OPEL Distributor recently had the privilege of shooting a video with two extraordinary South African Entrepreneurs. Their stories and vision fully embrace and compliment what we at OPEL stand for: Innovation. Forward-Thinking. Vision. Product Accessibility to All.
The Exclusivity of the Opel Corsa GSi demands a disruptive market placement. The collaboration with Bathu has enabled this.
Theo Baloyi founded Bathu in 2015 in a modest room in the heart of Alexandra Township, Johannesburg as a young man wishing to tell a proudly untold South African township story to the world. ‘Bathu’ is a common universal slang word that has existed for decades and is used in townships across South Africa when referring to any type of shoe. Materials are being sourced in Lesotho and manufacturing takes place in Durban. A proudly South African company, indeed!
Four years down the line, founder and owner Theo has his Headquarters in Midrand, storage facilities, as well as a workshop and retail store in Newtown. And the success story goes on with 2 more stores that opened in Pretoria and Port Elizabeth respectively – a 4th opens in Bloemfontein at the end of June 2019. Bathu has a staff compliment of 36 people plus a website for easy online ordering of his spectacular sneaker range – making Bathu, which has since become a must-have item for fashion aficionados – not only in South Africa, but also around the globe accessible to all.
OPEL recognises and applauds Theo’s tenacity and innovative thinking as expressed throughout his journey – from idea to realisation. It took 18 months for proof of concept, research and development, quality control and assurance to be completed before Bathu was confidently launched into the market.
In collaboration with Bathu, OPEL is proud to reveal the world’s most expensive sneaker: Bathu’s exclusive GSi Limited Edition Sneaker – at a price tag of R365 900 per pair. Only 80 pairs have been produced! That’s how exclusive these sneakers are … each pair of these limited edition Bathu sneakers come with OPEL’s amazing new Corsa GSi which boasts four colour options – thrown in for FREE!
When purchasing a pair of these Bathu GSi Limited Edition Sneakers, you not only get foot comfort and uniqueness – you receive:
Dynamic, sporty design features and agile OPC sport suspension and brakes as set up on the legendary Nürburgring ‘Nordschleife distances’ to ensure precise athleticism, outstanding and agile handling and sudden braking. Heated Recaro performance front seats and sport steering wheel, outstanding throttle response and torque, OPC exterior and interior features PLUS superior connectivity, safety, innovation and economy.
Bathu’s Business Philosophy rings true to OPEL as a Brand.
‘We are driven by our identity, our passion to design unique shoes and a desire to always bring new products into the market’.
Bathu’s Vision and Mission is based on core beliefs such as quality, dreams, execution and hard work, ambition, representation, future thinking, employment, adding value, excellence, honesty and commitment.
Their vision is to tell a proudly South African story to the world and to be a leading shoe retail company. They have a desire to establish a brand which Africans can proudly affiliate with.
Funky Chef Sizo Henna joined OPEL Distributor as their Brand Ambassador in April 2019. His nothing-not-to-like personality and natural energy partners him perfectly with the OPEL Brand.
Classically trained both internationally and locally in the art of all things food, Sizo has been referred to as ‘The young funky pioneering contemporary food master and food trendsetter’ – with his culinary creations having graced tables as diverse as those of Presidents, to catering for in-home dinner parties. His popularity for good food and well-coordinated events is founded on him living by a simple personal philosophy when it comes to food and everything that he does: ‘Do a stunning job every time’.
As the Afrocentric, charming cosmopolitan host and Chef of TV show Rustic Chakula, Sizo celebrated modern, African food and shared his skills by bringing culinary creations to Mzansi that are rustic in taste and look. He strives to be accessible to all food lovers – whether it be home cooks or eat-out-specialists – by generously sharing his recipes via his website for all to enjoy. In simple
terms: understanding your ingredients is key to a successful dish – whether it be hot Indian Cuisine, Chunky Fish & Chips with Mushy Peas, Pan Fried Foi Gras or creamy Mngqusho as taught to him by his ‘goggo’ in Bisho.
Sizo’s private chef service known as Blaque Olive entered the market in 2010 and his restaurant named Blaque Wine Bar & Grill House opened in February 2018. It recently moved to a more convenient location in Bryanston due to his wish to offer breakfast, lunch and dinners to his loyal and growing patronage. Wines are personally selected by the Chef and expertly paired to the daily menu items with full consideration given to balance. His restaurant name has recently changed to Blaque Bistro, a more fitting description of the new venue.
OPEL saw something unique in Sizo when considering his Brand Ambassadorship. His drive for quality and presentation with no compromise within the art of cuisine, plus his embracing and solid character expertly brings his product and the OPEL range together. Trained internationally yet returning to his roots to share his expertise with all – now that’s pretty solid!
OPEL is honoured to have Sizo as its Brand Ambassador. His commitment and ultimate success in a competitive industry due to his dream-big philosophy, shows strength of character and endurance. Sizo & Blaque – Keep it Rustic!
OPEL’s ongoing commitment to produce vehicles that are accessible to many through efficient engines and powertrains for driving pleasure and economy, connectivity through sophisticated Infotainment Systems, plus high specifications offered at the best prices as a standard is reflected in the total range presently available. Not unlike an exclusive pair of sneakers or beautifully crafted meal. With OPEL – You get much more technology and quality than expected.
With economic fuel consumption as a strong consideration in today’s vehicle purchase decision-making, the OPEL family offers competitive fuel consumption throughout the range. Comprising of a choice to satisfy all family members and LCV owners, the OPEL Adam, Corsa, Astra, Crossland X, Mokka X, Grandland X, Combo Cargo, and soon to arrive Crossland X Diesel and Combo Life, perfectly embrace the OPEL mantra – The Future is Everyone’s!
