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Johannesburg, South Africa – March , 2025 – Bathu Group has proudly announced the official unveiling of its partner companies at its annual conference in Sun City, North West. This marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey, cementing its position as a dynamic and multifaceted collective within the African business landscape.
Last year, Bathu Group introduced itself as more than just a standalone business, but rather as a collaborative force uniting various industries. Now, for the first time, the public has been introduced to the specific companies that form part of this powerhouse.
This highly anticipated event featured addresses from the Founders and CEOs of the partner companies, offering an exclusive look into their respective businesses, their synergies with Bathu, and their collective vision for the future.
Theo Baloyi shared his excitement about this milestone, stating: “Bathu Group has always been about more than just sneakers. It is about building an ecosystem that empowers African entrepreneurs and brings innovation to various industries. The announcement of our partners marks the next step in our journey to create lasting impact and redefine African business excellence.”
Meet the Visionaries Behind the Bathu Group Expansion:
Theo Baloyi – Group CEO and Founder, Bathu Group An award-winning entrepreneur, Theo Baloyi has transformed Bathu from a vision into one of Africa’s most celebrated brands. With a background in Accounting, Strategy, and Capital Markets, Theo previously worked with PwC, specializing in Asset Management in the Middle East. It was during this time that his passion for sneakers was ignited, leading him to establish Bathu in 2015.
Today, under Theo’s leadership, Bathu Group has grown into a Pan-African conglomerate spanning Retail, Financial Services, and Licensing, with over 400 employees and a presence across the continent.
Monosi Kotsoe – Founder and CEO, Monosi Movements Driven by resilience and determination, Monosi Kotsoe founded Monosi Movements in 2019, after seven previous business attempts. Despite the odds, he invested his entire provident fund into his dream, creating a sneaker brand that resonates with confidence and individuality. Today, Monosi Movements is recognized for its innovative designs and customer-centric approach, firmly establishing itself in South Africa’s footwear industry.
Bobo Ndima – Founder and Group Creative Director, Boys of Soweto Globally recognized as “Bob the Stylist,” Bobo Ndima has redefined South African township fashion. His unique take on post-apocalyptic style gained international acclaim, with his signature golf t-shirts and knitwear making waves on major fashion runways. After expanding into retail and securing a distribution deal with We Are Egg in 2024, Bathu Group acquired a stake in Boys of Soweto, appointing Bobo as the Creative Director for the entire Bathu Group. His expertise now extends from sneakers to apparel, driving innovation across the brand.
Thabiso Siwawa – Founder and CEO, BAKA Furniture With a background in architectural technology, Thabiso Siwawa turned his passion for furniture design into a thriving business. Starting from humble beginnings in 2013, he refined his craft and, in 2019, launched BAKA Furniture. Specializing in retail design, shopfitting, and high-end furniture production, Thabiso’s company quickly gained recognition among elite designers and clients. In 2024, he officially joined the Bathu Group, bringing a new dimension to the company’s diverse portfolio.
The Bathu Group Annual Conference in Sun City was set to be a landmark event, showcasing the power of collaboration and celebrating African entrepreneurship. With these visionary leaders at the helm, the Group is poised for continued growth, innovation, and impact across multiple industries.
Johannesburg, South Africa – August 15, 2024
Bathu, South Africa’s iconic local sneaker brand, is excited to announce the grand opening of its latest store at the illustrious Mall of Africa. This marks the brand’s 34th store nationwide, reinforcing its role as a trailblazer in the local sneaker market.
After a successful pop-up experience at SOOK, the Mall of Africa’s innovative temporary space, Bathu is ready to establish a permanent presence. The new store promises to offer an immersive shopping journey, featuring the brand’s most cutting-edge designs and collections.
Shoppers will be treated to an array of new releases, including the Khalanga, 10/43, Ndofaya, and Journey 2.0. Additionally, an exclusive sneaker release scheduled for August will further highlight Bathu’s commitment to innovation and style.
“We are incredibly excited to open our doors at Mall of Africa,” said Theo Baloyi, Founder and CEO of Bathu. “This store embodies our dedication to empowering individuals to ‘Walk Their Journey,’ and we look forward to sharing our story with the Mall of Africa community.”
Since its inception in 2015, Bathu has stayed true to its mission of celebrating individuality and encouraging people to forge their own paths. With 33 stores across the nation and a thriving online presence, Bathu continues to inspire South Africans to embrace their unique journeys.
Beyond its retail success, Bathu is deeply committed to giving back through its ‘Bathu for Batho’ care foundation. The initiative aims to donate 1 million pairs of school shoes to children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“No one often considers their future consumer. At Bathu, we think about a child in grade one who might not yet know their dreams or purpose, and we provide them with school shoes. As they progress through school, we continue to support them. One day, when they achieve great things, like becoming a Trevor Noah, they will remember the brand that walked with them,” says Theo Baloyi.
“The Bathu story is more than just about sneakers; it’s about owning your destiny, staying true to yourself, persevering, and pursuing your passions. It’s about walking your journey. We see ourselves not just as a sneaker company but as a beacon of hope, showing that everyone can achieve their dreams, regardless of their background or circumstances. Our tagline, ‘Walk Your Journey,’ encapsulates our mission to reignite hope and create sustainable employment. We believe everyone is on a journey; ours is to equip, inspire, and support that journey,” Baloyi adds.
Join Bathu on August 15th to celebrate the opening of their new store at Mall of Africa and explore a world of style, comfort, and self-expression.
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Pretoria, South Africa – 6 September 2024 – Monosi Movements is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its brand-new store in Pretoria, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s journey. This new location represents a key expansion for Monosi Movements, further establishing its presence and commitment to providing exceptional quality and style.
Founded by dynamic entrepreneur Monosi Kotsoe, Monosi Movements has quickly risen to prominence in South Africa’s sneaker market. Since its inception in 2019, the brand has been celebrated for its unique, comfortable, and high-quality sneakers that capture the vibrant spirit and diverse culture of South Africa.
Monosi Kotsoe, hailing from Mabopane, Pretoria, embarked on an inspiring journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship. His varied experiences, from mobile car washes to pillow sales, shaped his vision for Monosi Movements. Founded with a mission to elevate local brands and demonstrate that excellence knows no boundaries, Monosi Movements has become synonymous with quality and innovation.
The new store in Pretoria embodies Monosi Movements’ commitment to delivering an immersive shopping experience. Designed to reflect the brand’s dedication to comfort, style, and confidence, the store will feature the latest collections, offering customers an opportunity
“Opening our new store in Pretoria is a significant step in our journey, reflecting our ongoing commitment to quality and community impact,” said Monosi Kotsoe, Founder and CEO of Monosi Movements. “This store represents more than just a retail space; it is a manifestation of our vision to transform the South African marketplace and foster happiness and positivity. We are excited to share this milestone with our community and continue to inspire individuals to make bold statements with every step they take.” said CEO and Founder Monosi Kotsoe
Monosi Movements has experienced remarkable growth, with an average annual growth rate of 60% and a clientele that includes notable figures such as Leanne Manas, Tbo-Touch, and Sakina Kamwendo. The brand’s recent expansion into a physical store in Newtown Junction Mall and its partnership with Cape Town Spurs are testaments to its success and influence in the retail sector.
The brand’s vision is to transform the South African marketplace, ensuring that happiness prevails for all stakeholders, from customers to shareholders. Monosi Movements is dedicated to fostering a thriving community, delivering lasting value through timeless products, and creating a positive culture at every touchpoint.
We invite you to join us in celebrating the grand opening of our new store in Pretoria. Experience firsthand the innovation, style, and community spirit that define Monosi Movements and discover how our products can elevate your journey.
Flowers for Society Launch in South Africa under Bathu Group
Johannesburg, 04 October 2024 – In an exciting development for the South African footwear industry, Flowers for Society, a progressive, community-driven brand with a global footprint, has launched its innovative footwear range in South Africa under the renowned Bathu Group. This partnership brings together two forces in the footwear world, both focused on delivering style, inclusivity, and sustainability.
“We are thrilled to bring Flowers for Society to South Africa. This partnership with Bathu is a natural fit, as both our brands are committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation while fostering community and inclusivity,” said Theo Baloyi, Group CEO of Bathu Group. “This is not just another footwear brand; Flowers for Society represents a movement that celebrates co-creation and brings people together around a shared passion for sustainable and meaningful design.”
Flowers for Society stands for more than just shoes; it’s a global movement that champions a sustainable mindset, progressive designs, and the unmatched comfort needed to help consumers “feel again.” With a vision to create a sense of belonging and inclusivity, the brand has already garnered a loyal international following, from footwear enthusiasts to creators.
“Launching in South Africa is a significant milestone for Flowers for Society, especially with the support of a powerhouse like Bathu Group,” says Till, Founder of Flowers for Society. “We aim to unite those who are passionate about not just footwear, but also community, creativity, and sustainability.”
Founded in 2021, Flowers for Society has quickly become a disruptive force in the global footwear market, standing out for its commitment to change in the areas of product, production, co-creation, and distribution. The brand’s core mission is to foster sustainable consumption habits, build strong community relationships, and inspire through meaningful collaborations.
With Bathu’s legacy in redefining South African footwear culture, this collaboration will expand the global reach of Flowers for Society while offering South African consumers a fresh, authentic, and community-centered brand experience. The partnership will enable the brand to create impactful local stories that resonate with the unique identity of the South African market, emphasizing inclusivity, sustainability, and co-creation.
In a market saturated with generic offerings, Flowers for Society’s collaborations with top creators and true brand ambassadors are designed to inspire and create long-lasting, sustainable connections with consumers.
For more information on the South African launch of Flowers for Society and upcoming collaboration announcements, please visitwww.bathu.co.za or follow the brand’s social media platforms.