
DJ Zinhle and GalxBoy's boss join Bathu on 'Walk Your Journey'
From left to right: Theo Baloyi, DJ Zinhle and Thatiso Dube during a 'Walk Your Journey' panel discussion at the Market Theatre, Johannesburg. Picture: Supplied
In celebration of Youth Month, the Bathu Foundation has revived the Walk Your Journey series, partnering with renowned DJ and entrepreneur DJ Zinhle, alongside GalxBoy founder Thatiso Dube.
This year, the Foundation is focusing on equipping young South Africans with tools for success in the evolving entrepreneurship landscape.
The 2025 edition of the series kicked off on Wednesday at the Market Theatre in Johannesburg under the theme 'Navigating the New Age of Retail: Opportunities and Challenges in South Africa.'
Bathu founder Theo Baloyi, along with DJ Zinhle and Thatiso, led discussions on business growth, innovation, and sustainability in today's competitive market.
Theo said the idea behind the series is to fast-track entrepreneurial growth by sharing real-world lessons.
'We believe there is a lot of potential in South Africa, a lot of emerging entrepreneurs. And it cannot only be that every 10 or 15 years, there's a Bathu or GalxBoy era that goes beyond the 10-year mark.
'So, we want to share the knowledge of how we managed to build a sustainable business over a period of 10 years. A lot of people have potential, but they just lack tangible know-how,' he said.
He also highlighted the importance of including emerging topics like artificial intelligence in the conversation.
'There might be someone sitting there thinking, 'Actually, I want to start this business, but I don't know how to go about it,' or they struggle with self-expression. There is a tool in AI that can help you express yourself better.'
ALSO READ: SA's MeerKAT telescope joins forces with European VLBI Network
Bathu Foundation aims to reach wider audience
The series is scheduled to continue on 18 June at the Fusion Boutique Hotel in Polokwane and conclude on 25 June at the Playhouse Theatre in Durban.
Each session includes panel discussions, Q&As, and networking opportunities.
The inclusion of Thatiso and DJ Zinhle in the programme reflects the Foundation's focus on practical, relatable insights.
Theo said that together with DJ Zinhle and Thatiso, they bring over 30 years of combined experience to the stage.
'It's our way of giving back because we know that from this, instead of waiting 10 years to see two or three brands emerge, collectively we can have five to ten brands that come out of this session.'
NOW READ: Thandiswa Mazwai says she would've accepted invite to national dialogue had Ramaphosa sent it
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

IOL News
8 minutes ago
- IOL News
HONOR and Blue Bulls Announce Technology Device Partnership
The technology and innovation company has been announced as the technology device partner, ushering in an era of technologically driven performance for the Pretoria outfit. The Blue Bulls are proud to announce global technology brand, HONOR, as their exclusive technology devices sponsor. The significance of this partnership signifies the huge shift that has been happening in global sports, in which gaming tactics and technology are increasingly relying on each other to ensure the best possible team coordination and performance outcomes. The collaboration emphasises HONOR's dedication to fuse useful technology with everyday life, work and play. The brand's notable 180% growth rate in 2024 and the milestone achievement of over one million units sold in South Africa, demonstrates its investment and activeness in the South African market. It's latest corporate strategy, the HONOR ALPHA PLAN, aims to transform the future of AI and smart technology, from digital AI agents to physical applications that will redefine human interaction with intelligent devices. As the technology partner to the Bulls, HONOR will equip the team with smart technology, supporting the players and technical teams with smart devices across its extensive product range to improve their game, connect with fans and simplify their daily living. Fred Zhou, CEO of HONOR Technologies Africa, expressed that, 'The Blue Bulls are a South African brand that is synonymous with sporting achieving that unites South Africans from all walks of life. The team has a great history of brilliance in on-the-field performance as well as fostering a strong relationship with communities that form part of its fanbase. As HONOR, we've decided to join this family and together we intend on ushering an era of technology and innovation driven performance and connection.'

IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
Eben Etzebeth 'Unlocked': discover the untold story of rugby's giant in his debut autobiography
'Unlocked' tells Eben Etzebeth's story - from his upbringing in Goodwood to his aspirations, the challenges he's overcome and what it truly took to wear the green and gold. Image: Supplied South African rugby titan Eben Etzebeth has released his much-anticipated debut autobiography, 'Unlocked', offering fans a rare, unfiltered glimpse into the life, challenges and triumphs of the most-capped Springboks in history. Feared by opponents and revered by teammates, Etzebeth has long been known for his physical dominance on the pitch - a towering lock with unrelenting energy, intelligence and aggression. Now, in 'Unlocked', he turns the spotlight inward, reflecting on the highs and lows of his life and career, and how a determined boy from Goodwood became one of the most iconic figures in world rugby. 'Over the past few months, I've taken time to reflect on my journey - the highs, the lows, the lessons, the people and the moments that shaped me,' he shared on Instagram. ''Unlocked' tells my story, from growing up in Goodwood to my aspirations, the challenges I've faced and what it really took to wear the green and gold. Thank you to everyone who's supported me - this one is for you.' Etzebeth has been a pillar in the Springboks setup during one of the most successful eras in South African rugby, helping lead the team to back-to-back Rugby World Cup victories and maintaining their spot at the top of the global rankings. His story is one of grit, discipline and unwavering focus - themes that pulse through the pages of his book. From battling adversity in his early years to the intense inner workings of the Bok squad, 'Unlocked" promises readers a deeply personal journey. Etzebeth's story is also part of a broader initiative to inspire young South Africans. 'Unlocked' tells Eben Etzebeth's story - from his upbringing in Goodwood to his aspirations, the challenges he's overcome and what it truly took to wear the green and gold. Image: Supplied Recently, a special youth-focused book series was released, featuring Etzebeth alongside Springboks greats Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Faf de Klerk, Cheslin Kolbe and Handré Pollard. These short, accessible books aim to spark ambition among young readers, especially those from tough backgrounds. Told in simple language and rich with inspirational anecdotes, the books reveal the human side of these sporting icons. Readers learn how Kolisi once went to bed hungry in a shack in Zwide, terrified at a new school because he couldn't speak English, and how he rose above it all. They show how coach Rassie Erasmus became more than a tactician - a father figure and mentor who guided these men through moments of global triumph and personal challenge. Etzebeth's own story echoes similar themes. As a child, he had posters of rugby legends like Bob Skinstad and Jonah Lomu on his bedroom wall. At primary school, he played wing and dreamed big. On his bedroom door, a handwritten list of goals included one that would shape his destiny: play for the Springboks. In his final year of primary school, he was victorious at his sports day, excelling in sprint events and high jump. But his path was far from easy. At the start of high school, he was considered too small to make the A team. Determined to change that, he hit the gym, scarfed down eggs and tuna for protein, and pushed himself harder than anyone else. By matric, he was a 120kg force of nature - no longer a backline player but a dominant lock whose transformation stunned even his childhood coaches. Unlike many of his peers, Etzebeth never succumbed to distractions. He stayed laser-focused on his goals and chased them with relentless discipline. Now, with 'Unlocked', Etzebeth adds 'author' to his long list of accolades - and opens a new chapter, not just in his own life, but in the rich legacy of South African sport. ∎ 'Unlocked' is now available at major bookstores and leading retailers.

IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
The rise of credit use in South Africa: building and renovating homes
Some South Africans are investing in their livelihoods even taking credit to build or renovate their homes. Image: Supplied Just over a quarter of South Africans (26%) are taking out credit to meet developmental needs, using the money for building or renovating a home, among other reasons. South African short-term lender, Wonga, has released the findings of its latest Credit Utilisation Survey, which surveyed over 12,000 respondents, finding that nearly 90% of respondents are actively using credit. They were said to be essentially borrowing to better their lives. The respondents were also taking out loans to pay school or university fees and starting or growing a small business. The survey showed that these developmental credit needs are often being met through general-purpose loans or informal lenders due to a lack of accessible, clearly defined developmental credit options in the formal market. 'While we see this as 'good credit', as it allows individuals to create a better future for themselves, people are turning to non-developmental, traditional credit products to fulfil these needs as accessibility and other regulatory hurdles are barriers to accessing funds,' says Tina Manyanya, a spokesperson at Wonga. She said that each year, the short-term lender surveys a substantial database in winter and summer. They said that the reality is clear in that far too many South Africans earn less than R7 500, and the majority are unable to meet basic needs like seeing the month through without needing additional lifelines. The survey shows a financially stretched population navigating a widening gap between earnings, access to savings and the increasing cost of living, with significantly more than two-thirds of respondents not having any savings. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), access to formal credit is one of the drivers for bridging the economic divide. Developmental credit, that is, credit that facilitates economic and socio-economic growth, such as housing, education and business funding, allows individuals to build better lives, and this is critical to South Africa's economic aspirations of growing the economy. 'The problem is, however, that in many cases individuals cannot access formal credit, which leads them to turn to informal lenders, such as Mashonisas,' added Manyanya. 'And when they can access credit, either formally or informally, we see a worrying trend of this credit being used simply to survive.' Last month, Experian's latest Consumer Default Index (CDI) for the first quarter of this year showed that despite their active economic roles, young South Africans face barriers in accessing the credit market. Representing nearly 24% of the adult population, the youth segment (consumers around 30 years and younger) accounts for a mere 9% of the total credit market, holding just 3% of outstanding debt. Vehicle Asset Finance (14%) and Retail Loans (10%) are the most common credit products for youth, reflecting their current financial needs and market accessibility. In contrast, youth only hold 1% of the Home Loans market, underscoring the long-term financial milestones that remain largely out of reach for many. When given the choice, almost all (94%) respondents indicated that they would prefer to borrow money from a registered credit provider, friends or family, or through their employer. Only 5% of respondents indicated that they prefer using an informal lender (such as a Mashonisa) to meet their credit needs. In reality, though, Wonga said 15% of the respondents have utilised informal lenders in the past 12 months, with most of these earning less than R7 500 per month. This was said to be indicative of higher vulnerability and limited access to formal products. 'Our survey shows that despite many South Africans wanting to utilise formal lending channels, many are being driven to use informal lenders,' says Manyanya. The survey shows that despite 90% of respondents confirming that they use credit, a staggering 65% had been declined for credit, with decline rates disproportionately concentrated among lower-income groups. More than half of those using informal lending channels earn less than R3 000 per month, while a quarter of those who used informal lending over the past year reported that their repayments are their most expensive monthly outgoing. 'It is concerning that many South Africans, especially those in lower income bands, are excluded from formal credit, due to a mismatch between need and regulation. When formal credit options are inaccessible, people turn to informal sources by necessity, not by choice,' says Manyanya. 'Even more worrying is that our survey also showed that 6% of credit users didn't know the difference between formal and informal lending,' she continues. Outranking the need to utilise credit for development needs or even to address unplanned emergencies, Wonga said the findings highlighted a concerning national reality that many South Africans are using loans to simply stay afloat mid-month and month-end. Around 27% use credit every month just to cover groceries, transport and electricity. 'What the data shows is that South Africans are not borrowing frivolously,' says Manyanya. 'They are borrowing out of necessity to survive emergencies, educate their children, get to work mid-month, or simply to keep the lights on. This is concerning-using credit for these essential needs is simply using it for survival.' Manyanya said that since credit is not just a financial tool, but a survival mechanism and a stepping stone for many. She said the findings from this survey reveal that there is a huge opportunity to bridge the gap between the formal and informal credit markets, leveraging fair credit practices and more clearly defined regulations, particularly where developmental credit is concerned. 'Formalised credit is critical, and it can be a powerful tool that can drive economic growth when used well. That said, we believe that it requires a regulatory rethink and more accessible, well-communicated credit options,' she said. 'A better understanding of how formalised credit is critical to South Africa's economic aspirations of a growing and stabilising economy. At Wonga, we are committed to helping structure an industry that supports this to the benefit of citizens,' Manyanya said. The short-term lender said the survey's findings point to a deeply felt demand for safe, developmental credit solutions and an urgent need for clearer product visibility and education around developmental credit, a more inclusive regulatory framework and improved access to formal credit for low to middle-income earners. 'It is the responsibility of lenders and policymakers to make sure credit works for everyone and not just the privileged few – doing our part to help those excluded from the formal credit sector due to the mismatch between need and regulation. "This will help bolster much-needed economic growth and help an estimated 15 million South Africans who are currently unable to access formal credit,' Manyanya said in conclusion. Meanwhile, to qualify for a rental property, prospective tenants need a good credit score, proof of income and affordability, and a clean background check. According to rental agents from the Seeff Property Group, landlords usually also look for a good payment history and may also want references from previous landlords. The property group said that with rental demand often outstripping supply, many properties are not advertised and have waiting lists. It added that prospective tenants should prepare necessary documents and start searching early, ensuring they are ready to act quickly if a rental opportunity arises, so they do not risk missing out on available properties. Independent Media Property