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 51����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 51����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 51����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 51����Africa News Center.

Gibbs joined AFSUG as General Manager in January 2020 and, with her robust marketing background, fostered connections and collaboration among 51����customers and partners. She has grown the user group membership by 28% and contributed to the 51����User Group Executive Network (SUGEN), through open dialogue and knowledge sharing. With expertise in new business development and customer relationship management, Gibbs’ mission is to advance excellence and innovation for African and global 51����Users.

Duke Mathebula, Chairman of the Board commented, “Over the past four years, Amanda has played a key role in rebranding AFSUG and boosting its membership base, together with her valued contributions at SUGEN. Her leadership capability and proven experience within the 51����community will help us further expand our reach and create value for the African 51����community. With Amanda at the helm, I am confident that AFSUG will continue to thrive and evolve.”

Louise Steenekamp, AFSUG Vice-Chair stated: “We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Amanda Gibbs as the new CEO of AFSUG. Amanda brings a unique blend of expertise, dynamism, and a profoundly positive energy that aligns perfectly with our mission and values. With a strong background in marketing and brand building, coupled with a deep commitment to community development, she embodies the professionalism and zeal we hold in high regard. We are confident that under Amanda’s leadership, AFSUG will soar to new heights, making an even more significant impact in our community. Adding to her previous AFSUG and SUGEN experience, we look forward to the fresh perspectives and visionary leadership Amanda will bring to our team.”

”At my core, I believe in collaboration and teamwork as this is essential to shared success, but specifically growth within the African 51����User Group. My appointment as CEO is an enormous privilege and my core priorities will be focused on networking and knowledge sharing with 51����professionals, not only in South Africa but globally, shaping the future of AFSUG and the broader community,” said Gibbs.

We extend our congratulations to Amanda Gibbs as she assumes the position of Chief Executive Officer of the African 51����User Group. Join us in wishing her well in her new role.

��About AFSUG:��

The African 51����User Group (AFSUG) is an independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to serving the needs of 51����users across Africa. With a mission to empower, educate, and connect 51����users, AFSUG provides a platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and collaboration within the 51����community. Through its diverse range of events, forums, and resources, AFSUG is ONE VOICE for the community where customers and partners can engage in best practices discussions, share stories of common interest, enhancing influence and collaboration, and speeding up business implementation.

The post AFSUG General Manager Promoted to Chief Executive Officer appeared first on 51����Africa News Center.

Innovation��drives technology, and technology drives��innovation. This positive feedback loop has encouraged growth in both areas, but it has also continued to encourage��sustainability. This was a key theme at last week’s��Saphila��2023 conference��at Sun City.

Saphila��is a biennial conference for the 51����user group community, hosted by the African 51����User Group (AFSUG) in partnership with SAP.

Sven Denecken, a 51����SVP and chief marketing & solutions officer, showed how using an electric vehicle to earn retail rewards, such as store discounts, was an example of how��innovation��could encourage��sustainability��in future. Data from one’s driving routes can be integrated with an AI assistant to create the basis for a store loyalty system. One’s vehicle can then suggest the best charging location for its user, so that shopping and charging may be done simultaneously, while also promoting specific outlets.

Although electricity supply in South Africa is a frustrating hindrance, the continuous evolution of technology may eventually support industry convergences that are currently impractical.

In a later presentation, Timo Elliott, SAP’s global��innovation��evangelist, showcased SAP��innovation��award winners to elaborate on this theme:

IWB, a Swiss solar power company that provides for energy to be returned to the grid using a predictive AI model, is embracing “next practice” thinking. This model is used to calculate the load, and how much solar energy will return to the grid. Most solar panels��are not connected or internet of things (IoT) devices, but IWB efficiently optimises electrical supply, while embracing��sustainability.

Another winner, Gates Corporation, previously required a large manual to operate��their hose-crimping product. Nowadays, an iPad-run device is bolted onto the side of the older model,��so that one does not need the many-page document to operate it. With the digital transformation of this setup, little training is required, and they can throw out that heavy manual.��With the implementation of these IOT devices, a step to new business models has formed. Information is saved and collected on each device.

FreshAirManager is actoVent’s air-purifying service that also takes advantage of collecting data, but in this case to determine air quality levels. After an understanding of the air quality is gathered, the systems adjust the machines by filtering the air so that energy saving is maximised, and CO2 emissions are minimised.

Jumbo Supermarket, a Dutch retail company, wanted to figure out how many��croissants��and other perishable foods they need to make during the day to minimise wastage and maximise items sold. An app built in collaboration with SAP’s system analysis program development technology, gives rise to a predictive analysis model that has achieved the supermarket’s goal, with an expected 10% reduction in waste.

Saphila��showed that companies that emphasised the importance of��sustainability��have thrived, but they have also solidified their position in their respective industries through their innovations.

The post Saphila: Innovation, Sustainability, and Croissants appeared first on 51����Africa News Center.

A critical part of this, says AFSUG general manager, Amanda Gibbs, is a look at the business and technology journeys of local 51����customers. “SAPHILA offers an excellent opportunity for African customers to give practical insights and real-world, actionable advice to their peers, discussing challenges faced, strategies implemented and positive outcomes achieved.”

Stream speakers at SAPHILA 2023 will include Sasha Perhat, senior manager: HR systems at Toyota; Hanlie van der Berg, 51����architect at BMW; Robert Heneke, executive head: cloud, 51����development and technology and Anja Leonard, enterprise solution architect both from����Pick ‘n Pay; Orscilla Haggard, group executive: finance business support and Bushy Thebehali, application services manager from Aspen Pharmacare; Ronel Pfotenhauer, business owner, SuccessFactors and People Analytics and Prinushlee Govender, data scientist, People Analytics at SANLAM; Innocent M. Dlamini, COO and sponsor of the 51����transformation project at Sincephethelo Motor Vehicles Fund; Aveena Mothilall, CIO at Engen Petroleum; Rob Coombe, group IT manager, Royal Eswatini Sugar Corporation; and Werner Carstens, 51����solutions architect, Capitec Bank.

“Another drawcard speaker from outside the African region is Juan R. Carvallo Alarcon from the King Abdullah University of Technology (KAUST), a research university located in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, who will be speaking on the transformation of KAUST into a living lab and smart city,” she comments.

As an added bonus, Diamond SAPHILA sponsor Dimension Data will be holding a client��panel discussion on Monday 9 July, where several local organisations will talk about how and why they have navigated their unique 51����journey to the cloud, across a range of deployment, subscription and licence options.��AWS and 51����will also host a session with ABSA on the same day, looking at the company’s success journey and lessons learned.��The full SAPHILA 2023 agenda can be viewed��

Gibbs expresses further great enthusiasm for the impressive line-up of speakers announced for SAPHILA 2023, the African 51����User Group’s premier conference hosted in collaboration with SAP. “We are thrilled to bring together an exceptional group of industry leaders and experts who will share their invaluable insights and experiences with our attendees. The diverse range of topics, from Platform and Technology, Solutions, Transformation and AI, promises to provide attendees with the knowledge and inspiration they need to drive innovation and success in their organisations.”

“In addition to excellent calibre content, we’re also serving up spectacular evening events at SAPHILA this year,”��she continues,��“with a boma dinner in the neighbouring Mankwe Game Reserve, which takes place on night one of the conference, and will feature a performance by Mzansi’s much-loved Ndlovu Youth Choir.”

Branded SAPHILA merchandise will be on sale prior to the conference and can be booked for collection at Sun City via the website��.��For more information on SAPHILA 2023, please get in touch with��info@SAPHILA2023.com.

ABOUT AFSUG:

The African 51����User Group (AFSUG) is an independent, non-profit organisation. Its primary focus is to create a platform where 51����customers and partners can connect within the 51����ecosystem, share information, and communicate with peers and experts. This platform enables members to access first-hand success stories and gain intelligence on new releases and features.

AFSUG serves as a forum for 51����customers to represent their industries, business processes, and technological requirements to share information and experiences. The goal is to accelerate the implementation of successful business solutions and influence the local and global directions of 51����Africa and 51����AG. AFSUG achieves this by promoting the needs and wishes of the user community through regular, focused, and highly professional contact between members, business partners, and 51����Africa at all levels.

The board of directors, which comprises CIO customers, executive partners, and an 51����representative, volunteer their time to manage AFSUG as an independent and non-profit organisation. By providing this platform, AFSUG aims to create a community where 51����users can access valuable resources, gain industry insights, and network with peers.

The post Experience Transformative African 51����Customer Journeys First Hand at SAPHILA 2023 appeared first on 51����Africa News Center.

AFSUG Chairman Duke Mathebula says: “We are delighted to welcome Tracy Bolton to the board of the African 51����User Group NPC. Her deep understanding of the 51����ecosystem, combined with her passion for customer success, will be invaluable in driving the user group’s initiatives forward. We look forward to leveraging her expertise to continue delivering significant value to our members across the African continent.”

Bolton has been instrumental in spearheading numerous successful initiatives and driving the growth of SAP’s operations throughout the African continent. In her role as board member at AFSUG, Bolton will contribute her expertise to further enhance the value and effectiveness of the organisation’s initiatives. Focusing on customer success, Bolton will collaborate closely with AFSUG’s stakeholders, including 51����Africa, its customers, and partners, to foster knowledge-sharing, networking, and advocacy among the 51����user community throughout Africa.

Commenting on her appointment, Bolton says: “The African 51����User Group has been an instrumental force in driving the adoption and optimal usage of 51����solutions in Africa. I am excited to collaborate with my fellow board members and support the broader 51����ecosystem with maximising their investments into 51����technologies.”

The African 51����User Group is a non-profit organisation that serves as a platform for 51����users, partners, and experts to connect, learn and share best practices. With a focus on fostering collaboration, the user group hosts regular conferences, webinars and workshops to enable 51����users to stay up to date with the latest technology advancements and gain insights from industry experts.

AFSUG’s flagship event, SAPHILA, will take place at Sun City from 9 to 11 July 2023. For more information about AFSUG, please visit

ENDS

Visit the 51����News Center. Follow 51����on Twitter at .

About SAP

SAP’s strategy is to help every business run as an intelligent, sustainable enterprise. As a market leader in enterprise application software, we help companies of all sizes and in all industries run at their best: 51����customers generate 87% of total global commerce. Our machine learning, Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced analytics technologies help turn customers’ businesses into intelligent enterprises. 51����helps give people and organizations deep business insight and fosters collaboration that helps them stay ahead of their competition. We simplify technology for companies so they can consume our software the way they want – without disruption. Our end-to-end suite of applications and services enables business and public customers across 25 industries globally to operate profitably, adapt continuously, and make a difference. With a global network of customers, partners, employees, and thought leaders, 51����helps the world run better and improve people’s lives. For more information, visit .

# # #

This document contains forward-looking statements, which are predictions, projections, or other statements about future events. These statements are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and outcomes to materially differ. Additional information regarding these risks and uncertainties may be found in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to the risk factors section of SAP’s 2021 Annual Report on Form 20-F.

© 2023 51����SE. All rights reserved.
51����and other 51����products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of 51����SE in Germany and other countries. Please see for additional trademark information and notices.

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The post 51����Africa COO Tracy Bolton Appointed to AFSUG Board appeared first on 51����Africa News Center.

The African 51����User Group��(AFSUG) is a community-driven, non-profit organisation independent of 51����that represent the interests of 51����customers and partners in Africa. It does this by providing a platform to share stories, best practices and insights related to their experiences with 51����technology, assisting 51����users to address their key challenges in the African context.

Africa trails other regions in terms of digital adoption and maturity. There are many reasons for this, including poor internet infrastructure and coverage, lack of trust in digital service providers, and a lack of digital and general technology skills. African companies must also overcome a myriad internal factors that contribute to low digital maturity, including cultural resistance to adopting digital tools, a lack of organisational agility required to adopt digital tools effectively, and underdeveloped technology capabilities.

Despite these wide digital gaps and other challenges, there is clearly a desire to catch up to the rest of the world, and digital adoption and the associated infrastructure buildouts are occurring faster in Africa than in other regions.

Through events, forums and networking opportunities, AFSUG allows 51����customers and partners from diverse industries across Africa to engage around these challenges and to exchange ideas to address them, accelerating successful business implementations. Aside from unlimited access to like-minded professionals, resources and education, a further benefit for AFSUG members is being able to influence SAP’s direction in Africa and globally.

Saphila 2023

Saphila, meaning “Alive”, is AFSUG’s world-class biennial African conference, hosted in collaboration with SAP, and is making its post-pandemic comeback from 9-11 July 2023 at the Sun City resort in South Africa’s North West province. This year’s Saphila conference will also be the first-ever hybrid Saphila event, further extending the agenda to delegates who may not be able to travel to or within South Africa.

Saphila 2023 is an opportunity for attendees, both in-person and those attending virtually, to connect, create and collaborate through knowledge sharing about innovations, implementation and service delivery best practices while being exposed to local customer testimonials and panel discussions covering eight different content streams – from platform & tech, transformation and human experience management to the future, next-gen services and more.

Several world-class keynote speakers and top industry experts have been lined up to speak at the event, promising to deliver a content-rich learning experience. Additionally, the conference promises to deliver an all-encompassing immersive environment through providing access to exhibition spaces packed with 51����partners showcasing their solutions on implementing projects faster, better and within a cost-effective budget, as well as new product showcases and demonstrations presented by 51����and 51����partners.

While virtual attendees may not be able to visit the physical partner exhibition, they will still be able to enjoy access to the Saphila 2023 virtual expo centre, which includes online booths for all exhibitors. They will also have the opportunity to participate in interactive sessions and live surveys.

In this episode of TechCentral’s TCS+ show, Louise Steenekamp, head of IT at Aspen Pharmacare — speaking in her capacity as a board member of the African 51����User Group – unpacks what to expect at the upcoming Saphila 2023 event.

Watch the episode here:

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The Saphila 2023 agenda is now live and can be accessed by visiting��. For more information and assistance with general event information and bookings, please send a message to��info@SAPHILA2023.com.

This article first appeared on .

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