Max Mqadi, founder of famous Durban based Shisanyama Maxi’s Lounge hands over button to new blood, daughter Zinhle
The founder of this successful business remains Chairman and daughter takes over as Chief Executive Officer.
By CitytLIfe Arts Writer
Durban based businessman Max Mqadi has been running his popular lounge and shisanyama, Max’s Lifestyle for 20years with success.
Having started it small in a shack selling just braaied meat and pap, he took the business to dizzy heights. Today, Max’s Lifestyle that offers VIP Lounge, salon, shisanyama, car wash, restaurant, and conference centre, male and female boutiques has a reputable profile both locally and internationally. It is one of Durban’s tourist’s attractions.
Now that Mqadi has done great work, he has handed over the running of the establishment to his daughter Zinhle Mqadi, who is just 29years old. In a statement released last week, Mqadi is beaming with confidence that Zinhle is equal to the task to take Max’s Lifestyle to another level. The new CEO takes on her new job armed with a lot of experience in running a business and a bachelor of social science degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Speaking to CITYLIFE/ARTS, Mqadi, a very calm gentleman revealed that he has been overwhelmed by the reaction to his announcement. Mqadi said: “It has been crazy. I received calls from different ministers congratulating me for this decision. It showed that it was one of those rare announcements among black people. A lot of people do not know that business is like a relay where you run and hand over the baton others to continue running.”
“I have handed over that baton to Zinhle to continue building the Mqadi legacy. I did not want to give her the reigns when I am too old. I have realised that all rich families in the world allow younger generations to take over. I want them to run the business while I am still alive so that I can monitor and advice where it is needed. With this decision I am showing that you can trust your own kids especially women to run the business. I feel Zinhle is more than qualified to run the business. We have confidence that as the next generation of the Mqadi dynasty she will enhance and protect the legacy.”
Mqadi explained that the decision to appoint a new CEO was taken by the Mqadi family, putting into consideration his kids’ qualities, experience and leadership skills.
“Max Lifestyle is a famous place and a tourist attraction in Durban. So we had to look for someone who will grow the brand further. We chose Zinhle because she has knowledge of running business because she previously had a swim wear shop and a boutique. Since Max’s Lifestyle is run by the Mqadi family, she will be assisted by siblings Khetha in events management, Olwanele in operations, and Mathapelo who heads marketing and social media.”
Mqadi who was still overwhelmed by the support she got from South Africans never thought that one day she would head her father’s business. Mqadi takes on her new job armed with a lot of experience in running business and her bachelor of social science degree that she got from University of KwaZulu-Natal.
“I am nervous and excited at the same time. The nervousness comes from the fact that I have big shoes to fill and I do not want to disappoint the family. I am the oldest daughter and my siblings look up to me. Since the announcement to the staff and our patrons I have been receiving support from everyone including family.”
She said: “For now we are doing internal changes and hopefully add another segment that will benefit the community. This place has serviced the community and we need to add something that will add value to them like a pharmacy.”
Mqadi will remain chairman of the business and will continue to look at other opportunities because the plan is to make his presence felt in the hospitality sector. He recently bought a farm and he plans to build a boutique lifestyle that will offer an exclusive services like spar treatment and dinning.