By Katlego Sekhu
Somizi turns down R1 million in cash from Bathu founder Theo Baloyi on his reality show.
A couple of years ago, while trying to establish his sneaker business, Bathu, Theo Baloyi reached out to Somizi to hand him a pair so that his brand can get more exposure.
After fans saw Somizi wearing the sneaker, Bathu sales skyrocketed. “Before that Theo used to sell about a thousand sneakers,” explains Somizi.
One day Theo called Somizi to come and meet him at his office. “As I get to his office he told me he wanted to thank him for making his brand big with a million rands in cash,” shares the SA Idols judge.
To Theo’s surprise, Somizi turned down the money as “it didn’t feel right to him.” He wanted to earn for it. “I rejected it because I didn’t work for it.”
Somizi suggested that they rather collaborate on some projects.
He is currently in the process of setting up his Sompire children’s clothing business which will need about R2 Million rands.
Now Theo is returning the favour by helping him set up the business. “He is going to be with me 24/7 until I get it right,” shares Somizi.
Theo Baloyi named Young Business Leader of the Year
Theo Baloyi was recently named Young Business Leader of the Year by Forbes Africa and CNBC Africa.
Theo, who started off selling perfumes in the streets of Alex expressed gratitude for the acknowledgment.
He said the award “is a true testament of our vision to build a shoe brand that Africans can proudly affiliate with.”
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