On Mandela Day, 18 July, I joined a group of bold, spirited women for an unforgettable
5-day hike along the Otter Trail in the Western Cape. This physically demanding
journey, which requires medical clearance, pushed us beyond our limits. We crossed
rivers, climbed rugged cliffs, hiked in the dark, facing our fears head-on. Each day
brought strength, reflection, and renewed connection of mind, body, and soul!
As I began the hike, a powerful quote by Nelson Mandela echoed in my mind:
“Difficulties break some men but make others…” His words reminded me why I’ve drawn
inspiration from his leadership throughout my career and strived to embody it in every
role I’ve held.
The timing of the hike marked my first adventure since stepping down as Managing
Director of SAP Southern Africa – a remarkable two-year journey that stretched and
shaped me, reminding me of the power of purpose-led leadership.
I joined SAP during a time of immense global change and organisational transformation.
From the warm welcome by SAP staff and community at the Saphila Africa User Group
in July 2023, I knew I had stepped into something extraordinary for our country, the
African continent and globally. Leading through recovery, economic shifts and the rapid
rise of Cloud and AI demanded resilience and clarity. It wasn’t always easy, but I stayed
authentic and anchored in purpose, more so as a woman leader in a dynamic
environment.
Books have always kept me grounded. At SAP, two books stood out: God Is My CEO by
Larry Julian and Discover Your True North by Bill George – prescribed for the authentic
leadership session during my Program for Leadership Development (PLD) course at
Harvard Business School. Both reminded me to lead with humility, to listen with
intention, and to stay anchored in what matters most: people, purpose and partnerships.
As I reflected on my SAP journey during the hike, I was reminded of the power of
collaboration. Together with our partners, customers and the wider SAP ecosystem, we
embraced digital transformation and delivered real value where it mattered most. To our
customers, thank you for your trust in our vision and belief in the technology that drives
it.
Much like the Mandela Day hike, my journey at SAP was both challenging and deeply
fulfilling. I’m incredibly proud of the memories we created and all that we achieved
together as a collective.
Turning 50 in January was a meaningful milestone, one that also offered space to
pause, reflect, and recognise that life is precious, growth is ongoing, and our stories are still being written.
As I turn the page on my SAP chapter, I carry with me valuable lessons, meaningful relationships, and renewed energy to keep making a difference. My commitment to leading with authenticity, compassion and purpose remains unchanged, with God at the centre of it all. This isn’t an ending, but a beginning of a new chapter, one rooted in growth, learning, and impact where it matters most.
As the sun rose on the last day of our hike, it was once again Nelson Mandela’s words that carried me: “Being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed toward the sun, one’s feet moving forward.” And so, I continue to move forward, with purpose, hope and guided by imitha yelanga (the sun’s rays). A new chapter is unfolding. Watch this space for what rises with the sun!
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