Darren Scott (61), a well-known radio broadcaster, passed away this morning (May 27) after a long, brave battle against advanced stage four melanoma cancer.
This veteran in broadcasting left deep footprints in the broadcasting industry and in the hearts of loyal listeners.
Melanoma cancer was first diagnosed in Scott in 1986. When he was confronted with the same cancer again at the beginning of 2025 and medical costs increased, the public joined hands.
A fundraising project on BackaBuddy, initiated by his former wife Sarah-Kate Accetta, raised hundreds of thousands of rands within days. This testified to the love and respect people had for him.
A Rich Career
Darren began his journey as a radio broadcaster in the early 1980s and quickly became one of the most recognizable voices on South African airwaves.
His career took him from Capital Radio and Radio Bop to major stations such as 5FM, Jacaranda FM, East Coast Radio, and ultimately HOT 102.7FM.
Simon Parkinson, breakfast host at HOT 102.7FM, described him as the most dedicated radio person he had ever known.
“There was a time when Darren handled two live programs in a day – breakfast sessions in one province and evening sessions in another. Who does six hours of live radio every day? Darren did!”
In 2024, Darren was inducted into the Radio Awards Hall of Fame – an achievement that officially recognized his contribution to the industry.
Scott was in broadcasting for approximately 40 years.
A Life Celebrated
Darren’s ability to engage an audience was unparalleled.
Shane Wellington, another broadcaster at HOT 102.7 FM, said: “It was incredible to see how natural it was for him. He had a talent – that rare gift of making you feel like you’re the only one listening.”
He was also one of the first people approached when HOT 102.7FM was established.
Lloyd Madurai, the founder of the station, remembers: “When I called him, he just said: ‘I’m in. Let’s hit the road.’ And there was that spark in his eyes again.”
Accetta shared on Facebook: ” It is with the heaviest, most shattered heart that I share… Darren has passed from this earth into the loving arms of Jesus.
“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.
“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. 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.
“I will cherish the opportunity to fill their days with laughter and love, with the many, MANY wild, wonderful, and unforgettable stories about their Dad.
“Rest in eternal peace, Darren.
“You were so deeply loved.
“You always will be.
Scott leaves behind his two sons, Mark and Matthew, as well as his father.
Sources consulted for this report include Maroela Media, HOT102.7 FM, The South African, Good Things Guy as well as social media.
