Bata is led by the youngest board of directors

For 125 years, Bata have been trailblazing the footwear industry with innovation, technology and affordability. Since their inception in 1894, Bata has been a family run business and they continue to operate as a family business, with the consumer at the heart of it all.

Listening and interacting with consumers is ingrained in the very fibre of Bata. An integral part of their DNA is to hear and respond to the voice of the nation, in an effort to remain a highly connected and intensely relevant brand.

The board of trendsetters, aged between 8 and 16 years of age, gave Bata SA an insider glimpse of youth insight and market desirability, to this elusive young market sector, during their YBOD meetings held in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg.

As the market leader in school shoes, Toughees sell four million pairs annually. The back 2 school drive sees a massive spike in school shoe sales, although it is an item bought steadily throughout the year.

YBOD raised some pertinent discussion points about Toughees sizing, availability and in-store marketing to ensure Toughees continue to meet the competitive school shoe challenge head-on and come out tops. The comeback-kid of sports shoes, the white takkie, will once again hold the position of sports shoe of choice.

Swastika Juggernath, Marketing Manager, Bata South Africa stated in her welcoming speech to the YBOD, “We welcome your fresh, new perspective and to delivering a vibrant and creative ‘youth-appeal’ fashion philosophy, to all young South Africans.”

Engaging the YBOD through direct and constructive communication is gifting BATA the elixir of youth fashion and style, in exchange for a real-life business experience for the youngsters.

For further information please visit https://www.bata.co.za/bata-youth-board-of-directors/ or email ybodsa.co.za.