Since he started his business, he has been consistent in reaching new levels of success. He is currently in the UK attending the Global African Awards. Businessman and Bathu footwear founder Theo Baloyi (33) has been awarded the prestigious London Global African awards. "Happy to announce that I was awarded the Pioneer Award(Founder's special recognition) at the London Global African Awards,' Theo announced on social media. "The Global African awards aim to recognize and celebrate high achievement within the African Diaspora and seek to amplify the African excellence narrative globally. The awards pay tribute to the vocations of all African leaders who make measurable contributions as active citizens of a global and growing Africa,' he says.

HE KEEPS WINNING

This is not his first award. "This is my third Pan-African accolade, which is a true testament to our vision to build a shoe brand that Africans can proudly affiliate with,' he says. In 2021 he was awarded Businessman of the Year at the GQAwards. He also received the Entrepreneur of the Year and Business Leader of the year.  He recently opened his 35th Bathu store in Sandton City. Less than a month ago, he also opened the doors to two Avenue Exchange stores, a fragrance franchise. The fragrance business is dear to his heart, as he started selling scents while at university. "I started off as an accounting student, who sold perfumes ko kasi (in the township) door to door. Now, we have cosmetic boutique stores in our portfolio. Never underestimate small beginnings, the door-to-door selling experience has contributed to the Leader I am today,' he says. Today, Theo employs over 400 people, and he is still counting. 

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

Bathu opened their first store in 2018 after Theo started selling sneakers from the boot of his car. In 2019, he was sitting at a turnover of R18,5 million in just three years of existence. That is because his job is his passion. His brand was first given a nod by the likes of Somizi Mhlongo, Itumeleng Khune, DJ Sbu, Ntando Duma, and Benni McCarthy. Theo has always loved sneakers even before he could afford an expensive pair. Travelling the world through a corporate job, he was able to raise enough money to start his own brand with business partner Andrew Lale. Their designs were inspired by the popular colourful socks which became popular around 2016.

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