Legendary local broadcaster Darren Scott, the beloved voice behind many of South Africa’s most iconic radio shows, passed away in the early morning of 27 May 2025 at the age of 61 after a 39-year battle with cancer
Lloyd Madurai, Founder and Managing Director of HOT 102.7FM and a close friend of Scott, says, “This is a very sad day for South African media, having lost one of its most powerful voices. We mourn for our friend and co-worker. He was an integral part of the HOT 1027FM family and will be sorely missed on the airwaves and in our hearts.”
Four decades of making waves
Scott served the public on-air for 41-years. His passion for radio began at a young age, kickstarting his career at Capital Radio 604 under the mentorship of Kevin Savage before moving on to exciting positions at major stations such as 702, 5FM, East Coast Radio, OFM, and Jacaranda FM. He also became a familiar face on SuperSport as the cohost of “Boots & All” alongside Naas Botha for many years. He was widely known for his sharp wit, engaging style, and deep knowledge of current affairs, sports, and music – especially artists from the 1980s and 1990s.
Most recently, after staying in the United States for 18 months, Scott made a return to South Africa. In April 2024, he rejoined local airwaves as the host of the ‘Just Plain Drive’ show on HOT 102.7FM, quickly becoming an integral part of the station’s close-knit team.
“I’m proud to say that Darren found a true home at HOT 102.7FM, where he thrived playing the music he loved alongside many of his old friends. He was a real professional, and we all deeply respected his perfectionism on-air”, adds Madurai
Leading with courage and compassion
Beyond his professional achievements and his reputation as an avid, lifelong Arsenal supporter, Scott’s greatest role was that of loving father. In addition to his own health challenges, the story of his son Mark’s journey with childhood cancer resonated deeply with audiences. His openness, strength, and support for his family made him an inspiration to many, offering comfort through his words and experiences.
Those who worked alongside him say the relentless demands of dealing with cancer never dimmed his curiosity or his on-air warmth. If anything, this motivated him to share positivity whenever he could, with a sense that every broadcast had the potential to touch or uplift someone facing their own difficulties.
“As the HOT 102.7FM family, we are heartbroken and would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to his family – his sons, Mark and Matthew – and all who loved him. While he may no longer be with us, his legacy will live on. He may be gone, but he will never be forgotten.”
Scott matriculated from Delasalle College in 1981, instead of pursuing a career in Radio, Darren headed for Pretoria to study medicine at the University of Pretoria. While at TUKS he spent a lot of time at TUKS FM which was still only a campus radio station back then. His interest in medicine faded quickly and in his second year he decided to abandon his medical degree and pursue a BA Communications Degree at RAU. Not long into his first year at RAU Scott was offered a job at Capital Radio, and the rest as they say, is history.
In 2024, he marked an astonishing 40 years in radio and was rightfully inducted into the Radio Awards Hall of Fame, cementing his status as a South African broadcast legend.
In early 2025, as Darren faced mounting medical bills for life-saving treatments for hi with stage four melanoma, his friends, family, and fans stepped up in a big way. Sarah-Kate Accetta, his ex-wife and close friend, launched a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign to help cover his medical expenses.
Donations flooded in almost immediately, over R130,000 was raised in just the first 48 hours. Within a few days the fund grew to more than R500,000 thanks to the public’s overwhelming support and it continued climbing towards its goal of R960,000.
On 14 May 2025, iconic South African artists including Ard Matthews, Jesse Clegg, Louise Carver, Kurt Darren, and band Just Jinjer took to the stage alongside comedians like Dave Levinsohn and Mark Banks – all performing in tribute to Darren.
Author: Jeanette Phillips