
Max Lichaba Biography
Born in 1981, Moeketsi Max Lichaba is a well-known South African pastor and entrepreneur who has built a solid reputation through his prosperous businesses.
He is a businessman from South Africa who owns Kwa Lichaba, Lichaba Refinery, Lichaba Custom Rides, and Lichaba Creations.
Max Lichaba was raised in a little town outside Welkom in a friend’s garage.
Except for a strong desire to pursue anything greater in life than work as a miner like the other males in his community, he left school in Grade 10 with no prospects.
With an R120 million turnover for his jewelry business today, he has only just started to realize his aspirations.
After his private wedding to Sophie Ndaba—a multi-talented individual with experience in acting, modeling, and event coordination—Max Lichaba’s notoriety skyrocketed even more.
The couple’s union attracted attention from the public right away, enhancing Max Lichaba’s reputation as a well-known member of the community.
Max Lichaba Wiki Facts | |
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Full Name: | Moeketsi Lichaba |
Stage Name: | Max Lichaba |
Born: | 1981 (age 43 years old) |
Place of Birth: | Saaiplaais, Virginia, South Africa |
Nationality: | South African |
Education: | N/A |
Height: | 1.61 m |
Parents: | Mr. & Mrs. Lichaba |
Siblings: | N/A |
Spouse: | Sophie Ndaba (m. 2017-2021) |
Girlfriend • Partner: | N/A |
Children: | 2 |
Occupation: | Businessman Lichaba Creations (an international gold jewelry manufacturer), Kwa Lichaba (Vilakazi Street and Lesotho), Lichaba Custom Rides, Lichaba Refinery |
Net Worth: | US$2.8 million |

Max Lichaba Net Worth
South African entrepreneur Max Lichaba has accumulated an incredible R50 million (about $2.8 million) in net worth.
He has achieved success by founding and running Lichaba Creations, a wildly prosperous business.
The business focuses on creating beautiful jewelry pieces that are incredibly well-liked all across the world.
Max Lichaba Early Life And Education
Moeketsi is from a lowly family. He would assist his mother in selling fruits and veggies after school so that their impoverished family could make ends meet. His family used to reside in a garage.
His parents were unable to pay for transportation or school expenses. He therefore went to a special needs school because it was free.
Fortunately, his hand skills allowed him to pass and enroll in Harmony Jewellery School, where he eventually rose to the lecturer position.
Max Lichaba Career
Max Lichaba began his career in the jewelry industry in 1998 by making jewelry using a simple method.
He bought a jewelry machine after realizing the possibilities for fine jewelry influenced by African aesthetics.
Lichaba’s business prospered because of his hard work and dedication, gaining him recognition as a creative jewelry designer.
Max Lichaba increased his business by exporting to other nations, capitalizing on the popularity of his jewelry line.
He entered the restaurant business in 2008 when he opened Kwa Lichaba, his first chesa nyama. The eatery immediately became well-known and was loved by both residents and visitors.
Max Lichaba Background
I grew up in a small Virginian community outside of Welkom, living in a friend’s garage.
My mom had five children and nowhere to reside, and my dad lived in the mines; he provided us with a roof over our heads.
I was supposed to become a miner because it was a mining town. Yet my mother wished for us to receive an education.
She tried to come up with a plan, but she never placed the blame for our predicament on anyone. One of the plans was to go to school.
But it had to be a free school, or as close to free as possible, and it had to be nearby. There was only one choice left: a Virginia remedial school.
Looking back, there were benefits and drawbacks. I had a lot of opportunities to work with my hands and found that I was rather skilled at it.
However, the school terminated in Grade 10, meaning I would never be able to matriculate, and by the time I graduated, I was not very good at math or language literacy.
My mind was never stretched, and a stretched mind doesn’t develop. I have lately finished taking several classes in financial literacy so that I can handle my books and figure out my statistics.
I’d learned it’s foolish and that you need to stay on top of your figures from leaving that to my accountants.
Ten years after I had my own company, I still needed to go out and acquire these talents because I had not had them in my younger years. However, it’s never too late to start growing if that’s your goal.
My intellect was never challenged and challenged minds don’t grow. I recently completed a series of financial literacy lessons so that I can manage my finances and perform statistical analysis.
Leaving it to my accountants taught me that’s dumb and that you need to monitor your finances.
I still needed to go out and get these talents even ten years after starting my own business because I had not had them when I was younger. But if you want to improve, it’s never too late to start.
My certification in Grade 10 didn’t satisfy me. I wanted more than to be a roadside fruit and vegetable vendor; I didn’t want to be a miner. I was aware of my aptitude with my hands, and I regarded the jewelry school as a chance.
Despite my late application, I still went ahead. I went to the school every day and sat in the waiting area, determined to get a position as soon as one became available.
One pupil had not made a pitch at the beginning. I pleaded with the registration office to allow me to replace her. I was unrelenting. I got a call one day that said, “Okay, you can have the place.”
When are you able to begin?” I answered that I would be right over. Each person at the school had finished matriculation.
Despite having the least qualifications and being the youngest person in the room, I had a strong handicraft and a strong desire for success. After half a year, I was among the top students in the class.
I practiced there nonstop, honing my new skill and becoming increasingly proficient at it.
I became aware of my desire to create lovely items that I might sell, and I began to consider starting a small business.
A local jewelry maker named Regal Manufacturing stopped by the school as we were wrapping up our course and asked to see two of their best pupils.
My first position in the industry was obtained after I was selected. The business produced jewelry that was shipped to South America.
It was a large employer in our community, employing mostly women, with 3,000 workers.
We arrived at work to closed gates after nine months, during which time I had saved up the down payment for my first automobile and had recently moved into my first apartment. Without any prior notice, the company abruptly shut down.
A letter informing us that the company had been liquidated and that we would be being paid at the end of the week was given to every one of us.

Max Lichaba Discovering A Light
The ladies surrounding me, many of whom supported their families alone via their work, were in disbelief, kneeling and sobbing.
Along with my shock, I also felt a decent measure of rage. After that, I began to reflect. I was self-sufficient. No kids depending on me for food.
At 19, I was going to get a job. However, what about these women? I knew four gogos, but I couldn’t help them all. The gogos are the center of everything in my town.
I suggested to them, “Let’s start something together,” without thinking twice. Tomorrow, let’s meet at my house. This is something we can manage.
This is the issue. A machine can be purchased for R50,000 to R100,000. We lacked even R5,000. We had to begin modestly.
When we put our minds together, we discovered that beads were the easiest thing to do and something we could afford.
This was the quickest and easiest approach to start generating revenue, which was what we needed to do.
Together, we raised R1,000 so that I could buy beads and begin working from my apartment. We had an idea and approached church choirs, offering to manufacture each member a special pair of beads that they could wear at contests. The local Nigerian market adored them. This became a reliable source of money.
After concentrating on beads for eighteen months, I turned my attention to our areas of growth. We utilized our money to purchase more materials because the business was very hands-on.
I wasn’t any closer to purchasing machines after a year and a half, and there was no space for growth.
What then might we do? I discovered SAB’s Kickstarter competition after looking at SME assistance initiatives, and we participated.
We took first place in our region, and we were able to purchase modest machinery with the R20,000 prize money.
Our business wasn’t particularly inventive, but it did function. That, I think, increased SAB’s confidence in our company.
Start small, but don’t give up—that’s essential. I could have gone out and attempted to find a way to raise R100,000 for high-end equipment. That is not what I did. Rather, I concentrated on trading to generate income for us to eat and survive.
We were able to reach a higher level thanks to the equipment, and I was able to search for our next opportunity.
This was a program that the Free State Department of Tourism and the DTI ran to assist local producers in marketing their goods abroad.
After completing many forms and having our ability to fulfill orders verified, we were eventually accepted into the program. We wanted additional space while we were still living in my apartment, but we were unable to pay the rent.
We located a small store and persuaded the owner to allow us to move in, provided that we began making the monthly payment of R500 right away.
You never know what the answer will be, so always ask. People are more likely to want to assist you or, at the very least, give you the benefit of the doubt if you are kind and kind.
When Things Don’t Go Right
As we prepared to enter international markets for the first time, I focused on growing locally, which meant in Johannesburg.
Since I couldn’t afford transportation and didn’t own a car, I hitched rides while dressed in a suit. I had to look the part because I had a jewelry business.
I made it my mission to always be the most attractive man in the room. People will take you seriously if you project who you want to be and treat yourself with respect.
Although it was somewhat difficult for me to get our jewelry into neighborhood retailers, we completed the DTI’s six-month program and were deemed export-ready.
Producing the goods was the first step. We concentrated on the African theme because it was well-liked.
Because of the growth in our choir market, we were able to use the money earned from those sales to produce more goods for export.
We were given directions right away when we arrived in Nairobi for our first tour. After our second trip to London, we knew we had hit upon something.
We were given a fantastic opportunity by the DTI. They adjust your placement in different areas according to your level and focus on turnovers.
Working with them up until 2015 gave us a solid basis for expansion. They assisted us in increasing our cash reserves as well.
At the time, we were successfully exporting our jewelry; we had won a Kickstarter campaign and used the winnings to grow the company. However, I was searching for more.
I felt unstoppable after achieving success, and I had had good encounters with the DTI.
Then I discovered another chance: we could start a school that would be comparable to the one Harmony had managed and offer young people the same opportunities I had.
This kind of project, funded by the DTI, allowed us to support our youth while also receiving government backing.
obtained the necessary NQF accreditations and, at a cost of R900 000, established the school. We took the risk after learning that we would get reimbursed 60 to 90 days after each student enrolled.
But then the hard truth set in. I diverted my attention from Lichaba Creations to focus on the school during a period when we had relocated to larger facilities to accommodate our growing number of overseas orders.
Twelve months after the scheduled date, the first payments were received. Since Lichaba Creations was essentially funding the school, we were unable to cover the rent for the jewelry company.
Our landlord informed us that he would be locking our doors after two months.
I asked for additional time, telling him I would reimburse him right away. I continued to hope that the DTI payments would be received, but they were not.
While attempting to get paid in Johannesburg, I got a call from someone I assumed to be a friend, but he was laughing.
Our doors had been locked, and an auction was being held for all of my equipment. I tried to stop it, but I had to rush back to Welkom. I was in debt of R30,000 and unable to pay it. It was painful to see my equipment go for R300 when I couldn’t even afford to buy them.
Simultaneously, I realized that while I was growing the business, I had given my friends more attention than my family, and I was discovering that these friends weren’t close.
They had teased me about my fate and said they didn’t think my good fortune would hold.
I realized that everyone around me didn’t genuinely care about me or think highly of me; some of them seemed content with my demise. It was time for an overhaul.
Among the Hardest Things You’ll Ever Have to Do
One of the hardest things in life is to start afresh. Not only did I lack everything, but I had let those I had wished to shield down.
My new crew and my old ladies were all out of a job. Those younger employees who had not worked with me from the start were especially irate and demanded their pay. I was inconsolable.
The assistance of my brothers, who returned to Welkom from Johannesburg to assist me, was the one bright spot in my otherwise dark situation.
It served as a sobering reminder of the importance of family. I’d been honest, told my experience, and solicited help from my friends.
Each of them declined. I realized that I had placed too much trust in these seemingly regular people. On the other hand, my brothers were the reverse. They each borrowed R3,000, which they were unable to repay, to assist me in paying my employees and paying off debt. They also acted with trust, knowing that I would come up with a way to reimburse them.
I vowed never to ignore my family evermore. I no longer had a business or a school, so I had to get back on my feet. I began by asking whether I could teach at my previous school.
I lived like that for half a year. I tried to save every penny while teaching. I slept on a floor mattress and sold the majority of my possessions.
I began going to all of the pawn shops in Welkom as soon as I had enough money in the bank. I was aware that my equipment was specialized, and I suspected that the purchasers would not be able to utilize it.
I was correct when I began to locate my devices in various pawn shops. I purchased them all back, piece by piece.
I was able to resume my work after eight months, albeit on a very limited basis. I worked from my apartment, shipping to the UK and India.
I was completely concentrated. Even if I explored other endeavors, I promised myself that I would never again lose sight of my main business.
I finally paid my gogos’ retirement packages and received the money I was due for the school. That’s when I committed my second big error.
We tried everything, but we were unable to enter South African retail establishments. The local market does not have enough of a funnel for gold jewelry.
But because we couldn’t accept defeat, we set up shop in Welkom, Randburg, and Orange Grove Pick n Pay centers. We invested the money we earned abroad in these black holes over three years.
Being a stubborn person has its advantages and disadvantages. It has not only helped me persevere through extreme hardship, but it has also helped me when I should have given up and moved on.
We overspent at stores for very little return. Perhaps it was because I didn’t want to acknowledge another setback so soon after the school’s collapse.
For whatever reason, I hung on for too long. However, you learn as you live. There are moments when you simply have to let go and go on.

Max Lichaba Restarting and Following Interests
Still, I wasn’t done trying new things. I have always had a passion for automobiles. We studied auto repair in school while I was a student.
This was an idea I’d had for a while: a posh vehicle wash where you could have a beer and some Chesa nyama as you waited in comfort.
I believed that the pairing would draw in more guests. By then, we had only one Lichaba Creations store still open after closing the other two.
I purchased a site in Soweto on Vilakazi Street, and I began, brick by brick, to construct my dream. My family and I took a year to complete this large building. Because it was financed by the jewelry company, our construction was sporadic and dependent on cash flow.
We all worked hard towards the end of 2013 to finish it because I wanted to launch in December.
Every day, my brothers would travel from their houses in Vereeniging, and together we would prepare it.
Since our opening on December 16th, we haven’t turned back.
Kwa Lichaba provides us with amazing yields. We decided to impose an admission price to draw in a particular audience.
After initial trial and error, we’ve gradually developed into one of Soweto’s most popular places, with a lively and devoted following.
We realized we had access to a captive middle-class to the upper-class black market, which was worth more than gold.
Although it took us a year to get traction with the idea, we now regularly offer corporate-sponsored events that provide brands with access to our consumers.
We recreated this amazing model in 2016 in Lesotho, the country of my grandmother’s birth, without actually laying any bricks.
My love of vehicles led me to start Lichaba Custom Rides, a sound and car customization company.
To meet our requirement for gold for Lichaba Creations, which is still doing exceptionally well abroad, we also opened a refinery to recycle precious metals ourselves.
I’m doing pretty well. I am aware that both life and business have their ups and downs, and I’m sure there are still lessons to be learned along the way.
I will always have something to show for my efforts and a legacy to leave for my loved ones and children as long as I put those lessons into practice and never give up.
Max Lichaba Lessons Acquired
Recognize your numbers: It may seem apparent, yet for years I trusted others with my books, primarily because I lacked financial literacy.
I upskilled myself because I eventually refused to admit that I couldn’t manage my books. I completed courses in bookkeeping, finance, and company management. It’s never too late to pick up new skills.
Knowledge is power: This is one of my weaknesses. In my latter years, I’m making every effort to close the gaps and am committed to providing my kids with a higher quality education than I received.
I wish to assist other kids as well. We close Kwa Lichaba on Wednesdays through the Lichaba Foundation so that we can provide food for underprivileged children and gogos in Soweto once a week.
To help as much as we can, social workers and educators are also present. Although once a week is insufficient, it’s a start, and you must always begin somewhere.
Give it back: Over the years, so many people have come to my aid. Never lose sight of the fact that success is shared by many.
Always, a village is needed. If we achieve, I think it’s our responsibility to give back. In the beginning, we would make boerewors rolls in our car’s boot and distribute them throughout the townships. The Lichaba Foundation exists today.
We provide free promotion and support to local companies through our magazine, Miss Lichaba, and an annual pageant for teenagers residing in Soweto.
We also assist the youngsters of Soweto. The winner is the face of all of our enterprises for a year and earns free tuition to universities.
It is also expected of her to return the favor by supporting the cause of social awareness in her neighborhood.
Cooperate as a group. As is the case with all businesses, ours operates within a community. You cannot live alone and disregard those around you.
Why would you want to, anyway? It inspires people to cooperate to achieve common objectives and fosters goodwill and vitality that could never be attained by acting alone.
Seek out the chances that are available to you: From what I can see, my childhood was not easy. There was a great deal of suffering and shame.
Because I attended a remedial school and sold fruit and vegetables on the side of the road, kids made fun of me. I had a strong desire to succeed.
I am both a man and a person. I am the only one who can prove myself in my life. I refused to let my situation limit me.
These items presented opportunities as well as challenges for me to overcome. You must search for opportunities. You can’t expect anyone else to do it.
Max Lichaba’s Personal Life
African businessman Max Lichaba, 42, has become a media darling, showcasing both his personal and professional pursuits.
Previously wed from 2017 until 2021 to the well-known South African actress Sophie Ndaba, their marriage was characterized by disagreements and allegations of abuse and infidelity. In 2021, the couple decided to separate and had a formal divorce. Lichaba is single, has two children from a prior relationship, and has stated that he is dedicated to his religious calling.
Max Lichaba Social Media
- Twitter: @MaxLichaba
- Facebook: Max Lichaba
- Instagram: @maxlichaba
- LinkedIn: Max Lichaba

Who Is Max Lichaba?
Renowned South African businessman Max Lichaba owns a successful chain of companies. However, he did not arrive at this point quickly or without shedding tears, sweat, and blood.
His tale aptly illustrates how perseverance can elevate one from poverty to wealth.
Max Lichaba, a self-made millionaire from South Africa, is an inspiration to countless numbers of individuals who have heard his story, possibly even millions.
His difficult background strengthened his resilience and gave him the skills he needed to launch and manage prosperous businesses.
How old is Max Lichaba?
He was born in Virginia, Welkom, in a tiny village known as Saaiplaais. Sadly, Max Lichaba has not disclosed his birthday, which is why it is still unknown how old he is. However, in 2022, he is projected to be in his early 40s.
What is the job of Max Lichaba?
He serves as the CEO of Lichaba Group-owned jewelry brand Lichaba Creations. Custom jewelry designs and costumes are the company’s areas of expertise.
The CEO disclosed that they use premium metals and custom-craft them to fit your design to ensure lifetime. He said he had always dreamed of being the owner of an empire in business. Thus, it didn’t take him long to begin using his variety of beads.
Other works
Moeketsi is a multi-talented individual. In addition to Lichaba Creations, the businessman is the owner of Kwa Lichaba, a chesa nyama located on Vilakazi Street in Soweto. It is well-liked by both residents and visitors.
Max Lichaba also owns a company in Cresta called Lichaba Custom Rides, which specializes in custom rides. That could clarify why Max Lichaba’s vehicles consistently steal the show! He owns Lichaba Refinery as well.
What is the net worth of Max Lichaba?
The majority of Max Lichaba’s profiles indicate that he has a net worth of more than R50 million. Every single one of Moeketsi’s businesses is booming, both domestically and globally. For instance, his jewelry company distributes jewelry to at least seven different nations.
Max Lichaba is married to whom?
As of right now, the businessman is divorced. Up to their divorce in 2021, he was wed to Sophie Ndaba, a well-known figure in South Africa. Sophie had been friends with Max Lichaba’s brothers for a few years before the two met.
Even though Sophie is older than Moeketsi, he works up the bravery to ask her out on a date during a family event. However, she declined. Max asked her out again at the following family lunch, and this time, encouraged by Moeketsi’s family, she accepted.
Marriage and Separation
They remained secretive about their relationship for a few months, until revealing it to the world during an appearance on Top Billing. Max disclosed that he made three or four proposals before Sophie accepted. As soon as she did, they began arranging their marriage. In March 2018, they tied the knot in a traditional wedding.
Regrettably, there was turmoil throughout their relationship. The businessman admitted to cheating on his wife Sophie Ndaba in 2021. This happened after Lwandle, Sophie’s youngest son, recorded a diss track called “My Step Dad Is A Devil” that was directed towards him.
Lwandle accused Max of being physically abusive to his mother and of cheating in the song. He also attributed his mother’s sadness to his stepfather.
Are Max Lichaba and Sophie Ndaba still wed?
Following the revelation of the adultery charges, the two decided to call it quits in 2021. Following the divorce, Sophie Ndaba went on and there have been rumors that she is seeing a Nigerian pastor.
Themba Ndaba had been Sophie’s previous spouse. Max Lichaba’s current spouse remains a mystery, primarily due to rumors that he is unmarried.
Who are the offspring of Max Lichaba?
There are rumors that he has kids from several baby moms. But after posting a photo of himself taken with his children several times, he revealed that they are the love of his life.