Darren Scott was a radio man's radio man
There are thousands of kind words that can be said about Darren Scott. He was a friend to many, a smoke break partner of note, and a broadcaster like few others. He was also a doting dad and, with his charity One Wingz of Change, impacted lives well beyond his immediate and extended circle.
Darren Scott, who passed away at 61 after battling stage 4 melanoma cancer for decades, will be sorely missed on the airwaves by friends and colleagues. Sometimes, just knowing that he's on the other end of a WhatsApp message meant a lot to many.
Michael Catterson, a former colleague of Scott's, was shocked at the news. 'It is a sad day, a mentor in the industry and an icon for South Africa has left us. A true inspiration, always willing to listen and give advice,' he said.
'Ahh, Darren Scott, you will be missed! The last time we spoke, you were giving me advice on cancer and how to look out for it and today, that dreadful disease has taken you. Our deepest condolences go out to your family and the two amazing little boys you lived for. RIP.'
Scott was a true inspiration
His multi-award-winning career landed him at Hot FM, the final chapter of his stint on air. The station released a statement early Tuesday morning.
'The last few months have been very difficult for Darren with numerous hospital stays. Darren will be remembered for his passion for radio, wit, creativity and charitable work. He will be missed by all of us at Hot 1027 and listeners across the country.'
During his career, Scott was on Supersport, Mix FM, and 5 FM, and became a household name after his career took off at Capital 604 in the 1980s. It was a forty-year-long career that's near unrivalled in South African broadcasting.
Sasha Martinengo, a long-time colleague and friend, posted his tribute on social media.
'You fought hard, my friend. You brought joy, laughter and even pain to millions of people. Your professionalism as a broadcaster was an inspiration to us all. You loved ELO, which is a bit Meh, but I'll forgive you. We had so many ups and downs in our careers together, but we always pushed each other on. I'll never forget the great times we had Daz. You're still a c@#t, but I miss you.
'To Mathew and Mark, may you always know what a genius your dad was. Lots of love to all who knew Darren, whether you understood him or not. He had an amazing talent, one of which I always strived to emulate. Rest well, my friend.'
Also Read: Bedfordview survivor shares skin cancer warning
Scott was a wonderful colleague to work with. Particular and somewhat fussy in the studio, but always willing to help and assist, being there for almost anyone and sharing the joys of suitcase shooters. When it came to charitable causes, he was front and centre every single time.
The joys of suitcase shooters
Sarah Kate Accetta, Scott's former wife and mother to his kids, posted an initial tribute on Facebook.
'There are no words to truly express the depth of my gratitude to every single person who donated, prayed, and stood beside him during the fight of his life. Your generosity through the Back-a-Buddy campaign didn't just fund treatment – it gave Darren hope. It gave him dignity. And it gave him the profound gift of feeling so loved,' she wrote.
Two weeks ago, an industry-organised benefit concert was also hosted to raise money for Scott's cancer treatment.
'I watched him,' Accetta wrote, 'day after day, scroll through your messages in disbelief – humbled, overwhelmed, moved to tears. He couldn't believe that so many people cared. Thank you for giving him that in his final months. As we make our way back home now, to not only commemorate his life but to learn how to face life without him, I ask from the bottom of my heart: please pray for the boys. Their world has changed forever, and we need every bit of strength we can hold onto.'
Scott was a radio man's radio man. A broadcaster of broadcasters.
Over the past few years, several larger-than-life names in broadcasting and media were taken by cancer, including Derek Watts, Jeremy Mansfield, Mark Pilgrim and Kevin Savage, amongst others.
Also Read: Derek Watts, a legend in his own time
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
23 minutes ago
- The Citizen
Competition Tribunal approves Canal+ and MultiChoice's more than R50 billion deal
Canal+ already owns 45% of MultiChoice's shares, and with this deal, it intends to buy the remaining shares for R125 per share, valuing the group at more than R50 billion. French Media giant Canal+ is one step closer to acquiring the remaining stake of MultiChoice, as the Competition Tribunal has approved the deal. MultiChoice's primary business is providing video entertainment through multiple platforms, including DStv, GOtv, and ShowMax. Canal+ already owns 45% of MultiChoice's shares, and with this deal, it intends to buy the remaining shares for R125 per share, valuing the group at more than R50 billion. ALSO READ: Is MultiChoice in trouble? Group reports sharp decline in subscribers Canal+ to buy MultiChoice The approval from the Competition Tribunal follows a recommendation from the Competition Commission that the Tribunal should approve the deal, subject to conditions related to public interest considerations. The Competition Tribunal is an independent body that adjudicates on matters referred to it by the Competition Commission. While the Competition Commission is an independent adjudicative body established to regulate competition between firms in the market, the commission is the investigating and prosecuting agency in the competition regime, while the Tribunal is the court. 'The approval by the tribunal concludes the competition review process in South Africa,' stated the Stock Exchange News Service (SENS) announcement made on Tuesday. ALSO READ: WATCH: DStv's 'R100' advert deemed misleading by regulatory board Deadline for the MultiChoice and Canal+ deal The announcement stated that the parties remain on track to complete the Mandatory Offer by Canal+ within the timeline announced on 8 April 2025, and prior to the long-stop date of 8 October 2025. 'The approval by South Africa's Competition Tribunal marks the final stage in the South African competition process and clears the way for us to conclude the transaction in line with our previously communicated timeline,' said Maxime Saada, CEO of Canal+. He added that he is positive about the potential this transaction will unlock for all stakeholders, including South African consumers, creative businesses and the nation's sporting ecosystem. 'The combined group will benefit from enhanced scale, greater exposure to high-growth markets and the ability to deliver meaningful synergies.' Agreed conditions of the deal 'As was previously disclosed, the agreed conditions include a robust package of guaranteed public interest commitments proposed by the parties,' read the announcement. 'The package supports the participation of firms controlled by Historically Disadvantaged Persons (HDPs) and Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) in the audio-visual industry in South Africa. 'This package will maintain funding for local South African general entertainment and sports content, providing local content creators with a strong foundation for future success.' NOW READ: Another year, another decline in DStv subscribers: Will Canal+ be buying a shell?
The South African
23 minutes ago
- The South African
Nota Baloyi slams DJ Sumbody's celebrity friend over their silence
Controversial music executive Nota Baloyi has slammed DJ Sumbody's friends for remaining silent after a breakthrough in his murder case. On Monday, police arrested four suspects in connection with the murder of the amapiano star and his two bodyguards. DJ Sumbody was gunned down in November 2022 while driving through Woodmead, Johannesburg. Nota Baloyi sparked a heated debate on X after accusing DJ Sumbody's celebrity friends of staying quiet about his tragic death and the latest developments in his murder case. Nota feels there is a lack of loyalty and public support for the late star from his prominent friends. 'The silence of DJ Sumbody's celebrity friends is telling… I cut off all their tongues!' Nota wrote on X. FANS REACT TO NOTA BALOYI'S POST His followers flooded the comments with mixed reactions, questioning why the late star's celebrity friends have remained silent. @Sportsbabe96940, 'They've been quiet, it's sad. These people can pretend, as long as it benefits them.' @guaptatana, 'It's Easy to talk recklessly when you don't have kids. Nobody gon feed your kids when you're 6ft under, just let the law take its course.' @mqhelenqabankos, 'There are no friends in the industry.' @Sydfret79, 'Talking will get you killed, let law enforcement do their job. They are protecting their lives.' @SolXolani, 'Maybe they're concerned about their safety too.' DJ SUMBODY'S MURDER CASE POSTPONED On Tuesday, the four suspects appeared before the Alexandra Magistrate's Court in Johannesburg, and their case was postponed to 29 July 2025. Police believe three of the men acted as hitmen, while the fourth planned and ordered the hit. The state requested the postponement to allow more time for investigation before submitting a formal bail application at the next hearing. All four suspects are facing charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON NOTA'S POST Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
South Africa aims to break marimba world record with 1100 players
Over 70 Marimba players from KwaZulu-Natal will join participants from around the country in an attempt to set a new Guinness world record of having the largest group of Marimba players assembled and playing together in one place. A group of South African and Zimbabwean marimba players will gather at the Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town on August 2 to break the current world record of 550. The aim is to have 1100 players. The event, under the theme "United in Harmony", will not only attempt to dethrone Guatemala's standing record of 505 players but double it. This will put South Africa on the global stage for a record-breaking celebration of culture, community and music. The event is expected to bring together players aged eight to 62, from over 70 schools and institutions, representing every province in South Africa. There will also be two schools from Zimbabwe. Each participant will receive an official Guinness World Records medallion. Schools participating from KwaZulu-Natal are St John's D.S.G, Michaelhouse, Durban Preparatory School and Arboretum Primary School. Kiara Ramklass, founder of Marimba Jam, said that after an unofficial attempt in 2018 they were inspired to try again. "We have been working hard over the last two years, fundraising, to be able to participate in this event," she said. In 2018 they gathered 241 girls on Women's Day to unofficially break Australia's standing record. It was, however, without the official Guinness World Record stamp due to resource constraints. Ramklass has spent the past decade dedicated to spreading the joy of marimba music to schools across the country. "We had to raise about R500 000 to cover the cost of hosting the event, entering Guinness and getting an adjudicator from Guinness World Records in London to attend the event. "We want to get South Africa recognised as a world record-holder. Music is powerful in uniting people. This event is more than just breaking a record. It's about showing what's possible when we come together across socio-economic divides. Whether from private schools, township schools or rural schools, all are on one stage. It's a loud, joyful message of ubuntu," said Ramklass. She said their motto is finding harmony in communities. "South African marimbas are tuned in C major. It's almost impossible to feel sad when you hear them. They create this magical, happy energy. That's what we're sharing with the world on August 2," said Ramklass. At the world record attempt event the ensemble will perform a 10-minute medley of 'Waka Waka' and 'Jerusalema', both powerful anthems of South African pride and unity. There will be two fringe events taking place at the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre on Friday, August 1 and Sunday, August 3, to further promote the main event.
