Motivational

Based: Johannesburg

Born and bred in Pretoria, Theo is an accountant by profession, having worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers for 5 years (2 years in South Africa & 3 years in the Middle East, Dubai & Saudi Arabia respectively).

Theo worked in Asset management , Strategy & Financial management during the time spent at PwC.

In April 2015, with savings accumulated over the 5 year period spent at PwC, Theo Baloyi launched Bathu Shoes from a tiny room in Alexandra township, with the primary objective to tell an untold, proudly South African story/narrative to the world through selling uniquely designed shoes. Theo identified a gap for a  shoe brand that would narrate authentic African stories . Prior to launching, Theo worked on the Research & Development , Quality control & Assurance , Proof of concept for Bathu Shoes for 18 months!

The word “Bathu” is a proudly South African slang word, commonly used in South African Townships in reference to any type of shoe. The word is derived from TsotsiTaal (an unofficial language which is a combination of afrikaans & african languages) The word Bathu has existed since the days of Sophiatown, Sharpeviile & Soweto prior 1994, and it is still commonly used in most South African townships today.

Bathu shoes are locally manufactured in Durban , with some of the components imported from Lesotho & the East .Bathu Shoes’ long term vision is to have presence in Europe and South America , telling its’ story in these parts of the world and be recognised and identified globally as a leading African shoe brand!

Get to know the man who’s breathable,colourful shoes are getting every South Africa walking their own journey!