In the heart of Hammanskraal, South Africa, a young man named Theo Baloyi dreamt beyond the dusty streets of his township.
Raised by parents who instilled in him the values of hard work and resilience, Theo’s journey from selling perfumes door-to-door to becoming the founder and CEO of Bathu Shoes is nothing short of inspirational, a shining example of what happens when vision meets relentless drive.
After earning a BCom in Accounting from the University of South Africa, Theo’s professional path led him to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), where he worked as a Senior Associate in Dubai.
With a stable income and promising career abroad, many would have settled. But Theo wasn’t built for comfort zones, he was born to build empires. Despite a promising corporate career, his entrepreneurial spirit beckoned.
In 2015, driven by a deep-seated vision to create a sneaker brand that authentically tells the African story, Theo founded Bathu, meaning “shoes” in Tswana. Starting with just 100 pairs sold to friends and family, he faced an uphill battle.
Thirteen rejections from factories could have broken most people, but not Theo. His unwavering belief led to the successful launch of the now-iconic Mesh Edition Sneaker.
These weren’t just shoes, they were a symbol of African dreams walking into reality. Under Theo’s bold and compassionate leadership, Bathu has grown exponentially, boasting over 30 stores across South Africa and the SADC region.
But beyond the numbers, the brand has become a beacon of hope, creating more than 400 sustainable jobs and changing lives in communities that had long been overlooked. His passion for uplifting others is woven into every thread of the business.
Recognized globally, Theo’s accolades include being named GQ’s Business Leader of the Year in 2021 and securing a spot in Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30 list in 2019.
But perhaps his greatest accomplishment is the joy, pride, and self-belief he’s sparked in thousands of young Africans who now see possibility where there was once doubt.
In 2025, Theo took a bold leap and expanded the Bathu Group by introducing five new subsidiaries: Flowers For Society, Boys of Soweto, Monosi Sneakers, Avenue Exchange, and Baka. This visionary move wasn’t just about scaling a brand, it was about igniting a movement.
A movement that fuses creativity with cultural authenticity. A movement that proves African excellence isn’t coming, it’s already here. Beyond his growing empire, Theo’s deepest passion lies in storytelling and cultural representation.
Through Bathu, he’s not just selling shoes; he’s crafting narratives that empower the continent.
He aims to reignite hope, celebrate heritage, and instill a deep, unshakeable pride in African identity, proving that with determination and purpose, one can walk their journey and inspire generations to come.
Theo Baloyi isn’t just walking in his purpose, he’s paving the road for others to follow, step by courageous step.
