25/10/04, 10:00

On a night that celebrated the very best of African creativity, innovation, and cultural excellence, South African fashion once again took its rightful place on the global stage.

On a night that celebrated the very best of African creativity, innovation, and cultural excellence, South African fashion once again took its rightful place on the global stage. The 2025 South African Fashion Awards, hosted at the elegant Hotel Sky in Sandton, was an evening defined by artistry and pride —honouring the visionaries who continue to shape Africa’s creative identity.

Among this year’s standout winners were two brands proudly housed under the Bathu Group banner:

• Best Streetwear Brand 2025 – Boys of Soweto
• Best Footwear Brand 2025 – Bathu

These awards represent more than just style and craftsmanship — they echo a shared vision, relentless purpose, and the unwavering belief that African stories deserve to be told through world-class brands.

A Milestone for Boys of Soweto

For Boys of Soweto, this moment stands as a defining milestone in our journey. What began as a movement rooted in township expression has evolved into a brand that embodies South African luxury and inspires a generation of creators to embrace authenticity and excellence. This win is a testament to that vision and a celebration of culture, community, and creativity.” says Vusumuzi ‘Bob’ Ndima, Founder and Creative Director.

A Testament to Bathu’s Vision

For Bathu, the award for Best Footwear Brand reaffirms the company’s continued commitment to building a proudly African brand that tells meaningful stories, creates employment, and uplifts communities.

“Our vision has always been to create a premium African brand that our people can proudly affiliate with. This recognition reaffirms that purpose: to produce products that stand as remarkable representations of Africa and to grow an ecosystem that celebrates the spirit of entrepreneurship and excellence.” Led by Founder and Group CEO, Theo Baloyi, Bathu continues to stand as a symbol of hope and possibility — proving that when Africans walk their journey with purpose, they elevate not only themselves but entire communities.

Celebrating Collective Excellence

At Bathu Group, we celebrate these achievements not as individual wins, but as a collective victory for African creativity, resilience, and hope. To every designer, creative, and dreamer who continues to shape the narrative of African excellence — this moment belongs to you. Together, we are redefining what it means to create, lead, and inspire from the continent. Here’s to walking our journey, together. One Africa. One Vision. One Story.