Johannesburg, South Africa –April 15, 2025 – The African SAP User Group (AFSUG) is proud to announce a new partnership with ERP (Elephants, Rhinos & People), the non-profit organisation within the global Group Elephant collective of boutique services firms and software businesses. This collaboration aims to make a meaningful conservation impact beyond the SAP ecosystem and will be officially unveiled at AFSUG’s premier SAP user conference for Africa, SAPHILA 2025.
At the heart of the initiative is the adoption of Liezel, a baby white rhino born in February 2025, which is currently under ERP’s care. This marks the first time that AFSUG has initiated a conservation project of this nature, reflecting the organisation’s broader mission of building community and driving positive change through Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives.
The project is a joint effort with EPI-USE Labs, a member of Group Elephant, which contributes 1% of its global revenue towards ERP’s conservation work across southern Africa.
Making Liezel’s protection a shared commitment
Through this initiative, AFSUG has helped to facilitate Liezel’s adoption and will support her upcoming collaring process – a vital step for protecting her in the wild. The collar is not only important for Liezel’s safety but also supports ERP’s broader conservation monitoring and research efforts.
“At AFSUG, we believe in making a difference beyond the business and technology landscape,” says Amanda Gibbs, CEO of AFSUG. “By supporting ERP’s work and adopting Liezel, we hope to rally our local SAP community around this cause, fostering awareness and contributing to meaningful environmental change.”
Spotlight at SAPHILA 2025
SAPHILA attendees will have the opportunity to engage with this initiative firsthand. The AFSUG Feature Stage, a new addition to this year’s SAPHILA exhibition space, will showcase the organisation’s programmes, initiatives and CSI efforts, with baby Liezel’s story front and centre. Visitors can watch a special video update on Liezel, learn more about her journey and contribute through donations or pledges at the Feature Stage.
“SAPHILA is a gathering of visionary leaders who want to make a broader impact, and we are thrilled to use this platform to share Liezel’s story and inspire others to act, making it a community effort to support ERP’s conservation mission,” adds Gibbs.
“AFSUG invites all SAP customers and partners to attend SAPHILA 2025. We have an exciting line-up of exhibitors, including EPI-USE Labs and many other SAP partners. Come and discover the latest innovations and be part of a purpose-driven community making a lasting difference,” she concludes.
SAPHILA 2025 takes place from 01 to 03 June this year at the Sun City Convention Centre, South Africa. For more information or to register to attend SAPHILA 2025, click here. To become an AFSUG member, please visit https://afsug.com/membership-information/.
