Sophie Ndaba's ex-husband leaves popular Kwa Lichaba business to become pastor

18 March 2023 - 16:32
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Max Lichaba bids farewell to popular business to become a pastor.
Max Lichaba bids farewell to popular business to become a pastor.
Image: Supplied

Businessman Max Lichaba has resigned as MD of popular chesa nyama Kwa Lichaba Lounge to heed his pastoral calling.

In a statement shared with TshisaLIVE on Saturday, Sophie Ndaba's estranged husband announced he was parting ways with the “chesa nyama outlets and brands” to become a pastor.

“I decided to resign principally because of the decision to follow my calling of being a pastor,” he said.

While the business activities of Kwa Lichaba Lounge will continue to operate under the management of the Lichaba family, Max will begin his pastoral journey in the coming months at Nation Hope Ministries in the East Rand, Johannesburg.

“I will not have shares in the business and I’m parting ways with the brand. I have left it to the family to run. It remains a family legacy regardless of my involvement as the business employs more than 30 family members. They are trained and capable of running it in my absence,” he told TshisaLIVE.

From the age of 12, Max says he's always known he had a calling in ministry which led to him getting ordained when he was 22.

“I have been avoiding the calling and even started alcohol businesses. The calling has been heavy and those close to me always knew. It's now time for it’s manifestation.

“I have been planning to resign for a while and the Bible says you cannot serve two masters so I had to choose one and follow what God has called me for.” 

Experiences as a young man, such as failed marriages, inspired this transition in his life, said Max.

Max made headlines when allegations of abuse and infidelity arose at the end of his marriage to actress Sophie Ndaba.

The businessman-turned-pastor admitted to stepping out in the marriage but vehemently denied ever laying hands on a woman.

“I took everything to God and He is my source of strength. I spent most of my time in prayer asking God to give me strength and courage to start the ministry as I knew I was called to minister, especially with the focus of encouraging, inspiring, and giving hope to the hopeless through the word of God.”



Max Lichaba bids farewell to popular business to become a pastor.
Max Lichaba bids farewell to popular business to become a pastor.
Image: Supplied
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