By: SAOUG Writer
As part of this transition, and on behalf of the previous Board, outgoing Chair Penelope Clarke shares a message of reflection and gratitude, “Serving the SAOUG community has been one of the greatest honours of our professional journeys. What makes this User Group exceptional is its people, the passion, the generosity in sharing knowledge, and the commitment to lifting one another. As we step back from our roles, we have every confidence that the community will continue to be successful as it grows from strength to strength.”
Taking up the role of Chair, Michele De Kreek brings over two decades of experience in enterprise transformation, Oracle programme delivery, and business change leadership. Her career is defined by helping organisations realise value from technology investments while aligning people, process, and innovation. As Chair, Michele is focused on deepening collaboration across customers, partners, and thought leaders to ensure the SAOUG remains a trusted platform for connection and progress.
Supporting her are Ahmed Jassat as Membership Director and Mxolisi Madi as Finance Director.
Ahmed brings extensive expertise across Oracle Database, Engineered Systems, and Cloud Infrastructure. Known for his advocacy and knowledge sharing within the ecosystem, and recognised as Africa’s first Oracle ACE, Ahmed’s focus is on growing an inclusive, engaged membership base that reflects the diversity and strength of Oracle users across the continent.
Mxolisi is an accomplished ICT industry leader with over 20 years of experience in IT and Oracle Enterprise Resource Planning. His career spans consulting and managed services leadership across diverse sectors, including financial services, oil and gas, mining, retail, and telecommunications environments. His depth of industry exposure and governance insight strengthens the financial stewardship and sustainability of the SAOUG as it continues to grow its community impact.
Together, the new Board and its volunteers represent a blend of experience and human-centric innovation, committed to growing and adding value to the Oracle ecosystem in Africa.
The SAOUG’s mission is to provide a ‘home’ for Oracle users across Africa, a place where learning is shared, relationships are built, and innovation is collectively advanced. More than a technology forum, the SAOUG continues to position itself as a community with energy and soul, one that understands the human impact behind enterprise systems and digital transformation.
Looking ahead to 2026, the roadmap is anchored in strengthening this ecosystem through meaningful engagement. This includes the continuation of Special Interest Groups, knowledge-sharing forums, and collaborative learning platforms designed to keep members connected to evolving Oracle technologies and practices.
The flagship SAOUG Conference 2026, to be hosted from 11 to 13 November in Cape Town, will serve as a key gathering point for the community, bringing together customers, partners, Oracle experts, and global voices in a shared African context.
Membership growth and cross-border collaboration will remain central themes as the SAOUG continues to expand its footprint across the continent.
As the SAOUG moves forward under new leadership, it does so with gratitude for the foundations laid, pride in the community it serves, and a renewed commitment to #SpreadTheRed across Africa.