Quick read

• Bathu founder Theo Baloyi hosted the ‘Walk Your Journey Series’ seminar in Polokwane, focusing on retail strategy and business growth.

• The event featured a panel with DJ Zinhle and Thatiso Dube, offering insights and mentorship to aspiring entrepreneurs.

• Attendees received giveaways, networked with industry leaders, and gained practical knowledge for their business journeys.

Full story

POLOKWANE – Navigating the new age of retail, focusing on inspiring and providing business insights, Theo Baloyi, a South African entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Bathu Shoes, hosted an insightful ‘Walk Your Journey Series’ business seminar at Fusion Boutique in Polokwane last Wednesday.

Business owners, aspiring business owners, event planners and more businesspeople and entrepreneurs formed part of the guests who asked important questions on how they can improve their businesses.

“To understand where retail fits in today, we must first start with where we are as a country. South Africa is a place of great potential but also significant pressure,” Baloyi remarked.

He also discussed the power of strategy when it comes to owning and running a successful business, while demonstrating a picture of a column block, showing ambitions versus reality.

The panel, which was interviewed by award winning presenter and event master of ceremonies (MC) Tshego Koke, consisted of influential pioneers in the fashion domain, including Baloyi, creative director and CEO of GalXBoy, Thatiso Dube as well as the founder and CEO of Era by Zinhle and Hair Majesty, DJ Zinhle.

Baloyi told BONUS that the event was a curated, high-impact networking experience designed to bring together innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders.

“This platform creates space for powerful storytelling, practical insights and meaningful collaboration.”

He added that the series aimed to deliver a full day of skills development and practical insight for aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs through powerful notes, panels, as well as facilitated networking, and to invest in the potential of attendees, not just through financial contributions, but by offering access to knowledge, mentorship and mental capital.

“We also created a recognisable and lasting impact, building equity not only for Theo Baloyi and the Foundation, but also for Bathu as a brand deeply rooted in community empowerment,” Baloyi said. He further explained during his presentation that Bathu has created employment for over 400 people across their nationwide stores.

Guests enjoyed finger foods, a buffet lunch and refreshments before and during the event.

As a token of appreciation for attending the event, Baloyi gave away pairs of Bathu shoes, DJ Zinhle gave away Era jewellery and Dube gave away different colour GalXBoy bucket hats to all those present.

“Thank you each and every one in Polokwane who took their time in their busy schedules to honour our event. It wasn’t going to be possible had it not been for your presence,” Baloyi said.

The Bathu ‘Walk Your Journey Series 2025’ series was also hosted in Johannesburg on June 11 and their last stop was Durban on June 25.