When I joined AFSUG’s 67 Minutes to Empower a Future SAP Leader session today, Mandela’s words echoed through my thoughts. In less time than a morning coffee, our community harnessed purpose, insight, and connection, and turned them into action.

“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others.”

— Nelson Mandela

What I encountered was a heartfelt conversation between voices that understood mentorship: Kagiso, Inri, Wendy, Nonkululeko,  all tuned in not just to share, but to uplift.

Crafting More Than a CV

Wendy began speaking about CVs. But it wasn’t the usual “list your tasks” spiel, it felt like coaching. She showed us how a tidy, tailored, error-free CV tells your unique story. No fluff, no photos, just your authentic journey, voiced in strong verbs and genuine achievements. It was like watching someone polish a diamond.

LinkedIn: Your Personal Stage

Kagiso then leaned in, sharing how a single post on LinkedIn brought him mentorship and unexpected connections at Sasol. LinkedIn suddenly felt less like a platform, more like a canvas, where your professional story comes to life in real time. He made it clear: consistency, honesty, and activity give you presence.

The Power of Small Gestures

Soft skills emerged naturally, woven into every tip. Inri’s reminder: a polite follow-up or a genuine “thank you” can open doors. Wendy mentioned email etiquette and follow-up being silent career boosters. Moments you might overlook can become signature moves.

Mentoring in Real Time

Midway, the session shifted. It wasn’t just sharing, it was mentoring in the moment. Live questions rolled in from graduates: “How do I phrase project experience?” “Should I ask someone to connect?” Every answer was personal, encouraging, and guiding. You could almost feel someone’s confidence being lifted , right there on camera.

Taking Action, Together

By the end, that question—“So what will you do next?”—was answered by everyone, including me:

*I’m revamping my CV today, targeted, clean, and human.

*My LinkedIn will get a small story post later today, something real.

*I’m reaching out to a familiar AFSUG mentor to ask for guidance.

*And I’ll be at the next event, ready to start conversations, not just attend.

Why? Because those 67 minutes showed me that small acts, goal-focused CV edits, one LinkedIn post, a thoughtful email, can spark change. And together? We’re building a clearer path for future SAP leaders, right here in Africa.

In the Words of Mandela

Those minutes echoed Mandela’s challenge: our legacy is shaped by the lives we touch. AFSUG’s session wasn’t just advice—it was action. It reminded us that opportunities grow when we pay it forward.

If you missed today: let this be your nudge. Polish that CV. Write that post. Send that message. Let’s make our own 67-minute moments that add up to something bigger and brighter, for the future.