Max Mqadi had a vision of turning Max’s Lifestyle Village into one top venues in the country. Max Mqadi saw an opportunity to provide additional services to guests, who can now enjoy a meal, relax with friends in the VIP lounge, attend an event and have their car washed. “Very often people only talk about what they wish to achieve but don’t implement their plans.” Said Mqadi. Mr Zikalala said that in the past, South African policies ensured that townships have not enjoyed a good reputation. Historically, they were the places where black people were forced to live in order to be close to economic hubs and greatly illustrated a lack of spatial planning. Since 1994, townships have been rejuvenated and are seeing income development.

Of significance, the opportunities provided by a democratic environment have made it easier to develop and market establishments, such as Max’s Lifestyle Village. Max Mqadi said, “I wanted to change the face of the township and I feel like saying I did it! Here, black people are benefiting.”

An entrepreneur is running a successful establishment, which has participated in changing the perceptions of Umlazi. Certainly, the residents of Umlazi are very proud of Max’s Lifestyle’s achievements, and supporting the restaurant, which also brings additional economic benefits to the townships in terms of employment opportunities.

In this regard, Max Mqadi has been a pioneer and made it easy to market Umlazi as it has been put on the map. The township has also had to deal with misconceptions and fears in order to move forward as a tourist destination. Max’s Lifestyle Village keeps dispelling such attitudes as having centres of excellence and ensures that this job is easier.