Max’s gets a VIP make-over
UMLAZI’S POPULAR FORMER BUTCHERY IS SCALING NEW HEIGHTS,WRITES
MLAMBO
FSIHLE
ROM humble beginnings as a modest township butchery 19 years ago, Max’s Lifestyle in umlazi is scaling new heights with a R4.5 million upgrade of what is now one of the city’s prime entertainment hubs.
Construction work at the popular shisanyama started in February and is expected to be completed in June, just in time for the groovy Durban July, which brings in thousands of visitors from around the country for the horseracing extravaganza.
Max’s Lifestyle owner, businessman Max Mqadi, said renovations were necessary to improve the experience the business offered to patrons.
“Max’s Lifestyle is a tourist destination of Durban… This place has changed the face of the township. Many people have jobs because of this place and, as a business, it is important to transform all the time,” he said.
The shisanyama was named one of the best restaurants in the world by Conde Nast Traveler in 2016.
Mqadi’s business employs more than 180 people – from security personnel to waitresses, supervisors, beauticians, tellers, janitors, runners, cooks and a chef. Most of the staff are from the area.
Last February, Mqadi spent R800 000 buying out an establishment next to his business and spent an additional R1m to create Max’s Autospa, which is better known as “Nkandla”. Patrons say it resembles former president Jacob Zuma’s Nkandla household.
“Even Nando’s and Chicken Licken closed so that they can renovate. We believe that improving the infrastructure will make the place user friendly.
“Our Durban July experience will never be the same again. If you were in VIP in the past you were squashed. That will never happen again. We want to build this business, so we listen to people who support us,” he said.
The additional wing to the existing building will be known as “Mzumbe”, said Mqadi, a name that was coined by Police Minister Bheki Cele. Both Mqadi and Cele are originally from the South Coast town of Mzumbe, so it was not difficult to let the police head have his way.
But Mqadi is demanding more from the police, calling for increased police visibility in the Sibusiso Mdakane Road precinct in umlazi V section, where Max’s Lifestyle and the neighbouring shisanyama, Eyadini Lounge, owned by businessman Jabulani “Mjey” Zama, are located.
Both spots are popular during peak party periods such as the Durban July weekend, Easter weekend and festive season.
Last year, Zama also bought out a residential property next to his premises to accomodate more people in his establishment.
Both establishments hire their own private security to watch over cars and patrons.
Mqadi’s expansion will see the VIP top tier take up more than 300 additional seats, notwithstanding, that it will accommodate more standing patrons who are likely to dance the night through in the VIP section. This followed complaints by patrons, he said.
Reminiscing on how his small butchery had blossomed to an internationally acclaimed shisanyama restaurant and tourism attraction, Mqadi said the likes of Fikile Mbalula, the then leader of the ANC Youth League, would frequent the spot and bring their own alcohol.
It was only when they told him to sell alcohol at the vibey spot that he later decided to build what became Max’s Lifestyle.
Mqadi received a R200 000 loan from businesswoman Shauwn Mpisane to complete the building after he ran out of money.
“I ran out of money and asked her to please help me. She gave me R200 000. That woman has a good heart,” he said.
Mqadi is ambitious when he talks about his business.
He quips that the business zoned area, which includes Max’s and Eyadini Lounge, could rival the likes of Morningside’s Florida Road in years to come.
“This thing of radical economic transformation, I demand it in the township,” he said. “The suburbs are developed. Today umlazi is respected because of Max’s Lifestyle. They say we are one of the best restaurants in the world,” he said.
He said emerging entrepreneurs in the sector – and there are many springing up in umlazi and other townships around Durban – should not rely on government to get their businesses going. They should work hard, have a dream and a vision, with government agencies only playing a supportive role.
What’s next for Max’s?
“I want to build a boutique hotel and conference centre next to Max’s Lifestyle,” he said. “Patrons would be able to park their cars, have a good time, book accomodation and sleep over. I want the people of umlazi to get married at this boutique hotel. I want to create more jobs. That is my vision,” he said.
Asked how his business had been a success, he said he owed that to many people.
“It is because of the service of the workers who dedicate themselves to give the best service.
“I also want to thank the people of umlazi and my neighbours because we make a noise, but they have never complained because they also benefit,” he said.