WORCESTER – In a sombre announcement that reverberated through the airwaves and across social media platforms, Valley FM revealed the news of the passing of its station manager, François Marais.
Marais, who had been battling with brain cancer since February last year, succumbed to his condition on Sunday 4 February, on World Cancer Day, leaving a legacy that will forever be etched in local broadcasting.
Tributes flooded social media channels as news of Marais’ passing spread. Colleagues, friends and listeners alike expressed their shock and grief, mourning the loss of a beloved figure whose impact transcended the confines of the radio station.
Catherine Wiese, acting station manager at Valley FM, shared her sentiments, expressing a sentiment shared by many who had hoped for Marais’ recovery. “Francois dedicated his life to this station,” she said, “he did it for the community, and I still hoped he would pull through.”
Throughout his tenure as station manager Marais was widely respected for his unwavering dedication to Valley FM and his passion for community-driven broadcasting.
“Boet, the name I knew him by for very a long time, was very conscious of the sound and quality coming the station, a quality that saw it flourish under his leadership,” said veteran presenter Elliot Godla in an exclusive interview in which he, along with the deceased’s family, reflected on how Marais had dedicated his life to the community of Worcester and satellite towns. Said daughter Faith Davids: “I will miss having him around. My father was the strongest man I ever knew, yet he had a soft heart. He never stood back, but always wanted to get his hands dirty without credit, always saying its for our people.”“My dad made his mark in this community, and its station prevails not because of profit, but passion,” son Grant pointed out. “He always said he did what he did so the poor and vulnerable always had a voice. He always wanted to be a stepping stone for local talent.”
As Valley FM and the family grappled with the loss of their leader, husband, father and grandfather, they took solace in their memories and moments shared with him. The family acknowledged Boland Hospice for their endless support until the end. Marais’ funeral will be Saturday, February 10th, at 11 o’clock from the VGK –Adderleystraat.
