They laughed when he left corporate. Now he owns one of Africa’s biggest sneaker brands.
Before Bathu became a symbol of South African innovation, it was just a dream inside Theo Baloyi’s mind.
Theo had done everything society defines as “success.” He grew up in Hammanskraal, studied hard, and landed a job at PwC. His career even took him to Dubai — a world away from where he started.
But the higher he climbed, the more he felt something missing.
He wanted purpose, not just a paycheck.
So he left the comfort of corporate life and came home to South Africa with an idea: to create an African sneaker brand that could rival Nike and Adidas — something that represented the pride, culture, and creativity of the continent.
He started small, selling sneakers from the boot of his car. The brand name, Bathu, came from township slang for “shoe.” What began as a side hustle soon turned into a full-time mission.
Many doubted him. “Nobody will buy local sneakers.” “Stick to accounting.” “You’re wasting your talent.”
He didn’t listen.
Theo built Bathu on authenticity — bold designs, bright colors, and a vision that celebrated African identity. The sneakers were proudly local but globally appealing.
From those early days of hustling on the streets, Bathu grew into a retail powerhouse with stores across the country and hundreds of employees. Today, it’s more than a brand — it’s a movement.
Theo Baloyi’s story is proof that chasing purpose over comfort can change your entire life.
Sometimes, walking away from security isn’t a setback — it’s the beginning of significance.
