelming at the same time, because everything had to go as planned. Our learners are also excited to be in the Finals and for the opportunity to fly to Johannesburg. Our educators and the entire school are also cheering for us – they are all very proud of how far we’ve come.”

Zandile also explained that the preparations are not yet 100%, and that there are still some finer details they are trying to wrap-up in an effort to help the team to win the competition. However, she said that they are trying their best to be as creative as possible – the team is now just hoping for the best. She has also taken the time to encourage other schools to enter the competition as this has been an eye opening experience for their entire school.

Phume Unarine, a learner and group leader from Thengwe High school located in the Limpopo Province said that she’s very happy and looking forward to what the finals have in store for them. For Phume and her team, this has been one of the most interesting and exciting experiences that the learners, teachers and their whole school has participated in.

“The preparations for our prototype went according to our plans,” Phume added confidently. “We’ve faced every obstacle that came our way with the full support of our mentor whose support has been crucial to us reaching this stage of the competition. I have confidence in my team and I’m convinced that we’re going to come out victorious.”

During this competition, we learnt that people aren’t the same and their differences are what makes them unique. She added that she learnt that teamwork is not only about being part of a group and that a great leader is made by the motivated people around him or her. I’d like to advise other schools that have not yet participated in this contest to take a leap of faith and enter because this will help them discover more knowledge and open them up to new experiences that they wouldn’t be able to get anywhere else.

Makhosazana Mazibuko, a learner and team leader from Mandisa Shiceka School of Specialisation in Gauteng appreciated being part of the SFT competition and found the contest to be a very exciting experience that she thoroughly enjoyed. She also saw this as an opportunity to improve her community. For Makhosazana, the competition was full of research and helped their team members to create lasting bonds. As far as preparation for the prototype presentation is concerned, she said: “It’s going very well, we are productive and are dealing with our trial and errors very well. Our idea involves one of the basic necessities in our community and is unique, so I’m very confident that we will win.”

During this competition, Makhosazana believes that she learnt how to be patient, how to “turn down” ideas and how to be a better leader. Overall, she’s learnt to be kinder and more understanding with circumstances, peers, adults and above all herself. She also feels that her presentation skills have improved and that she’s gained more confidence, in herself and her intellect.

And lastly, Nonki Bridgette Motlogelwa, an educator from Mandisa Shiceka – a Gauteng-based Maths, Science & ICT School of Specialisation, with a focus in mining and manufacturing said: “As a new entry, I feel so honoured and grateful to be part of the competition. Over the last few months, we put in so much effort into our idea and to know that it is being appreciated – has truly made us feel on top of the world. Now, we feel like we can do anything as long as we put our minds to it.”

Nonki expressed how proud and blown away she was by the learners from her school. She explained how they have shown so much courage, creativity and teamwork, a clear indication that they are heading in the right direction. During the competition process, the learners started feeling the pressure but fortunately they pulled through and decided to do hydroponics. This technique involves growing plants using water-based nutrient solution rather than soil.

When it was announced that the school is in the top 10, the entire school was so happy, this has motivated other school learners to want to enter next year. Having a Samsung mentor as well, she believes, made this challenging experience much easier, because she was able to guide the team through.

For Nonki, the overall experience was amazing and thought-provoking. She also confirmed that their preparations for the prototype presentation are going well, the learners are putting their all and their teamwork is superb. The learners were also able to alternate themselves in terms of building the prototype and preparations for the final presentation.

Nonki is encouraging learners from other schools who have not yet participated in this SFT competition to always take chances and believe in themselves, because the future is in their hands. “Because all the learners have the brains and creativity, its important to let them shine and show the world that every individual deserves an equal opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances,” concluded Nonki.