Mohato B. Makalima, 30, is the definition of a next-generation African leader. As Growth Manager and a key member of the Deloitte Africa NextGen Council, Makalima is shaping high-level strategy for one of the continent’s largest professional services firms. From his rural roots in Sterkspruit to the boardrooms of Deloitte, his journey reflects resilience, cultural pride and a steadfast commitment to leadership that empowers others. Mohato leads the execution of growth strategies across Deloitte’s Africa markets, offering insight-driven solutions to complex business challenges. Simultaneously, as former chairperson of the NextGen Council, he oversaw a team of 17 across multiple countries, advising the Deloitte Africa Executive Committee on strategic transformation, Gen AI adoption, and cross-border integration. Under his leadership, the council delivered key projects like the Africa Gen AI Hub, the Africa Skills Hub, and the Beyond GDP initiative — frameworks designed to future-proof business and development on the continent. Outside Deloitte, Makalima channels his passion for sport as a member of CEOs in Sport and leads a sports analytics project aimed at professionalising African sports administration. A Rhodes University graduate, he holds a BA in organisational psychology and legal theory, and a postgraduate diploma in enterprise management. He credits his growth to mentors like his late father and industry leaders across South Africa. For Makalima, the goal has always been more than personal success — it’s about representing his AmaHlubi heritage, influencing systems, and leaving a legacy of having made meaningful change.
I have been blessed with mentors in my career and life in general, and I believe this has accelerated my growth. Globally, I am a great admirer of Khaldoon Al Mubarak, who is the founding chairperson of the City Football Group, amongst many other roles he holds in the UAE government. Bringing it home, so to speak, my father was my biggest inspiration and mentor. In my career, people such as Tom Morrison (former Adumo Group COO), Chris Hardy (Adumo Group chief experience officer), Josh Enslin (Red Bull national athlete manager) and Mohammed Shaikh (Deloitte partner) have all made a significant impact.