The Man Who Faced 13 Rejections—Then Built One of Africa’s Most Successful Sneaker Brands: Theo Baloyi

By Valentine Zoza

As the saying goes, “third time’s a charm.” But for South African entrepreneur Theo Baloyi, it took 14 attempts.

Rejected by 13 shoe factories, doubted by the industry, and warned that the market was too competitive—Baloyi persisted.

Today, he is the Founder and GCEO of Bathu Group (Pty) Ltd , one of Africa’s fastest-growing footwear brands, featured on Forbes 30 Under 30, winner of GQ’s Business Leader of the Year, and listed among Africa’s most admired brands.

His story isn’t just about sneakers.

It’s about rejection, resilience, purpose, and building something African, for Africans.

From a Small Village to Global Ambitions

Theo Baloyi was born in 1989 in Phake, a small village near Hammanskraal. Raised in a modest household, he attended Shalom Primary School and later Mabothe Senior Secondary School.

Like many young South Africans, he dreamed of a stable career. In 2009, he enrolled for a BCom in Accounting at the University of South Africa (Unisa) and moved to Alexandra to live with his uncle.

But while studying, something else stirred in him—the entrepreneurial bug.

He began selling perfumes door-to-door, learning firsthand what it meant to sell, persuade, and survive in business.

Corporate Success and a Bigger Calling

Baloyi’s academic journey led him to PwC South Africa, where he joined the graduate program and later secured a full-time role.

His excellence earned him a transfer to PwC Middle East in Dubai.

Image: Valentine Zoza.