Samsung Electronics South Africa has donated a large number of electronic products to POPUP (People Upliftment Programme), a non-profit organisation that provides skills training for the unemployed.

More than 150 products ranging from HDTVs and home theatre systems through to ovens, dishwashers and PCs, were identified by POPUP as tools it requires to train its learners.

According to the organisation, this donation will provide the centre with the means to develop the necessary skills needed for disadvantaged individuals to enter society and make a difference in their respective communities.

Michelle Potgieter, head of corporate marketing and communications at Samsung Electronics South Africa, said that Samsung is committed to delivering access to education and stimulating the development of employable skills in people from disadvantaged communities.

“Given POPUP’s focus on this type of skills development and community commitment there was an obvious synergy for us as a brand to partner with POPUP and to help make these requirements a reality,” Potgieter stated.

Samsung strives to bridge the digital divide

Samsung is utilising all of the donated products to equip POPUP’s three training centres within the Tshwane and North West areas, namely Soshanguve, Mmakau (Ga-Rankuwa) and Salvokop. Potgieter explained that the products are an important way in which Samsung is able to provide the organisation with the means to empower people.

She added that this donation is far more than merely a monetary investment, since it provides access to technology for the less fortunate. This, Potgieter elaborated, assists in bridging the digital divide and creating an equal opportunity for the broader South African community.  

“Living in the digital age, it is easy to forget that there are communities that do not have access to the tools they need to grow in both a business and personal capacity. Samsung products cover all aspects of the connected lifestyle and will assist POPUP to fulfill its mandate to the community,” concluded Potgieter.

In related news, Samsung recently unveiled an 8" variant of its Galaxy Note 10.1 tablet (review) in the Galaxy Note 8, which serves as direct competition for Apple’s 7.9" iPad mini.