SHOES FOR THE WORLD

Founded as a small family business in Czechoslovakia 130 years ago, Bata has expanded into a large-scale global shoe manufacturer. Today, it operates in 56 countries with 32,000+ employees, selling 20+ brands and labels at 5,300 retail outlets, and producing locally in 21 Bata-owned manufacturing facilities across five continents.

Bata South Africa, one of the top performing Bata companies globally, has an enduring legacy that has stood the test of time, having operated in the country for over 70 years. Its story is one of resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to providing quality footwear to South Africans.

Strong partnerships with key retailers allow Bata SA to consistently deliver the very best to its customers, combining style and substance to make an impact that reaches far beyond its borders. Bata isn’t just a brand; it’s a part of everyday life. Wherever you are, Bata makes it easy to step into comfort and style, with shoes available through major retailers like Ackermans, PEP, Jet, Edgars, Mr Price, Miladys and Shoe City, as well as online platforms like Superbalist and Takealot.

The Bata journey has been premised on innovation and staying relevant, especially within the sneaker landscape, where it has introduced diverse collections that resonate with today’s trends and needs. Among them, Tomy Takkies stands as a testament to locally produced excellence – crafted to offer both quality and a unique story that’s woven into South Africa’s cultural fabric.

In broadening its success beyond school shoes and industrial safety footwear, Bata has introduced new collections of select international sneakers, comfort and outdoor categories to the local market as a crucial step in its five-year growth plan. These include top-selling, global children’s footwear range Bubblegummers, sneaker brands Power and North Star, and the technology-focused Bata Comfit line.

Bata SA currently produces over five million shoes a year at its manufacturing facility in Loskop, Estcourt in KwaZulu-Natal, where more than 420 people are employed, most of them women from the local community. With women representing over 60% of Bata’s workforce across its Head Office, Loskop Factory, and Hammarsdale Distribution Centre, the company proudly champions diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) while empowering women throughout the organisation.

Country Manager, Lorraine Dyer, with over 20 years of experience in launching and growing brands in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, says, “Bata remains driven by the same values that have defined it for decades: a dedication to excellence and a mission to enrich lives through its products and enduring presence across Africa. As part of a global company, we have valuable insights into global trends and best practices that we can bring to South Africa and the continent. Our local retail partners can look forward to more innovation, even better quality and a real focus on sustainability going forward.”