Meet Lutho Sotashe

For Lutho Sotashe, Deloitte Africa's TMT Industry Leader, market volatility reveals an undeniable truth: disruption is our greatest opportunity to lead. This conviction drives his approach to transforming client challenges into tangible commercial outcomes.

Seizing the Opportunity in TMT

The TMT industry is in a state of flux, a period of intense disruption driven by AI, shifting consumer needs, and an increasing demand to operate at speed. For many chief executives, the central challenge is clear: "How do I not only protect my margin but grow it? How do I keep it in the midst of these external forces?"

Lutho's vision goes beyond sound advice. He leads the charge to leverage market disruption, ensuring Deloitte delivers tangible value and partners deeply with clients to drive commercial outcomes. Lutho understands the localised pressures facing telcos in South Africa and across the continent, from currency fluctuations and economic instability to regulatory complexity. He has watched clients re-evaluate their business models in response. But where others see risk, he sees opportunity. He looks beyond generic trends to uncover new growth areas. Take the professionalisation of sports in Africa: increasing investment in leagues, tournaments, and digital engagement is creating untapped revenue streams for telcos and media companies. This ability to spot opportunity in complexity defines not just his strategic vision, but his approach to leadership.

A Leadership Shaped by Healthy Tension

For Lutho, leadership is about balance. His approach is shaped by a powerful piece of advice: "Be hard on delivery, and soft on people." This isn't a paradox, it's a core belief that delivering uncompromising quality requires fostering an environment built on empathy and respect. He believes in finding the best person for the job, regardless of role or hierarchy, and empowering them to flourish. He sums up his leadership style in three words: "Collaborative. Empowering. Grounded."

Beyond the Boardroom

Lutho's pursuit of growth extends far beyond the boardroom. He recently revived his golf game, enjoys running and swimming, and has dabbled in triathlons. This same drive for continuous improvement is present in his professional life. Perhaps his most surprising creative outlet is the piano. Having played since he was 13, he says, "Music has always been a creative outlet for me, and it helps me stay grounded." Above all, he cherishes time with his young family. "I try to carve out time every day to be present with them," he says. "Those moments matter."

Leading with Purpose

Leading Deloitte Africa's TMT Industry means more than strategy to Lutho. As he puts it, "I deeply care about what's most important: the collective success of the industry."

By focusing on our people and our clients, we achieve our shared goals. And through the impact of our work, we realise greatness.