University of Limpopo in collaborating with Samsung and, in partnership with the Department of Trade, Industry & Competition (Dtic), launched the ‘Digital Innovation Lab’ (DIL) on Wednesday, 6 March.
The lab is equipped with modern technology and infrastructure, including, White-top modern movable desks (15), grey and black training chairs (30), and 28 Laptops will be issued to participants instead of desktop systems.
Samsung interactive flipchart with stand (1) for trainers/lecturers; Mobile power towers seven 7 Videowall display screens, comprising 8 X Samsung, 55” 500NITS FHD slim bezel, will be mounted in sets of 4 on the left and right of the centre podium.
The lab was officially unveiled at the University by Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma — the Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities and the University’s Chancellor — features a curriculum catering towards coding, programming fundamentals and digital social innovation.
Lenhle Khoza, B-BBEE and Transformation Manager at Samsung Africa, emphasized the significance of their program.
“This programme seeks to boost youth employment in the technology sector by empowering them with ICT and Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) skills, while also encouraging them to consider opportunities as entrepreneurs in information and communications technology. As a company, we understand that the shortage of adequately skilled software engineers would hamper the country’s ability to ride the wave of the 4IR and risk being left behind. This is what makes such initiatives so much more critical.”
The Digital Innovation Lab (LDIL) is a Software Development Programme aimed at addressing the high
unemployment rates in the Limpopo province.
Professor Jesika Singh, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of Limpopo, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with Samsung on a visionary and beneficial project aimed at addressing the digital divide within society.
“The institution is thrilled to collaborate with Samsung on this visionary and beneficial project aimed at addressing the digital divide within our society. The opportunity to partner with our sister University, in tailoring this programme to meet the specific needs of our province and region is an innovative approach to transferring essential skills to our team at UL in the Digital Lab. As a University, we eagerly anticipate the next two years of the project and the future developments at UL.”
The lab will be taking those involved through a 10-month-long software development (SWD) course, providing valuable, real-life experience in the outside world. The “digital social innovation” bit will have candidates trying their hand with a real-life community problem, which they’ll be solving through digital means.