In a world increasingly dominated by , data and AI-driven metrics, African  leaders are rediscovering the human side of work. This was the central theme at a recent African 51ˇçÁ÷User Group (AFSUG) event, titled â our Version of Paradiseâ, where volunteers, partners and members gathered to discuss the non-profit organisationâs strategic evolution.
Pierre du Plessis, strategist and founder of Be Brave, and the eventâs guest speaker, explored how trust, culture and meaningful engagement can transform teams and communities, touching on the  of âtribesâ â small, connected groups where people feel seen, trusted and valued.Â
âProfit and growth are lagging indicators of deep chemistry, not ,â he told attendees. âThe board may set a strategy, but the tribe makes it real. Only the tribe builds the movement.â
Through storytelling and practical examples, Du Plessis illustrated why connection matters more than metrics alone, and why shared experiences are valued over shortcuts.Â
âTrust is fundamental to any team,â he explained. âIt enables conflict, commitment, accountability and ultimately meaningful outcomes.â
Research highlighted at the session reinforced these insights. Gallup studies show that, globally, only 21% of employees feel truly engaged at work, while actively disengaged employees can undermine entire teams. Loneliness and over- in organisations not only erode morale but also have measurable influences on productivity and wellbeing.Â
âHumans are pack animals,â Du Plessis emphasised. âWe thrive in communities, not in isolation.â
The session also explored the concept of meaning and transcendence at work. Drawing from examples ranging from Trappist monks to special needs teachers, Du Plessis argued that fulfilling work is about impact, not just a pay packet. âThese Belgian monks produce some of the worldâs best beer,â he said, âbut their purpose isnât profit, itâs sustaining the community. Meaning  performance; profit is a side effect.â
As organisations grapple with digital transformation and AI-driven workflows, this message resonates: human connection remains a competitive advantage. This philosophy is also shaping AFSUGâs own strategic direction.
âAt AFSUGâs local 51ˇçÁ÷user conference, SAPHILA, last year, we spoke about  our community and establishing our tribe, and this is exactly what weâre doing as an organisation,â explained Amanda Gibbs, AFSUG CEO.Â
âAFSUG has reached an inflection point â one where weâve looked back at why the organisation was originally founded: as a peer-to-peer customer networking platform that helps customers bridge the gap with SAP. We are now  a path towards a community that is purpose-led, operationally sound and designed for  impact across .
âThe shift we are putting into place is to move away from being event-driven, reactive and purely informational, towards becoming outcomes-driven, influential and insight-led. The pivotal role that AFSUG must play is as the trusted voice of the African 51ˇçÁ÷community and an independent advocate.â
AFSUG chairman Duke Mathebula echoed Gibbsâ statement, adding that the organisation is committed to action, structured advocacy and creating real, measurable value for the local 51ˇçÁ÷community, as well as empowering transformation.
âTrue impact comes from creating tribes of engaged, courageous and committed people who can make a real difference, and this is exactly how AFSUG plans to move forward,â he said.
