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Mthokozisi Ndaba

After failing to win Idols SA on Sunday night, runner up, Mthokozisi Ndaba has gone to ground.

Sowetan learnt that Ndaba was still in the Idols Randburg house, two days after the finale and being observed by a medical doctor to ensure his physical well-being, as well as being counselled by a psychologist who was helping him go through the heavy emotions.

The 25-year-old from KwaMashu in Durban was beaten by Paxton Fielies from Bishop Lavis in Cape Town, after a tight contest for the prize package worth over R1,5million that included cash, a car and a recording deal with Gallo Records.

So upset was Ndaba on Sunday night that he missed the mandatory press conference that follows the announcement of the results. Instead, a short video of him congratulating Fielies and sending his good wishes was played at the VIP after party held in the Mardi Gras room of the casino.

Ndaba earlier raised eyebrows when he did not stay on stage with the other top 10 finalists to celebrate with Fielies after she dealt a heavy blow to his dreams. A dejected-looking Ndaba was seen leaving the stage as Fielies was mobbed by the well-wishers.

His mood had not improved by yesterday afternoon as planned media interviews with him were canned.

Ndaba’s inspiring story of beating the odds saw him cheat death a few times and also lose about 11 family members and relatives in 10 years. He survived a gun attack a few days after auditioning for Idols and winning the golden ticket. By the time he attended Theatre Week, he was nursing wounds and was assisted to walk.

Ndaba’s upset result follows recent surprise wins such as last year when Thami Shobede lost out to Noma Khumalo, even though he had a number one hit single on iTunes. — SundayWorld.