Max Lifestyle Village in Umlazi, Durban, once a popular destination for food and entertainment, is facing more job losses as the business continues to struggle financially. Several employees were recently dismissed after being told not to return to work, leaving many workers uncertain about their future. This follows a previous wave of layoffs, with about 20 staff members already losing their jobs due to the ongoing financial difficulties faced by the venue.
A former server who was let go expressed his concerns, revealing that the staff had anticipated the layoffs as the business had already begun to struggle. Despite efforts to attract customers, the insider speculated that economic challenges, such as customers’ reduced spending power, may have played a role in the venue’s downturn. This led him to start job hunting last year, especially after Zinhle Mqadi, the daughter of owner Max Mqadi, took charge of the business.
The struggles at Max Lifestyle Village have been felt across the staff, with another worker confirming his retrenchment. “They said there were no customers and the business wasn’t making money,” the worker explained. With the loss of more employees, the venue is finding it increasingly difficult to remain afloat amidst the financial strain.
In response to the challenges, Max and his daughter Zinhle acknowledged the changes at the venue but declined to go into specifics. Max, who has handed over the management reins to Zinhle, now focuses on other business ventures. However, the future of Max Lifestyle Village remains uncertain as the business grapples with ongoing financial hurdles.
