South African entrepreneur Theo Baloyi, the dynamic founder and CEO of Bathu Shoes, has marked a significant milestone by gracing the June/July 2024 cover of Forbes Africa. Baloyi shared his excitement on Instagram, stating, “Amaphupho Ayafezeka,” meaning “dreams do come true,” highlighting this achievement as a tribute to resilience and unwavering dedication.
Baloyi’s journey is nothing short of inspirational. Before founding Bathu Shoes in 2015, he worked as a Senior Associate at PwC in Dubai. Despite his successful corporate career, Baloyi’s entrepreneurial spirit and deep concern for his community in Alexandra, a sprawling township in Johannesburg, drove him to create a brand that would uplift and inspire.
Reflecting on his journey, Baloyi recounted the early days of selling shoes out of the trunk of his car. His persistence and vision have since transformed Bathu into one of South Africa’s most beloved sneaker brands, employing over 300 individuals. This cover, he emphasises, is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the power of dreams and the importance of giving back.
Forbes Africa echoed this sentiment, y Baloyi’s commitment to his community and his innovative approach to business. During an interview at NewKatz.Studio in Johannesburg, Baloyi explained how his frequent visits home to Alexandra revealed the harsh realities of unemployment and lost hope among the youth. This realisation fuelled his determination to make a difference.
Baloyi shared a poignant moment from his past, where those who had once helped him asked for nothing in return but to pave the way for others. Inspired by this, Baloyi, a self-proclaimed “sneakerhead,” decided to transform his passion for sneakers into a business that would create opportunities for his community.
“They say when you buy too much of something, why not own it or become part of the value chain?” Baloyi mused. This philosophy not only guided the creation of Bathu Shoes but also encapsulates his broader mission: to inspire and uplift.
As Baloyi stands on the cover of Forbes Africa, he serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration. His story underscores that with dedication and belief, the impossible becomes possible.
