Idols SA Star Mthokozisi Ndaba: From Fame to Hardship & New Beginnings
The past few months have been a stark unraveling for Mthokozisi Ndaba, the runner-up from Idols SA season 13. Once a rising star in the South African music scene, Ndaba is now facing a confluence of personal and professional hardships, including a recent arrest, a pending divorce, and financial struggles that have left him living in a shack.
On Monday, , Ndaba was released on R500 bail from the Ntuzuma magistrate’s court after spending a night in custody following a physical altercation with his cousin, Vukile Jaca. Jaca reportedly opened a case against Ndaba, and the two filed counter-assault charges against each other, according to reports from Daily Sun and TimesLIVE. The incident allegedly took place at their family home in KwaMashu on .
Despite the legal troubles, Ndaba expressed a desire to avoid further conflict with his family. “I love my brother; I was just defending myself,” he told TshisaLIVE. He is scheduled to reappear in court on .
The arrest is just one layer of a deeply challenging period for the musician. Ndaba’s eight-year marriage to actress Nandipha Ndaba (née Sefoloko) officially ended five months ago, and the couple has been living separately since . They share two sons, and Nandipha has returned to live with her parents. “I’m going through a lot now. I’m going through a divorce from my wife,” Ndaba stated.
Adding to his personal struggles, Ndaba was evicted from his flat in Dobsonville Ext-3, Soweto, on , due to three months of unpaid rent. He acknowledged the landlord’s right to evict him, stating, “They did give me notice, but I thought something would come up. Unfortunately, I was wrong.” The eviction has left him feeling as though he has “lost everything.”
The cumulative stress has taken a visible toll on Ndaba’s health. He has lost weight and attributes it to the overwhelming pressures in his life and career. “When you are alone, it’s hard. When you have issues, speak out,” he said. He is currently residing in a shack in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga, as he attempts to rebuild his life.
Beyond the personal turmoil, Ndaba is also facing financial difficulties. He is reportedly awaiting payment for gigs he performed between and . According to TimesLIVE, attempts to reach E’Socialink Shisa Nyama & Car Wash, an establishment that booked him on and , were unsuccessful. Ryan Kachuwa, the promoter for Mr & Miss Face of Lenasia, who booked Ndaba on , indicated he is unable to compensate the artist immediately but intends to do so when his sponsors provide funding, despite Ndaba having performed only two songs.
Despite the hardships, Ndaba remains determined to move forward. “I don’t blame anyone. I will learn and move on. I will appear to God,” he stated. He plans to utilize a studio he has set up in his shack to continue creating music. “I’m not trying to put anyone in a bad light…What hurts is that they are hurting slight artists,” he added. He released his debut album, Incwadi Encane, in , and a single, “Le Valentine,” featuring Babes Wodumo.
Ndaba’s story serves as a stark reminder of the precariousness faced by many artists, even those who have achieved a degree of public recognition. His willingness to speak openly about his struggles, and his determination to rebuild his life, offer a glimpse of resilience amidst a period of profound difficulty.