With a retail network of over 100 ultra modern stores stocking high quality fashion shoes for ladies, men and children, Bata South Africa is a leading footwear manufacturer and retailer in the country. The Bata retail chain also includes ladies handbags, school and travelling bags and the Athlete's World sports shoes offering the latest in world-renowned sports and leisure brands such as Power. Our mission statement is "To be successful as the most dynamic, flexible and market responsive worldwide organization, with footwear as its core business. " Bata Shoe Company, which operates in over 50 countries and in 5 continents, was founded by a Mr Tomas Bata, in 1894. Bata started its operations in South Africa in 1959.