IDOLS judge Dave Thompson has quit the country after the hit reality show's final episode.
The Sony BMG executive has resigned and is moving to an undisclosed city in Australia, it emerged on Sunday night.
Thompson, who has been with the recording giant for 17 years as a director of artists and repertoires, and who has judged Idols since its inception in 2002, let the news of his departure slip out at a press conference.
During the finale of the show, at the Teatro auditorium in Fairland, western Johannesburg, Thompson did not take to the stage with fellow judges Mara Louw, Gareth Cliff and Randall Abrahams, who sang a rousing rendition of The Beatles' Long and Winding Road.
Thompson refused to comment on his reasons for leaving South Africa.
The news emerged when reporters asked about the fate of Idolsrunner-up Jason Hartman, and if he would be given a recording deal similar to that given to last season's runner-up, Andriette Norman.
Thompson replied to gasps: "The problem with me answering that is that, technically, I am no longer employed by Sony BMG, or anyone for that matter."
When The Times tried to reach him for comment about his move, it appeared that he had already left.
His out-of-office e-mail read: "Hi, I've finally ended my time at Sony Music and have relocated to Australia".
Thompson's boss, Sony BMG chief executive Keith Lister, told The Times that Thompson and his family had decided to move to Australia for "personal reasons" and he had no idea what they were.
"After a long process of trying to get visas, they finally came through and they decided to go ahead. So we agreed to release him from his contract," Lister said.
Thompson has been known as the judge who was slightly more pleasant to contestants than Mr Nasty, Randall Abrahams, but who pulled no punches in his criticism.
Abrahams said he will miss Thompson, especially because they have known each other for 16 years.
He had been in the dark about Thompson's move.
"He is really going to missed by me, and by the industry. I hope his experience and knowledge in the industry will ensure that he is settled in Australia," Abrahams said.
Thompson's Idols colleague, Mara Louw, wished him the best: "If he's leaving to try new things, then I wish him the best of luck."
"If we do have another Idols and I'm asked to judge, I will miss him. But if he is unsuccessful in Australia, we might see him back."