{"id":148693,"date":"2026-04-13T10:33:20","date_gmt":"2026-04-13T10:33:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.sap.com\/africa\/?p=148693"},"modified":"2026-04-13T10:35:04","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T10:35:04","slug":"why-trust-and-tribes-still-matter-in-an-age-of-metrics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.sap.com\/africa\/2026\/04\/why-trust-and-tribes-still-matter-in-an-age-of-metrics\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Trust and \u2018Tribes\u2019 Still Matter in an Age of Metrics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In a world increasingly dominated by automation<\/a>, data and AI-driven metrics, African business<\/a> leaders are rediscovering the human side of work. This was the central theme at a recent African SAP User Group (AFSUG) event, titled \u2018Building<\/a> our Version of Paradise\u2019, where volunteers, partners and members gathered to discuss the non-profit organisation\u2019s strategic evolution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pierre du Plessis, strategist and founder of Be Brave, and the event\u2019s guest speaker, explored how trust, culture and meaningful engagement can transform teams and communities, touching on the power<\/a> of \u2018tribes\u2019 – small, connected groups where people feel seen, trusted and valued. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cProfit and growth are lagging indicators of deep chemistry, not innovation<\/a>,\u201d he told attendees. \u201cThe board may set a strategy, but the tribe makes it real. Only the tribe builds the movement.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through storytelling and practical examples, Du Plessis illustrated why connection matters more than metrics alone, and why shared experiences are valued over shortcuts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTrust is fundamental to any team,\u201d he explained. \u201cIt enables conflict, commitment, accountability and ultimately meaningful outcomes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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-measurement<\/a> in organisations not only erode morale but also have measurable influences on productivity and wellbeing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHumans are pack animals,\u201d Du Plessis emphasised. \u201cWe thrive in communities, not in isolation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. \u201cThese Belgian monks produce some of the world\u2019s best beer,\u201d he said, \u201cbut their purpose isn\u2019t profit, it\u2019s sustaining the community. Meaning drives<\/a> performance; profit is a side effect.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s own strategic direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAt AFSUG\u2019s local SAP user conference, SAPHILA, last year, we spoke about building<\/a> our community and establishing our tribe, and this is exactly what we\u2019re doing as an organisation,\u201d explained Amanda Gibbs, AFSUG CEO. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAFSUG has reached an inflection point \u2013 one where we\u2019ve 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 building<\/a> a path towards a community that is purpose-led, operationally sound and designed for sustainable<\/a> impact across Africa<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe 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 SAP community and an independent advocate.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AFSUG chairman Duke Mathebula echoed Gibbs\u2019 statement, adding that the organisation is committed to action, structured advocacy and creating real, measurable value for the local SAP community, as well as empowering transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTrue 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In a world increasingly dominated by automation, data and AI-driven metrics, African business leaders are rediscovering the human side of work. 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