Pierre du Plessis, strategist and founder of Be Brave, and the event’s guest speaker, explored how trust, culture and meaningful engagement can transform teams and communities, touching on the  of ‘tribes’ – small, connected groups where people feel seen, trusted and valued. 

“Profit and growth are lagging indicators of deep chemistry, not ,” he told attendees. “The board may set a strategy, but the tribe makes it real. Only the tribe builds the movement.”

Through storytelling and practical examples, Du Plessis illustrated why connection matters more than metrics alone, and why shared experiences are valued over shortcuts. 

“Trust is fundamental to any team,” he explained. “It enables conflict, commitment, accountability and ultimately meaningful outcomes.”

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. 

“Humans are pack animals,” Du Plessis emphasised. “We thrive in communities, not in isolation.”

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. “These Belgian monks produce some of the world’s best beer,” he said, “but their purpose isn’t profit, it’s sustaining the community. Meaning  performance; profit is a side effect.”

As organisations grapple with digital transformation and AI-driven workflows, this message resonates: human connection remains a competitive advantage. This philosophy is also shaping AFSUG’s own strategic direction.

“At AFSUG’s local 51ˇçÁ÷user conference, SAPHILA, last year, we spoke about  our community and establishing our tribe, and this is exactly what we’re doing as an organisation,” explained Amanda Gibbs, AFSUG CEO. 

“AFSUG has reached an inflection point – one where we’ve 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 .

“The 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.”

AFSUG chairman Duke Mathebula echoed Gibbs’ 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.

“True 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,” he said.

The post Why Trust and ‘Tribes’ Still Matter in an Age of Metrics appeared first on 51ˇçÁ÷Africa News Center.

• Jesper Schleimann, AI Officer, EMEA at SAP
• Jhani Coetzee, EPI-USE Labs

Together, they unpack what AI really means for organisations today — moving beyond the hype to focus on practical use cases, real impact, and business value.

In this episode, you’ll gain insight into:

• How AI is being embedded into 51ˇçÁ÷environments
• The shift from experimentation to execution
• Where organisations are seeing real value from AI
• What to consider as you start or scale your AI journey

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These events brought together 100+ students, industry leaders, and 51ˇçÁ÷partners for a transformative experience, focused on building employability skills, networking opportunities, and preparing young talent for future careers in the 51ˇçÁ÷ecosystem.

The Student Career Days featured a rich mix of content designed to equip students for success in the 51ˇçÁ÷ecosystem and beyond:

• Skill-building workshops — CV refinement, LinkedIn profiling, interview readiness, and effective communication.
• Keynote speeches & panels — Insights from 51ˇçÁ÷practitioners, industry partners, and leaders on market trends, in-demand competencies, and career journeys into tech.
• Mentorship and networking — Opportunities for students to connect directly with 51ˇçÁ÷partners and customers for guidance, advice, and even exposure to internship and job opportunities.
• Exposure to 51ˇçÁ÷technologies and careers — First-hand introductions to 51ˇçÁ÷career paths, the skills they demand, and strategies to prepare for them.

AFSUG & 51ˇçÁ÷University Alliances: Shared Vision

These career days form part of AFSUG and 51ˇçÁ÷University Alliances joint mission in the region to Connect, Create, Collaborate — ensuring Africa’s next generation of professionals is not only prepared for 51ˇçÁ÷careers but also inspired to drive digital transformation across the continent.

Amanda Gibbs, CEO of AFSUG, shared: “This event is about building real pathways for students to connect with our 51ˇçÁ÷community — customers, partners, and leaders. Together with 51ˇçÁ÷University Alliances, we are investing in the future of our youth and ensuring students leave empowered, inspired, and ready for the opportunities ahead.” I want to especially thank De Wet Naude from 51ˇçÁ÷University Alliances for the collaboration and making these events possible through his sponsorship and collaboration.

Looking Ahead

AFSUG and 51ˇçÁ÷University Alliances will continue hosting career-oriented initiatives in 2026. With overwhelmingly positive student feedback, both organisations are committed to expanding mentorship opportunities, reaching more universities, and providing follow-up support to help students transform their learnings and networks into real career outcomes.

About AFSUG

The African 51ˇçÁ÷User Group (AFSUG) is an independent, non-profit organisation representing 51ˇçÁ÷customers and partners across Africa. AFSUG enables collaboration, influence, knowledge exchange, and professional development within the 51ˇçÁ÷community.

The post AFSUG & 51ˇçÁ÷University Alliances Hosted Three Inspiring Student Career Days Across South Africa appeared first on 51ˇçÁ÷Africa News Center.

Van Zyl currently serves asĚýdigital and technology director at Heineken Beverages,Ěýand has been an activeĚýAFSUG Board Member since December 2019. She brings over two decades of experience driving technology strategy and digital transformation in the FMCG sector.

Duke Mathebula, AFSUG chairman, shares:Ěý“Corlia has consistently demonstrated strong leadership, commitment to innovation and a deep understanding of what 51ˇçÁ÷users need in order to thrive in a changing digital landscape. Her appointment as vice chair strengthens AFSUG’s ability to deliver even greater value to our community.”

Throughout her tenure on the AFSUG board, Van Zyl has been instrumental in shaping customer engagement strategies, strengthening special interest group participation and advocating for real-world 51ˇçÁ÷value in business transformation journeys.

“It’s an honour to step into the vice chair role,”ĚýsaysĚýVan Zyl.Ěý“AFSUG plays an essential role in helping 51ˇçÁ÷users navigate complexity and unlock business value. I look forward to continuing this journey, working alongside our members, 51ˇçÁ÷and partners to build a more connected and empowered user community.”

The post AFSUG Appoints Corlia van Zyl as Vice-chair appeared first on 51ˇçÁ÷Africa News Center.

These individuals bring a combined wealth of leadership, strategic insight and deep industry knowledge to further AFSUG’s mission of fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange and SAPĚýĚýacross the African continent.

The newly appointed AFSUG board members are:

• , Chief Operating Officer, Discovery Ltd – Sing brings four decades of expertise in operational leadership and business transformation, with a deep commitment to strategic innovation and developing future 51ˇçÁ÷talent across Africa.
• , Senior Manager ERP, South African National Blood Service (SANBS)ĚýĚý– Thupana offers a distinctive blend of 51ˇçÁ÷technical depth and public sector insight, with a passion for building collaborative communities that elevate user experience and solution adoption.
• , Group Vice President: Technology and Digital, AECI Limited – Dlamini contributes a visionary approach to digital transformation, platform modernisation and mentoring future leaders, driven by her strategic mindset and experience leading large-scale enterprise initiatives.
• , Senior Associate Partner – 51ˇçÁ÷Practice Co-Lead Africa, EY – Somaru brings strategic influence, 51ˇçÁ÷expertise and an unmatched commitment to inclusion, knowledge sharing and mentorship for women and youth in the 51ˇçÁ÷ecosystem.

ł§˛š˛â˛őĚý , AFSUG CEO: “We are honoured to welcome these exceptional individuals to the AFSUG Board. Their leadership, industry depth, and dedication to community-Ěýwill play a critical role in shaping the future of 51ˇçÁ÷users acrossĚý.”

“We are entering a bold new chapter at AFSUG,” adds AFSUG Chairman, . “I am thrilled to welcome Kammy, Nthabiseng, Sne and Tejal to the Board. Their diverse experiences and shared passion for driving transformation will help us expand our impact, amplify our members’ voices, and accelerateĚýĚýacross the 51ˇçÁ÷ecosystem inĚý.”

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In this episode, we unpack the role of ERP systems and smallholder farmers in global agricultural supply chains — and how technology can bridge the gap between sustainability and productivity.

Hosted by:
Guests: – Solution Manager Agribusiness, 51ˇçÁ÷and Carsten Friedland – Product Manager Agribusiness, MSG Global

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With more than

Celebrating community and connection

AFSUG CEO Amanda Gibbs opened the conference with a heartfelt message about the power of community. SAPHILA, she noted, is not simply a conference but a movement – a living, breathing platform designed to enable knowledge-sharing and drive transformation across industries. Her words set the tone for a gathering built on purpose and progress.

Duke Mathebula, technology leader and AFSUG chairman, joined Gibbs in opening SAPHILA 2025 with a resonant message: “We are Africans.” That sentiment echoed throughout the event, capturing the essence of a proud, purposeful and visionary community committed to transcending the present and reimagining the future.

A special tribute was made to the late Reg Barry, a foundational figure in the 51ˇçÁ÷ecosystem and former SAPHILA chair. Barry’s enduring legacy was respectfully acknowledged throughout the event – a reminder of the power of collaboration and community that continues to shape AFSUG and its members.

A sporting start and an immersive experience

SAPHILA 2025 began with a relaxed networking day on Sunday, offering attendees the chance to connect over golf, Padel championships and other sporting activities. It set a friendly, collegial tone ahead of the more structured insight sessions on 2 and 3 June.

Morning plenary sessions were followed by dynamic workshops and demonstrations, while the expansive Expo Centre served as a major highlight, featuring 53 sponsors with visually impressive and engaging stands. The exhibition floor created invaluable opportunities for delegates to explore technologies, engage with vendors and experience first-hand the innovation driving SAP’s ecosystem forward.

The call for visionary leadership

Nazia Pillay, MD at 51ˇçÁ÷Southern Africa, delivered a powerful keynote exploring SAP’s 34-year journey with AFSUG. She highlighted the importance of togetherness as a unique strength within the African context.

“In Africa, success travels at the speed of connection,” Pillay stated. She called on leaders not to fall back during times of uncertainty but instead to embrace bold, visionary thinking. Reflecting on SAP’s recent Sapphire events in Madrid and Orlando, she emphasised the company’s AI-first and Business Suite strategies.

Pillay also introduced attendees to the evolution of Joule, SAP’s AI assistant, noting the roll-out of new Joule agents capable of orchestrating real-time business data across functions to drive autonomous, intelligent decision-making.

NTT DATA – building momentum through collaboration

Lauren Wortmann, vice president of applications and cloud at NTT DATA Middle East and Africa, praised SAPHILA 2025 as a critical platform for collaboration and insight.

“As Diamond Sponsor, we valued the opportunity to engage with clients, partners and industry leaders,” she said. “The event created opportunities to strengthen both new and longstanding relationships. We’re excited about the momentum coming out of SAPHILA and look forward to continuing the conversations.”

NTT DATA used the platform to explore enterprise transformation and share its strategic vision for the future, cementing its leadership role in SAP-managed services.

Deloitte – aligning purpose with technology

As Executive Suite and C-suite Sponsor, Deloitte Africa demonstrated how purpose-driven innovation can accelerate real business outcomes. Koosh Panday, senior manager and 51ˇçÁ÷project director at Deloitte and chair of SAPHILA 2025, reinforced the event’s role in shaping Africa’s technology journey.

“Digital transformation is not just about technology; it’s about people, collaboration and purpose,” said Panday. “That’s why SAPHILA is so impactful.”

Deloitte’s Executive Lounge offered an immersive space for attendees to explore solutions including 51ˇçÁ÷S/4HANA, Rise with 51ˇçÁ÷and the Business Technology Platform. Guests connected with Deloitte subject matter experts to explore the latest ERP trends and discuss shared challenges in a relaxed, focused setting.

From legacy to leadership: the City of Johannesburg journey

A standout session focused on the City of Johannesburg’s transformation journey, where public-private collaboration was explored in depth. Featuring a discussion between CoJ group CTO Aubrey Mochela and Sergio Maccotta, senior vice president for 51ˇçÁ÷Middle East and Africa (South), the panel detailed how the CoJ migrated from 51ˇçÁ÷4.7 to S/4HANA in a bold, 21-day full shutdown.

The CoJ has been an 51ˇçÁ÷customer since 2007 and recently embraced AI and cloud innovation to modernise systems and improve service delivery. National treasury has expressed support for the CoJ’s transformation, validating the project’s strategic importance.

Maccotta reflected on the urgency and complexity of the shift, citing three priorities: urgency, vision and financial clarity. The team had to implement rapid change, agree on governance principles with 51ˇçÁ÷and innovate in a tightly bound timeframe.

Emerging insights and conversations

Across the event, recurring themes included legacy system modernisation, the growing importance of enterprise architecture and the power of AI to drive smarter decision-making. Joule was presented as a key enabler, reinforcing SAP’s position as a leader in contextual, embedded intelligence.

Delegates heard thought-provoking commentary about the future of smart cities, the importance of OEM relationships, and how technology can reshape revenue collection and operational resilience. As one speaker aptly said, “New Gen is conversations with the systems.”

A shared future

SAPHILA 2025 was more than a gathering; it was a collective commitment to Africa’s digital future. With support from the likes of Google, AWS, Microsoft and a strong 51ˇçÁ÷delegation from Germany, the event highlighted the depth of expertise and investment in the region.

That sentiment shared by Duke Mathebula in the opening session. “We are Africans” continued to resonate long after the final session, reminding all in attendance of the unique opportunity the continent holds to lead, collaborate and transcend.

The post SAPHILA 2025 – Transcending with Purpose, Connection and AI-powered Vision appeared first on 51ˇçÁ÷Africa News Center.

Episode 07 of AFSUG Conversation Starters is live!
Join as she chats with , Business Development Chief Expert at SAP, about “Adoption Catalyst – Unlocking the Shift to Cloud”.

Whether you’re navigating your cloud transformation journey or looking for inspiration to get started, this episode dives into the key strategies, mindset shifts, and best practices driving successful cloud adoption.

Hosted by the , this conversation is a must-listen for anyone in the 51ˇçÁ÷ecosystem looking to embrace the future of innovation.

Tune in now and be part of the shift:

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Hear directly from SAP’s top thought leaders

SAPHILA 2025 boasts an all-star line-up of 51ˇçÁ÷global experts who are shaping the future of enterprise technology. Attendees will gain direct access to the strategic minds behind SAP’s latest innovations, providing first-hand insights into how 51ˇçÁ÷solutions can drive business success.

Keynotes for this year will include the following 51ˇçÁ÷leaders:

• , Executive Vice President & Head of Customer Support & Cloud Lifecycle Management – Gain an exclusive look at SAP’s evolving support landscape.
• , Global Innovation Evangelist – Explore the cutting edge of enterprise technology and digital transformation.
• Thomas Pfiester, 51ˇçÁ÷Global Customer Engagement & Services – Learn how to maximise SAP’s solutions for operational excellence.
• – Chief Product Manager, 51ˇçÁ÷BTP Product Management, 51ˇçÁ÷SE – leading the AFSUG and 51ˇçÁ÷BTP Hackathon.

Deep dive sessions to unlock expertise across key 51ˇçÁ÷topics

Beyond the keynotes, brings together an outstanding line-up of more than 15 industry experts from 51ˇçÁ÷to host several breakout sessions over the two-day event.

During these stream discussions, SAPHILA attendees can engage with SAP’s brightest minds on business-critical topics for African businesses. , 51ˇçÁ÷SE Vice President Application Lifecycle Management, will be advising delegates on how to streamline data migration to 51ˇçÁ÷S/4HANA with 51ˇçÁ÷Business Transformation Center. , Customer Collaboration Manager, will tackle the range of support options available through SAP, including Live Support Channels, Built-In Support, and 51ˇçÁ÷for Me.

Furthermore, . SVP & Head of 51ˇçÁ÷Industries Digitalization, will look at the support offered by 51ˇçÁ÷Business Suite for 25 industries, while Sarah Brunet-ClichĂŠ, Manager: Content Success and Adoption, teams up with Anastasiya Guba, Head of the Content Office at 51ˇçÁ÷Global Content Group, to discuss how business content and accelerators, powered by AI capabilities, can simplify implementation, enhance agility and deliver faster value for organisations across the globe.

Hands-on 51ˇçÁ÷SE booth experience, a first for SAPHILA

In addition to expert content, for the first time ever, 51ˇçÁ÷SE will also be hosting an interactive booth at SAPHILA, offering attendees a hands-on learning experience with 51ˇçÁ÷solutions. Delegates can expect live mini-sessions, expert Q&As and practical demonstrations designed to help businesses get the most out of 51ˇçÁ÷technology.

Featured interactive sessions will include:

• Ask Me Anything with Stefan Steinle – A candid Q&A session on 51ˇçÁ÷Customer Support, Cloud Lifecycle Management, and best practices for optimising 51ˇçÁ÷solutions.
• Mastering 51ˇçÁ÷for Me – Get a deep dive into SAP’s personalised digital portal, designed to streamline system access, license management and support interactions.
• Discover 51ˇçÁ÷Built-In Support – Learn how AI-driven insights and real-time guidance can enhance your 51ˇçÁ÷support experience and business efficiency.
• Leveraging 51ˇçÁ÷Cloud ALM for a Clean Core Strategy – Explore how 51ˇçÁ÷Cloud ALM supports seamless lifecycle management while maintaining an adaptable, efficient system core.

Why attend SAPHILA 2025?

“This year’s SAPHILA is shaping up to be an unmissable event for anyone invested in the 51ˇçÁ÷ecosystem,” says , CEO of AFSUG. “Not only will attendees be able to gain valuable insights with SAP’s top experts, they have the opportunity to create meaningful connections with these global executives as well as their local peers and partners. In addition to this, delegates can ensure that they stay ahead of the curve with the latest 51ˇçÁ÷innovations and strategies, while also coming away with practical strategies to drive business success with SAP.”

Don’t miss out on this exclusive opportunity to learn from and engage with SAP’s best and brightest. Register now at www.saphila2025.com and start planning your SAPHILA experience today.

For more information or assistance in making the most of your SAPHILA 2025 experience, reach out to Amanda Gibbs and the AFSUG team. To become an AFSUG member, please visit https://afsug.com/membership-information/.

The post Why You Can’t miss SAPHILA 2025: Exclusive Access to 51ˇçÁ÷experts, Cutting-edge Insights and More! appeared first on 51ˇçÁ÷Africa News Center.

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Discover how programmes like the Data Analytics for Student Success (DASS) at the University of Cape Town (UCT) bring together academia and corporates to collaborate on real-life student learning projects. ⁠ | ⁠ Ěý

Follow Aveena Mothilall Ěý LinkedIn – ⁠ Ěý

Follow Louise Steenekamp: LinkedIn – ⁠ ĚýĚý Ěý

Sponsored By: AFSUG – ⁠ ONE VOICE Unifying Africa’s 51ˇçÁ÷Community for a Digital Future

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