Page 3 - KZN Business Sense - Vol6 No2 -eBook

NO BEATING A PERSON

WITH PASSION

Max Mqadi and team Max’s Lifestyle Village otherwise known as ‘KwaMax’

chapter in the growth story of in order to move forward as
ax Mqadi is the well- Max’s attributes his success to taught him the business Max’s Lifestyle, an establishment a tourist destination. Max’s
known businessman three principles – compromise, skills that he still uses today. that has, for many years now, Lifestyle Village keeps dispelling
Mbehind Max’s Lifestyle sacrifice and discipline. He grew Max’s early success saw him come to stand as a bastion of such attitudes as having centres
Village, and he is considered up in impoverished conditions establishing a small butchery entertainment and leisure in of excellence ensures that this job
one of Umlazi’s ‘own’. in Umlazi township and had to in 1988 which soon grew to the our province and the country.” is easier.
learn to fend for himself from an establishment of seven butcheries
Max’s Lifestyle Village is around the Durban region. After Premier Zikalala added that Max Said Max, “Max’s Lifestyle
known to locals as ‘KwaMax’. early age. Max’s entrepreneurial identifying the potential in the is known, “For paying attention is a disciplined space. I like to
The highly successful spirit resulted in him leaving Umlazi site he developed the to detail and for understanding be an entrepreneur, but I also
school in Grade 10. Says Max,
butchery, shisha nyama (braai “It was not that school did not butchery to include a braai area. what it takes to stay ahead and to comply with all government
area where customers can cook cater for the individual needs of requirements and legislation.
the meat they have purchased), like me but that I was not suited Max says that he discovered his discerning patrons.” I have a licence to operate. The
VIP lounge, and function to the school environment.” He his passion for the hospitality Certainly, the residents of restaurant is a safe place to let
explained that entrepreneurs
and conference centre have are often lost in the system and industry, and he became Umlazi are very proud of Max’s loose and enjoy the township
grown substantially from their successful because he achievements and support the vibe. Part of developing
origins as a one room shack that they need to build their understands the needs of the establishment, which also brings townships is to fight crime, to
butchery. own systems to achieve success. market that he serves.
He added that entrepreneurs additional economic benefits ensure cleanliness and to provide
KwaMax is now frequented are needed in the South Despite some challenges, Max’s to the township in terms of proper services in order to
by local residents, celebrities, African economy because they Lifestyle Village has grown employment opportunities. promote the respect of people.”
sportspersons and politicians understand the local business and has undergone ongoing Says Max, “I wanted to change Max encourages families to visit
as well as international tourists. environment. development as well as increased the face of the township and the restaurant to enjoy a meal in
The venue is a popular choice for Of his journey to success he its service offerings over the years I feel like saying I did it! Here the restaurant.
year-end functions, weddings, says, “Life belongs to you, you of its existence. blacks are benefitting. An The general view is that
baby showers and product can change your own life, but you In 2019, Max’s Lifestyle entrepreneur is running a more local tourists need to
launches. Diners enjoy the underwent a major successful establishment, which be encouraged to visit Max’s
restaurant’s traditional meals have to have a vision to achieve. refurbishment and was launched has participated in changing the Lifestyle. “Max’s provide a
You have to have passion and you
featuring braai meat with have to be forthright in driving as Max’s Lifestyle Village, which perceptions of Umlazi. platform to welcome all people
traditional side dishes such as the vision.” now comprises a butchery, to promote cultural exchanges
umgxabhiso (tripe), amadombolo restaurant, VIP lounge, In this regard Max has been and celebrate diversity, which
(dumplings)and ujeqe (steam Max vision for his future conference venue, and car wash. a pioneer and made it easy brings our rainbow nation
bread). Many of the customers success resulted in him ‘hustling’ At the launch in November 2019, to market Umlazi as it has
enjoy being entertained by the to make a living by selling KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle been put on the map. The together.” 
music of top DJs or relaxing in aprons on trains and running Zikalala said, “We are thrilled township has also had to deal
the VIP section. a tuckshop. These experiences to be here to witness the next with misconceptions and fears W: www.maxslifestyle.mobi.

EThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda, PSL Chairman Irvin Max’s Lifestyle Village is one of the best restaurants in Umlazi. The upgraded Max’s Lifestyle Village. (Photo: Terry Haywood
Khosa, Max Mqadi and Premier Sihle Zikalala at the opening Photography)
of Max’s Lifestyle Village (Photo: Jabulani Langa)

3