Paxton Fielies from Bishop Lavis has been crowned South Africa’s Idol on season 13 of the TV show.
The 17-year-old learner of Belhar High School sang her way to the final held on Sunday, clinching the title ahead of fellow finalist Mthokozisi Ndaba (25).
In support of Paxton, the Western Cape government and the community-based organisation Bishop Lavis Action Community (Blac) hosted a family fun day and live screening of the competition final. The event was attended by an estimated 10 000 residents at the Bishop Lavis sports ground. They cheered with gusto when Paxton was announced as the winner.
Joining the residents and Blac was provincial minister of social development Albert Fritz, provincial health minister Dr Nomafrench Mbombo and provincial sports, arts and culture minister Anroux Marais.
According to Sihle Ngobese, spokesperson of Albert Fritz, Paxton exemplifies the spirit of the Western Cape youth. “Through hard work and talent, she has made use of her opportunities to not only win Idols but to launch her singing career,” says Ngobese.
Fritz expressed his pride in the community for the way in which residents supported one of their own. “A special congratulations to the community of Bishop Lavis who came out in their numbers not only to support and celebrate Paxton’s win but, more importantly, to reclaim their public spaces from the gangsters and drug lords. As government, youth development remains an integral part of our mandate,” he says.
Marais also expressed her pride in Paxton. “Paxton has undoubtedly made us immensely proud. Both Paxton’s win, and that of Craig Lucas in this year’s Voice competition, make it clear that resources need to continuously be directed toward helping artistic talent to flourish,” says Marais.
“In celebrating and promoting the triumphs of our emerging artists, we can uplift our communities and allow residents, especially our younger generation, to dream of a better future.”
