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 �鶹ԭ�� user conference, �鶹ԭ��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. 

“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 �鶹ԭ��. 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 �鶹ԭ�� 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 �鶹ԭ�� 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.

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• Jesper Schleimann, AI Officer, EMEA at �鶹ԭ��
• 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 �鶹ԭ�� 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 �鶹ԭ�� partners for a transformative experience, focused on building employability skills, networking opportunities, and preparing young talent for future careers in the �鶹ԭ�� ecosystem.

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

• Skill-building workshops — CV refinement, LinkedIn profiling, interview readiness, and effective communication.
• Keynote speeches & panels — Insights from �鶹ԭ�� 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 �鶹ԭ�� partners and customers for guidance, advice, and even exposure to internship and job opportunities.
• Exposure to �鶹ԭ�� technologies and careers — First-hand introductions to �鶹ԭ�� career paths, the skills they demand, and strategies to prepare for them.

AFSUG & �鶹ԭ�� University Alliances: Shared Vision

These career days form part of AFSUG and �鶹ԭ�� University Alliances joint mission in the region to Connect, Create, Collaborate — ensuring Africa’s next generation of professionals is not only prepared for �鶹ԭ�� 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 �鶹ԭ�� community — customers, partners, and leaders. Together with �鶹ԭ�� 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 �鶹ԭ�� University Alliances for the collaboration and making these events possible through his sponsorship and collaboration.

Looking Ahead

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

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Taking place in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Pretoria this September, the events will provide students with a unique opportunity to explore their future in technology, gain new skills, and engage directly with leading employers in the �鶹ԭ�� ecosystem. Whether students are looking to land their first internship or take the first step in their �鶹ԭ�� career journey, this event is designed to inspire and empower the next generation of digital leaders. We will be bringing together over 195 students over the three days.

Dates & Venues

• Johannesburg: 10 September 2025 – �鶹ԭ�� Office Park, Woodmead
• Cape Town: 12 September 2025 – Hasso Plattner d-school Afrika, Cape Town
• Pretoria: 17 September 2025 – Venue sponsored by EPI-USE Labs

Inspiring Keynotes and Hands-On Workshops

The program brings together a dynamic line-up of keynote speakers, guest speakers and workshop facilitators:

• Marko Stavrou, Gen Z entrepreneur, CEO of GenLink, delivering the keynote Beyond the Ordinary in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
• Tumelo Mothotoane e, award-winning international broadcaster, presenting a workshop on the Power of Effective Communication and Presentation Skills.
• Kagiso Hlabahlaba, Global Product Manager for Payroll & Time at Sasol, discussing Emerging Skills for 2026 and Beyond.
• Wendy Maduna, Global Account Director at �鶹ԭ��, sharing insights on Building a Career in the �鶹ԭ�� Ecosystem.
• Bruce Reddy, DTP Head at Heineken, and Richard Fritz,DTP Head also from Heineken, guiding students through Refining Your CV workshops.
• Amanda Gibbs, CEO of AFSUG, leading an interactive session on Building a Strong LinkedIn Profile.
• Aveena Mothilall, Change Catalyst, delivering an inspiring talk in Cape Town.
• Valencia Karageorgiades – Technology Architect at �鶹ԭ�� (IT Strategy and Business Transformation) at �鶹ԭ�� sharing insights on Building a Career in the �鶹ԭ�� Ecosystem in Cape Town

In Pretoria, EPI-USE Labs will host the program alongside leading voices from the �鶹ԭ�� community and they are sponsoring the venue for the student career day.

Bridging Students with Real-World Opportunities

The Empowering the Future of �鶹ԭ�� Leaders series goes beyond classroom learning by creating a platform for students to:

• Gain exposure to the latest �鶹ԭ�� technologies and learn about opportunities to acquire skills and knowledge on these topics.
• Interact with potential employers and industry mentors.
• Learn practical career-building skills through CV clinics and LinkedIn workshops.
• Explore internships and career pathways in the �鶹ԭ�� ecosystem.

AFSUG and �鶹ԭ��: Partnering for Tomorrow’s Talent

“This event is about building real pathways for students to connect with our �鶹ԭ�� community — customers, partners, and leaders. Together with �鶹ԭ�� University Alliances, we are investing in the future of digital skills and ensuring students leave empowered, inspired, and ready for the opportunities ahead.” Said Amanda Gibbs, AFSUG CEO.

The collaboration between AFSUG and �鶹ԭ�� University Alliances reflects a shared commitment to driving youth empowerment, fostering innovation, and equipping future leaders with the skills needed to thrive in the digital economy.

“This innovative event series, spanning three locations, offers a unique platform that combines a wealth of knowledge and expertise from leading media personalities, emerging business leaders and industry specialists. Covering a diverse range of topics from cutting-edge �鶹ԭ�� technologies to essential soft skills, these sessions provide students with vital attributes and insights as they prepare for the next phase of their journey into the world of work” said De Wet Naude, Head – Sub-Saharan Africa, �鶹ԭ�� University Alliances

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Van Zyl currently serves as��digital and technology director at Heineken Beverages,��and has been an active��AFSUG 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:��“Corlia has consistently demonstrated strong leadership, commitment to innovation and a deep understanding of what �鶹ԭ�� 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 �鶹ԭ�� value in business transformation journeys.

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

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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 �鶹ԭ������across 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 �鶹ԭ�� talent across Africa.
• , Senior Manager ERP, South African National Blood Service (SANBS)����– Thupana offers a distinctive blend of �鶹ԭ�� 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 – �鶹ԭ�� Practice Co-Lead Africa, EY – Somaru brings strategic influence, �鶹ԭ�� expertise and an unmatched commitment to inclusion, knowledge sharing and mentorship for women and youth in the �鶹ԭ�� ecosystem.

��������� , AFSUG CEO: “We are honoured to welcome these exceptional individuals to the AFSUG Board. Their leadership, industry depth, and dedication to community-��will play a critical role in shaping the future of �鶹ԭ�� users across��.”

“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 accelerate����across the �鶹ԭ�� ecosystem in��.”

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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, �鶹ԭ�� 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. �鶹ԭ��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 �鶹ԭ��HILA 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 �鶹ԭ�� ecosystem and former �鶹ԭ��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

�鶹ԭ��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 �鶹ԭ��’s ecosystem forward.

The call for visionary leadership

Nazia Pillay, MD at �鶹ԭ�� Southern Africa, delivered a powerful keynote exploring �鶹ԭ��’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 �鶹ԭ��’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, �鶹ԭ��’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 �鶹ԭ��HILA 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 �鶹ԭ��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 �鶹ԭ��-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 �鶹ԭ�� project director at Deloitte and chair of �鶹ԭ��HILA 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 �鶹ԭ��HILA is so impactful.”

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

The CoJ has been an �鶹ԭ�� 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 �鶹ԭ�� 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 �鶹ԭ��’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

�鶹ԭ��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 �鶹ԭ�� 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.

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The most powerful decisions inside modern enterprises may well arise beyond boardrooms. They can now emerge from��systems��that learn, adapt, and act before anyone issues a command. In other words, intelligence no longer needs to wait for permission.

That compelling scenario was painted at Saphila 2025, the biannual conference of the African �鶹ԭ�� User Group (AFSUG), held at Sun City this week. The event drew together technology leaders and enterprise architects from across the continent, focused on the impact of AI, cloud, and digital transformation on African business. In keynote sessions and breakout talks, a unifying theme emerged: the��systems��that drive operations are beginning to think for themselves.

In one of the most compelling sessions of the event, , chief strategy and innovation officer for �鶹ԭ�� EMEA North, described the concept as “auto-sapiens��systems”. Such enterprise technologies act with purpose, interpret context, and make decisions inside live business processes.

“These��systems��follow purpose and context by design,” said Schleimann in his talk. “They act because the logic, the purpose, and the data already exist inside them.”

They handle invoice reconciliation, adjust logistics, dispatch field service teams, and optimise supply chains, all in real time. Tasks once dependent on manual triggers or lengthy approvals can now be executed automatically, with speed and precision.

“These��systems��operate with embedded awareness,” he said. “They apply intelligence where it matters most: inside the flow of work.”

It sounds like the concept of agentic AI that giants like Google, Salesforce and Microsoft regard as the next big thing, but it is more like the next next big thing.

“Intelligence lives inside the process,” he told Gadget on the sidelines of Saphila. “It aligns with context and delivers relevance. That creates real transformation.

“The process creates data, the data provides context, the context feeds intelligence, and the intelligence improves the process. That’s the flywheel. Each turn makes the system more effective.”

This dynamic feedback loop enables continuous refinement without waiting for external intervention. AI could not be separated from the action or bolted on.

“This has to be at the heart of the vehicle. It has to be embedded from the beginning. When you open up an application, you’re not just seeing a blank sheet. It will immediately have a level of insight that supersedes your own. That’s really the big thing: bringing the ontologies of data together with your own business and AI.

“It’s not about putting a brain on top. It’s about making the system itself intelligent.”

But it is also not about doing away with human beings. Schleimann believes this issue is deeply relevant to South Africa.

“You have a great tradition for mining. You have great natural resources. Now we’ve got to mine our people and our data.”

In his vision, the raw material of the future is not underground, but embedded in enterprise��systems, processes, and minds. This shift, “from mine to mind”, as he puts it, redefines value creation. It is now about extracting insight from operational truth, refining it through AI, and using it to unlock human potential.

“That really is your moat long-term as an enterprise. Bringing people together with that data and unlocking their minds.”

This, he suggested, requires more than dashboards and data lakes. It calls for a transformation in how intelligence is designed, applied, and trusted, by every layer of the organisation.

Schleimann’s outlook extends beyond automation. “AI can make me better. It can bring out the best in me and help coach me. As we see AI increasing the productivity of people, the demand for people will go up. From an enterprise viewpoint, upskilling, reskilling, and change management will be the new competitive advantage.”

This human-centred view stands in sharp contrast to fear-based narratives around AI job displacement. Schleimann sees an urgent imperative for organisations to elevate their people alongside their��systems, or risk being outpaced by competitors that do.

�鶹ԭ��’s latest S/4HANA enterprise resource platform reflects this mindset. It includes generative agents, embedded analytics, and intelligent workflows. These are defaults rather than add-ons.

“We don’t treat AI as a feature. It has to be part of the foundation from day one.”

Across industries, the results are tangible. Healthcare workflows accelerate. Educational content adapts. Procurement uncovers anomalies before they cascade. Each result builds from live intelligence, acting at the speed of need.

* Arthur Goldstuck is CEO of World Wide Worx, editor-in-chief of��, and author of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to AI.

This article first appeared in .

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