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 β€˜tribes’ – small, connected groups where people feel seen, trusted and valued. 

β€œProfit and growth are lagging indicators of deep chemistry, not ,” he told attendees. β€œThe 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. 

β€œTrust is fundamental to any team,” he explained. β€œIt 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. 

β€œHumans are pack animals,” Du Plessis emphasised. β€œWe 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. β€œThese Belgian monks produce some of the world’s best beer,” he said, β€œbut 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.

β€œAt AFSUG’s local ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ user conference, ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄HILA, 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. 

β€œAFSUG 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 ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄. We are now  a path towards a community that is purpose-led, operationally sound and designed for  impact across .

β€œThe 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 ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ 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 ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ community, as well as empowering transformation.

β€œTrue 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.

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

Together, they unpack what AI really means for organisations today β€” 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 ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ 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 ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ partners for a transformative experience, focused on building employability skills, networking opportunities, and preparing young talent for future careers in the ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ ecosystem.

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

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

AFSUG & ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ University Alliances: Shared Vision

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

Amanda Gibbs, CEO of AFSUG, shared: β€œThis event is about building real pathways for students to connect with our ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ community β€” customers, partners, and leaders. Together with ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ 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 ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ University Alliances for the collaboration and making these events possible through his sponsorship and collaboration.

Looking Ahead

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

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Van Zyl currently serves asΜύdigital and technology director at Heineken Beverages,Μύand has been an activeΜύAFSUG 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:Μύβ€œCorlia has consistently demonstrated strong leadership, commitment to innovation and a deep understanding of what ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ 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 ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ value in business transformation journeys.

β€œIt’s an honour to step into the vice chair role,”ΜύsaysΜύVan Zyl.Μύβ€œAFSUG plays an essential role in helping ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ users navigate complexity and unlock business value. I look forward to continuing this journey, working alongside our members, ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ and partners to build a more connected and empowered user community.”

The post AFSUG Appoints Corlia van Zyl as Vice-chair appeared first on ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ 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 ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ΜύΜύacross 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 ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ talent across Africa.
• , Senior Manager ERP, South African National Blood Service (SANBS)ΜύΜύ– Thupana offers a distinctive blend of ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ 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 – ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ Practice Co-Lead Africa, EY – Somaru brings strategic influence, ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ expertise and an unmatched commitment to inclusion, knowledge sharing and mentorship for women and youth in the ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ ecosystem.

³§²Ή²β²υΜύ , AFSUG CEO: β€œWe are honoured to welcome these exceptional individuals to the AFSUG Board. Their leadership, industry depth, and dedication to community-Μύwill play a critical role in shaping the future of ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ users acrossΜύ.”

β€œWe are entering a bold new chapter at AFSUG,” adds AFSUG Chairman, . β€œI 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 accelerateΜύΜύacross the ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ ecosystem inΜύ.”

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

Hosted by:
Guests: – Solution Manager Agribusiness, ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ 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. ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄HILA, 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 ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄HILA 2025 with a resonant message: β€œWe 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 ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ ecosystem and former ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄HILA 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

ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄HILA 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 ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄β€™s ecosystem forward.

The call for visionary leadership

Nazia Pillay, MD at ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ Southern Africa, delivered a powerful keynote exploring ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄β€™s 34-year journey with AFSUG. She highlighted the importance of togetherness as a unique strength within the African context.

β€œIn 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 ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄β€™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, ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄β€™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 ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄HILA 2025 as a critical platform for collaboration and insight.

β€œAs Diamond Sponsor, we valued the opportunity to engage with clients, partners and industry leaders,” she said. β€œThe event created opportunities to strengthen both new and longstanding relationships. We’re excited about the momentum coming out of ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄HILA 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 ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄-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 ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ project director at Deloitte and chair of ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄HILA 2025, reinforced the event’s role in shaping Africa’s technology journey.

β€œDigital transformation is not just about technology; it’s about people, collaboration and purpose,” said Panday. β€œThat’s why ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄HILA is so impactful.”

Deloitte’s Executive Lounge offered an immersive space for attendees to explore solutions including ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ S/4HANA, Rise with ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ 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 ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ Middle East and Africa (South), the panel detailed how the CoJ migrated from ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ 4.7 to S/4HANA in a bold, 21-day full shutdown.

The CoJ has been an ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ 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 ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ 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 ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄β€™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, β€œNew Gen is conversations with the systems.”

A shared future

ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄HILA 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 ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ 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. β€œWe 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 ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄HILA 2025 – Transcending with Purpose, Connection and AI-powered Vision appeared first on ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ Africa News Center.

Episode 07 of AFSUG Conversation Starters is live!
Join as she chats with , Business Development Chief Expert at ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄, about β€œAdoption 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 ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ ecosystem looking to embrace the future of innovation.

Tune in now and be part of the shift:

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Hear directly from ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄β€™s top thought leaders

ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄HILA 2025 boasts an all-star line-up of ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ global experts who are shaping the future of enterprise technology. Attendees will gain direct access to the strategic minds behind ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄β€™s latest innovations, providing first-hand insights into how ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ solutions can drive business success.

Keynotes for this year will include the following ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ leaders:

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

Deep dive sessions to unlock expertise across key ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ topics

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

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

Furthermore, . SVP & Head of ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ Industries Digitalization, will look at the support offered by ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ Business Suite for 25 industries, while Sarah Brunet-ClichΓ©, Manager: Content Success and Adoption, teams up with Anastasiya Guba, Head of the Content Office at ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ 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 ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ SE booth experience, a first for ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄HILA

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

Featured interactive sessions will include:

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

Why attend ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄HILA 2025?

β€œThis year’s ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄HILA is shaping up to be an unmissable event for anyone invested in the ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ ecosystem,” says , CEO of AFSUG. β€œNot only will attendees be able to gain valuable insights with ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄β€™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 ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ innovations and strategies, while also coming away with practical strategies to drive business success with ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄.”

Don’t miss out on this exclusive opportunity to learn from and engage with ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄β€™s best and brightest. Register now at www.saphila2025.com and start planning your ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄HILA experience today.

For more information or assistance in making the most of your ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄HILA 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 ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄HILA 2025: Exclusive Access to ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ experts, Cutting-edge Insights and More! appeared first on ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ 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. ⁠ | ⁠ Μύ

Follow Aveena Mothilall Μύ LinkedIn – ⁠ Μύ

Follow Louise Steenekamp: LinkedIn – ⁠ ΜύΜύ Μύ

Sponsored By: AFSUG – ⁠ ONE VOICE Unifying Africa’s ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ Community for a Digital Future

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