Darren Scott and his iconic voice echoed through radios for over 40 years… now, South Africans are echoing their love back as they honour a man who brought light, laughter and warmth to countless lives.

South Africa (27 May 2025) – South Africa is celebrating the life of Darren Scott, a veteran radio presenter whose iconic voice and warm spirit touched millions. Scott sadly passed away on 27 May 2025 after a courageous battle with stage four melanoma. In his 61 years, he became more than just a radio host, he was a household name and a symbol of unity and positivity for many.

Today, even in mourning, the nation remembers him with overwhelming love, fond memories, and gratitude for his immeasurable contributions.

A Four-Decade Legacy on Air

Darren Scott’s broadcasting career spanned over 40 years, during which he became a familiar voice in homes and cars across South Africa. He launched his career in the early 1980s and went on to work at some of the country’s biggest radio stations, from Capital Radio 604 and Radio Bop to 5FM, East Coast Radio, and most recently HOT 102.7FM. He even hosted the popular “Just Plain Breakfast” show on Jacaranda FM in the early 2000s, making morning commutes more enjoyable for countless listeners.

Over the decades, Darren informed, entertained, and connected with audiences through music, talk, sport, and laughter. 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.

Colleagues and listeners alike describe Darren as a true broadcast icon and a pioneer who helped shape the local radio landscape. He had an encyclopaedic knowledge of sports and a quick wit that made every show engaging. If you ever found yourself laughing in traffic at his on-air antics or learning a new sports fact during a big game weekend, you weren’t alone, Darren had a knack for bringing joy and insight to everyone tuning in.

Beyond the microphone, he also mentored younger presenters and was known for his generosity and kindness off-air. “He is so used to being the one who is helping others,” noted his ex-wife, Sarah-Kate Accetta, highlighting Darren’s natural tendency to uplift those around him. This caring nature made him not just a radio star, but a beloved figure in his community.

A Nation Rallies: No Legend Fights Alone

When Darren was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer recurrence, South Africans responded with an outpouring of support that speaks to the deep affection the nation had for him.

In early 2025, as Darren faced mounting medical bills for life-saving treatments, 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.

This incredible generosity left Darren and his family profoundly moved and grateful.

“I cannot put into words how humbling and heartwarming it has been since I made Darren’s Back-a-Buddy post. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!”

Sarah-Kate wrote in an update, thanking every person who shared, donated or even left a kind comment. “You are the Ubuntu that the USA will never know!” she added, praising the uniquely South African spirit of community that rallied behind Darren.

Support for Darren went beyond monetary donations. The radio and music industry united to honour their friend and colleague in his time of need. Fellow presenters from various stations planned special events, and an all-star benefit concert aptly titled “Benefit for Darren – No Legend Fights Alone” was organised to raise funds and lift Darren’s spirits.

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.

It was an unforgettable night of music, memories and hope, exemplifying the message that when one of South Africa’s most iconic voices needed help, the nation didn’t hesitate to answer the call. Darren’s long-time listeners turned up, his peers volunteered their talents, and even his current radio home, HOT 102.7FM, pledged ongoing support, covering costly treatments and ensuring he stayed on full salary while he focused on his health.

This communal embrace showed Darren that he was not fighting alone; an entire country was in his corner, echoing back the love he had broadcast for years.

Remembering the Warmth of Darren’s Spirit

Throughout his battle, Darren remained humble and deeply appreciative of the love surrounding him. He publicly thanked South Africans for their support as he fought bravely, and despite health setbacks he even returned to the airwaves whenever he could, determined to continue doing what he loved – connecting with listeners.

Those close to him shared how much the encouragement meant to Darren. The flood of messages and prayers not only buoyed his spirits, but also brought comfort to his family. According to Sarah-Kate, even their sons found solace in seeing how cherished their father was by so many people during his fight. In her words, Darren was “humbled” by the nationwide show of kindness, and he drew strength from every gesture of support.

In the wake of his passing, Sarah-Kate expressed deep gratitude for the compassion and generosity that surrounded Darren in his final chapter. She has kindly asked that everyone keep Darren’s children, Mark and Matthew, in their thoughts and prayers in the days ahead. The two boys, whom Darren adored, now carry forward their father’s legacy of resilience and positivity. They, along with all of South Africa, have been uplifted by the incredible example of unity and love that Darren’s journey inspired.

Though Darren Scott has signed off for the last time, his legacy continues to shine brightly. Tributes are pouring from listeners, colleagues and friends, celebrating his life and the joy he brought to the airwaves. Many recall his infectious laugh, his passion for music and sports, and the genuine warmth that made everyone feel like part of one big radio family.

Thank you, Darren, for the good times and good things, you will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. South Africa is better for having shared the journey with you.

Sources: Sarah-Kate Accetta 

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post From the Airwaves to Our Hearts: Darren Scott Honoured Across South Africa appeared first on Good Things Guy.

An unforgettable night of music, memories, and community awaits as South African icons unite to support one of their own, Darren Scott!

South Africa (09 May 2025) – Veteran broadcaster Darren Scott has spent more than four decades behind the mic, informing, entertaining, and becoming a familiar voice in homes and cars across South Africa. Now, as he battles cancer, that same voice is being echoed back in solidarity by an entire nation.

Darren is facing a serious health challenge after being diagnosed with cancer. Since returning from the United States in early 2024, where he had been receiving treatment under a different medical aid, he has found himself without coverage and battling both the disease and mounting medical costs.

In response, his ex-wife Sarah-Kate Accetta launched a crowdfunding campaign, which raised over R320,000 in just a few days thanks to the public’s overwhelming support.  Today, that fund is at just over 50% of the goal, reaching R502,650.

To help reach that final milestone to cover the treatment he needs, his friends in the industry will be putting on a grand show in aid of his medical expenses. Darren’s network of friends and fans, stand firmly by his side, showing that when one of South Africa’s most iconic voices needs help, the nation doesn’t hesitate to answer the call!

On Wednesday, 14 May, the industry he helped shape is showing up for Benefit for Darren — a one-night-only concert taking place at The Venue, Melrose Arch, from 18:30 to 21:30. And the line-up? Nothing short of iconic.

Expect powerhouse performances from a who’s-who of South African talent, including:

• Ard Matthews
• Jesse Clegg
• Louise Carver
• Kurt Darren
• Just Jinjer

Plus comedy from Dave Levinsohn and Mark Banks!

More than just a night out, the benefit is a heartfelt rallying cry: no legend fights alone. And in true South African style, we’re showing up with heart, humour, and harmony.

If you are keen to join, you can get your tickets here.

*Update: Darren Scott sadly passed away on 27 May 2025 after a courageous battle with stage four melanoma. In his 61 years, he became more than just a radio host, he was a household name and a symbol of unity and positivity for many.

Sources: Supplied

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post No Legend Fights Alone: SA Stars Rally for Darren Scott in Special Benefit Concert appeared first on Good Things Guy.

South Africans have come together in an incredible show of support, raising nearly R130,000 in just two days to help Darren Scott in his fight against cancer.

Johannesburg, South Africa (24 February 2025) – South Africans have once again shown the power of community, coming together to raise nearly R130,000 in just two days to help Darren Scott in his battle against cancer.

Darren has been a familiar voice in South African media for over four decades, from Capital 604 to 5FM and beyond. His career has seen him entertain, inform and connect with audiences across the country. Now, as he faces a serious health challenge, the people who once tuned in to hear him are showing up in a different way – by supporting his fight.

In just 48 hours, donations have poured in, a reflection of the impact Darren has had on so many. The crowdfunding campaign, started by his ex-wife Sarah-Kate Accetta, aims to raise R960,000 to cover his urgent treatment.

“I am sharing very difficult news with you that I have just shared with the boys that their father has cancer,” Sarah-Kate wrote on her Facebook.

“If Darren has ever made you laugh in the car with his antics on many radio stations or made sports weekends more interesting with his encyclopaedia of knowledge – may I ask you from the bottom of my heart to make any donation you can. Any contribution, regardless of size, will be deeply appreciated!”

Darren’s current station, Hot 102.7FM, has also pledged its support, confirming that they have been financially assisting him with costs related to his treatment.

In a statement, the station explained that Darren had moved to the United States in 2022, where he had medical aid and was receiving treatment. However, when he returned to South Africa in early 2024, he was no longer covered and has been waiting out an exclusionary period.

Despite this, Hot 102.7FM has stepped in, helping cover costs for Keytruda immunotherapy, hospitalisations, and support therapy, all while ensuring he remains on full pay.

“I came back from America with cancer. Unfortunately, it has now progressed, resulting in my being off air for lengthy periods. Hot 102.7FM has been incredibly supportive, and I would like to thank them and my network of friends for the financial assistance and emotional support as we now tackle this thing together,” said Darren.

Hot 102.7FM Managing Director, Lloyd Madurai, expressed his support, “Despite his condition, it was very exciting to have Darren back on air here at Hot 102.7FM. I’m happy to have played a part in helping fulfil his dream of entertaining our audience in his unique way. He remains a South African broadcast icon, and it was with great sadness we learned the cancer had spread. Our thoughts are with him and his two sons, Mark and Matthew.”

The station confirmed that Darren will remain on air for now and that they will continue to support him as he bravely faces this fight.

But this isn’t just about one man’s journey – it’s about the South African spirit of standing together. When one of us faces hardship, thre is always a community ready to help. This overwhelming support shows that, despite everything, kindness and generosity continue to define us.

If you’d like to contribute to Darren’s fight, you can support the crowdfunding campaign here.

Because in South Africa, when someone is in need, we don’t hesitate – we show up.

When this article was originally published, the fund had raised R129,315.

By the 4th of March, that amount had grown to over R320,000.

*Update: Darren Scott sadly passed away on 27 May 2025 after a courageous battle with stage four melanoma. In his 61 years, he became more than just a radio host, he was a household name and a symbol of unity and positivity for many.

Sources: Sarah-Kate Accetta | Backabuddy 

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post South Africans Unite to Support Darren Scott in His Fight Against Cancer appeared first on Good Things Guy.