Page 45 - KZN Top Business Portfolio 2025 V1-EBOOK

SHOES FOR THE WORLD In broadening its success beyond school shoes
and industrial safety footwear, Bata has introduced
Founded as a small family business in Czechoslovakia new collections of select international sneakers,
130 years ago, Bata has expanded into a large-scale comfort and outdoor categories to the local market

global shoe manufacturer. Today, it operates in as a crucial step in its five-year growth plan. These
56 countries with 32,000+ employees, selling include top-selling, global children’s footwear
20+ brands and labels at 5,300 retail outlets, and range Bubblegummers, sneaker brands Power and
producing locally in 21 Bata-owned manufacturing North Star, and the technology-focused Bata Comfit
facilities across five continents. line.
Bata South Africa, one of the top performing Bata Bata SA currently produces over five million shoes a
companies globally, has an enduring legacy that year at its manufacturing facility in Loskop, Estcourt
has stood the test of time, having operated in the in KwaZulu-Natal, where more than 420 people are
country for over 70 years. Its story is one of resilience, employed, most of them women from the local
adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to community. With women representing over 60%
providing quality footwear to South Africans. of Bata’s workforce across its Head Office, Loskop
Strong partnerships with key retailers allow Bata SA Factory, and Hammarsdale Distribution Centre,
to consistently deliver the very best to its customers, the company proudly champions diversity, equity,
combining style and substance to make an impact that and inclusion (DEI) while empowering women
reaches far beyond its borders. Bata isn’t just a brand; throughout the organisation.
it’s a part of everyday life. Wherever you are, Bata Country Manager, Lorraine Dyer, with over 20 years
makes it easy to step into comfort and style, with shoes of experience in launching and growing brands
available through major retailers like Ackermans, PEP, in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, says,
Jet, Edgars, Mr Price, Miladys and Shoe City, as well as “Bata remains driven by the same values that have
online platforms like Superbalist and Takealot. defined it for decades: a dedication to excellence
The Bata journey has been premised on innovation and a mission to enrich lives through its products
and staying relevant, especially within the sneaker and enduring presence across Africa. As part of a
landscape, where it has introduced diverse global company, we have valuable insights into
collections that resonate with today’s trends and global trends and best practices that we can bring
needs. Among them, Tomy Takkies stands as a to South Africa and the continent. Our local retail
testament to locally produced excellence – crafted partners can look forward to more innovation, even
to offer both quality and a unique story that’s woven better quality and a real focus on sustainability
into South Africa’s cultural fabric. going forward.”

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