Darren Scott: the heartbeat of South African radio we’ll always remember

South Africa has lost one of its most cherished voices with the passing of Darren Scott, a veteran broadcaster whose warmth, wit, and unmistakable presence shaped the country's radio landscape for over four decades.

Scott died on Tuesday, May 27, at the age of 61, following a long and courageous battle with stage 4 malignant melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer he had first been diagnosed with in 1986.

Listeners across the nation remember Scott not just for his professional accolades but for the genuine connection he fostered with his audience. Colleagues have described his ability to make each listener feel as though he was speaking directly to them, a rare and treasured gift in broadcasting.

Scott's journey in radio began in the early 1980s at Capital Radio 604, where he quickly became known for his distinct, deep voice and engaging presenting style. 

His career spanned several major stations, including Radio Bop, 5FM, East Coast Radio, Jacaranda 94.2, and, most recently, HOT 102.7FM. He was known for his engaging on-air personality and his contributions to both music and sports broadcasting.

In 2024, Scott was inducted into The Radio Awards' Hall of Fame, marking a 40-year career in broadcasting. Despite his health challenges, he continued to share his passion for radio, often expressing pride in his colleagues and the stations he worked with.

In a rare interview with "Laataand met Rian" on kykNET earlier this year, Scott opened up about his diagnosis: “It’s not my first rodeo,” he said, revealing how he had dealt with skin cancers for years. “Normally, when I have had cancers, I’ve had them cut out by my various doctors and oncologists.”

Sadly, the cancer returned in a more aggressive form. “You get a very aggressive cancer called a nodular. The one on my chin was a nodular. This was a big one, it was very aggressive. You basically get told you have a 30% chance of making it five years.”

Even in his honesty, Scott maintained a calm, matter-of-fact tone, reflecting the quiet strength many admired in him.

He also spoke openly about the challenges of continuing to work while undergoing expensive treatment abroad.

“I’m back in South Africa because I have to work so I can pay for the treatment. But if I can’t talk, I can’t work.” For someone whose entire career revolved around his voice, the irony wasn’t lost on him or his listeners.

What made Scott’s final chapter especially moving was the way he was buoyed by the public’s response.

In the days before his passing, his wife Sarah shared: “I watched him, day after day, scroll through your messages in disbelief - humbled, overwhelmed, moved to tears. He couldn’t believe that so many people cared.”

Darren’s passing is part of a tragic pattern the local broadcasting world has come to know all too well.

In March 2023, Mark Pilgrim, a beloved radio and television presenter known for his work on 5FM, 94.7 Highveld Stereo, and HOT 102.7FM, died at the age of 53 after battling stage 4 lung cancer. Pilgrim had previously survived stage 3 testicular cancer in 1988 and was open about his health struggles, becoming an inspiration to many.

In October 2022, Jeremy Mansfield, a prominent radio and television personality, passed away at 59 due to liver cancer. Mansfield was renowned for hosting "The Rude Awakening" on 94.7 Highveld Stereo, one of the most popular breakfast shows in South Africa.

Xolani Gwala, a respected journalist and broadcaster, died in November 2019 at the age of 44 after a battle with colon cancer. Gwala was known for his incisive interviews and commitment to holding those in power accountable, particularly during his time at Radio 702.

Scott's legacy now joins theirs; his voice may be silent, but his impact will echo for years. For many South Africans, the sound of his voice was a familiar comfort, part of their morning routines and weekend memories.