Just as we are about to close the year, South African footwear brand Bathu surprises fans with a new store.

Theo Baloyi, the brand's founder, took a major step by opening his first international store at Maerua Mall in Windhoek, Namibia.

The new store is Bathu’s 35, following the recent one at the Mall of Africa.

“Bathu ‘Mall of Africa’ is now officially open. Every step forward is a victory. With passion as our compass, we continue to pave the way for hope and progress.

“Our journey is a testament to resilience and dedication, 34 stores strong and counting. Let’s keep shining brighter, creating opportunities, and inspiring hearts. Together, we are unstoppable,” wrote the Bathu team.

Meanwhile, on X, when some people saw a picture of Baloyi cutting the ribbon at the new Windhoek store, they thought he was wearing Nike Air Force1 sneakers instead of his brand.

Theo Baloyi cutting a ribbon at the new Bathu store. Picture: X.

“Wearing Nike AF1s while opening the first international store of your own brand is diabolical,” said @Gert_LeNinja.

Another X user, @1philiswa, added: “Wearing Air Force when opening your sneaker brand store is just…”.

However, both were misinformed because Baloyi was wearing the Bathu Journey 2.0, which looks like AF1s from a distance.

“This guy is wearing his brand on most of his pictures on the internet. You thought you caught him slacking,” said @nyambose____.

Another Bathu supporter added: “I wonder where you buy your AF1s if you can’t even differentiate.”

Established in 2025 in Alexandra, Bathu has grown to be one of the most successful South African footwear brands.

With over 30 stores nationwide, the brand has employed over 300 youth to help curb unemployment.

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Bathu opens its first store in Namibia