
SA mourns loss of beloved radio icon Darren Scott
HOT102.7FM's radio DJ Darren Scott succumbed to cancer in the early hours of Tuesday morning, following a courageous battle with stage four melanoma.
Scott was surrounded by love and support in his final months, many of which were spent in the hospital fighting the aggressive cancer.
News of Scott's passing sparked an outpouring of tributes on social media, with one X user describing the veteran as: ''witty, super smart, and sometimes controversial.''
You loved or hated Darren Scott, the lovable rabble rouser. Naughty, witty, super smart and sometimes controversial. Loved listening to you and you will be missed.
RIP Darren. #DarrenScott pic.twitter.com/wNfm8k3wVX
— Garth Breytenbach (@poormanscaviar) May 27, 2025
Another X user stated: ''Darren Scott had probably my favorite radio show on 5FM in the afternoons when I grew up.''
Darren Scott had probably my favorite radio show on 5FM in the afternoons when I grew up. And was phenomenal on Boots & All with Naas. 😥
— Christo Kruger (@Echo_ZA) May 27, 2025
Author and broadcaster Mandy Wiener also took to social media, sharing her own heartfelt message for the legendary personality. 'Darren Scott, you made radio. I have so many memories of you broadcasting,' said Wiener, current host of Midday Report on Radio 702.
Our colleagues at @Hot1027FM have announced the passing of a radio legend. Darren Scott, you made radio. I have so many memories of you broadcasting. Condolences to all who loved you. https://t.co/HPx2OCHOp7
— Mandy Wiener (@MandyWiener) May 27, 2025
Scott's journey in radio began more than 40 years ago, with a career that saw him make his mark at iconic stations such as Radio Bop, 5FM, East Coast Radio, and HOT 102.7FM.
For some listeners, Scott will be fondly remembered for his time at Jacaranda FM, where he hosted the popular 'Just Plain Breakfast' show in the early 2000s.
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His contribution to broadcasting was formally recognised last year when he was inducted into the Radio Awards Hall of Fame.
Beyond the microphone, Scott was a father to his sons Mark and Matthew.
As the radio community mourns, it also celebrates the legacy of the iconic broadcaster.
While Scott may be gone, his voice and love for his craft will live on in the memories of those he reached.
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TimesLIVE
5 days ago
- TimesLIVE
'I feel a sickening emptiness. How is Presley gone?'
It is dark as we gather on a quiet suburban street in 2004 to film the final scene of Tsotsi, a low budget, all-South African film. For months I have fretted over how to end this story of a violent young gangster who, through a carjacking gone wrong, becomes an accidental father to a stolen infant. I have written two endings. In one, the eponymous Tsotsi, played by an extraordinarily gifted nineteen-year-old first-time screen actor named Presley Chweneyagae, will be shot dead by an on-edge police officer and bleed out on the street. In the other, he will bolt, clear a stone wall and escape across burnt veld into a sprawling world of thousands of shacks. Redeemed by returning the stolen child to its distraught mother and father, should Tsotsi live or die? Or is there a third way? We rehearse both endings. We start filming. Glued to my monitor I watch Presley in close-up begin to tremble as he bravely carries the kidnapped baby across the empty street to deliver it into the arms of the child's father, played by the great Rapulana Seiphemo. The two stand together for a moment, both holding the child. Presley does not immediately release the baby. Rapulana does not snatch it away. They seem frozen. I watch. Presley is a contained well of emotion that rises from somewhere unfathomably deep and spills from eyes filled with more feeling than I have ever seen in any other actor, before or since. He is a master of restrained emotional honesty. A broken child himself. Presley lets go. The father retreats slowly with his child. Presley remains alone in the middle of the street; the guns of two police officers trained on him. And then he slowly raises his hands. They rise silently over his head. Nothing is forced. The action is a simple surrender. A giving over to whatever fate, whatever punishment, may await him. He is neither dead nor free. But he is redeemed — by the simple gesture of the raised hands of Presley Chweneyagae. And that is how the film ends. With the audience left to be his judge. As I sit now, remembering this moment — and so many others like it where Presley's performance vastly exceeded my expectations as we made Tsotsi together — I feel a sickening emptiness. How is he gone? He was only 40. And I, 20 years older, am still here? I have said it to young would-be actors many times: if you want to see what great screen acting is, watch Presley Chweneyagae in Tsotsi. Gavin Hood I have nothing but beautiful memories of this man. Of working with him scene by scene, and watching him, moment by moment, as he opened himself to the camera without an ounce of vanity or ego. I have said it to young would-be actors many times: if you want to see what great screen acting is, watch Presley Chweneyagae in Tsotsi. Watch how he commands our attention, even when he has no dialogue. Watch his stillness, that is not still at all. Watch how he vibrates with an inner life, as nuanced as you will see in only truly great actors. His central performance, alongside the exquisite Terry Pheto as Miriam, and the rest of our incredible cast, is why our film won an Oscar. And why Presley won the award for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role at the 2006 Black Movie Awards in Los Angeles, up against fellow nominees Denzel Washington, Cuba Gooding Jr, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Tyrese Gibson. I remember sitting with him over a lunch a few days later and discussing whether he might stay with me in LA for a while and meet American agents. There were many who wanted to meet him. After some discussion, he was clear: We had been on the road promoting Tsotsi at film festivals for many months leading up to the Oscars and he needed to go home. He wanted to see his mother, who had apparently sent him to drama lessons as a child to keep him away from real 'tsotsis'. And, importantly, he wanted to be an actor in South Africa, not in America. His connection to the character of Tsotsi was deep because he loved and cared about the people back home. It wasn't that he didn't care about Americans. They just weren't his people. And anyway, he said, they had plenty of actors to tell their stories. He belonged in South Africa, telling South African stories. And he did that. He went home and brought joy to South African audiences for years. And now he is gone, far too soon. And I can only say I am honoured to have known you, Prez, and forever grateful to have worked with you, sir. Rest well.


The South African
6 days ago
- The South African
RIP Darren Scott: SA stars who lost their battle with cancer
Popular shock jock Darren Scott's death has no doubt came as a shock to many South Africans. Earlier this week, the veteran radio presenter lost his long battle with melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer. The 61-year-old former – who worked for 5FM, East Coast Radio, and more recently, HOT 102.7FM r- His funeral details have yet to be made public. On Tuesday, 27 May, South Africans woke up to the sad news of Darren Scott's passing. The radio star had been diagnosed with melanoma in 1986, which recently turned aggressive in 2023. He leaves behind an ex-wife, Sarah-Kate, and two sons, Matthew and Mark. Sadly, Darren Scott is not the only well-known South African who lost their battle with cancer. Don Mlangeni In April, the former Isidingo actor died after a brief battle with prostate cancer. The veteran actor kept his illness a secret from the public. Michelle Botes In December 202, one of SA soapie's original villains- the actress who played Cherel De Villiers- died of a rare and incurable blood cancer. Zoleka Mandela In 2023, the granddaughter of the late Nelson Mandela lost her battle with breast cancer, which had tragically spread throughout her body. Derek Watts Like Darren Scott, the former Carte Blanche presenter, also died from an aggressive form of melanoma. Angie Oeh The Afrikaans rapper – real name Angelique Greeff – lost her battle with stage four lung cancer in 2023. She was just 24 years old. James Alexander In 2023, the Binnelanders actor died after a secret four-year battle with head and neck cancer. He was 45 years old. Mark Pilgrim The beloved radio personality died from stage four lung cancer in 2023. Mark had shared his year-long cancer battle with his fans on his social media accounts. Jeremy Mansfield In 2022, Jeremy – also a veteran radio presenter – died after being diagnosed with stage four liver cancer just months earlier. 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
30-05-2025
- IOL News
Weekly entertainment roundup: mourning legends Darren Scott and Presley Chweneyagae amidst wedding bells and baby bumps
South Africa mourns the passing of Presley Chweneyagae, who has died at 40. Image: Supplied/DStv Stay up-to-date with the dynamic world of celebrities and entertainment with our weekly round-up which covers everything from lavish celebrity weddings, new music collaborations to touching tributes of legendary icons in the entertainment industry. Here is your weekly catch-up of entertainment news: 1. Heartfelt tributes pour in for radio legend, Darren Scott Tributes have been pouring in on social media following the death of South African veteran radio host Darren Scott. Scott had been diagnosed with stage 4 malignant melanoma. The radio station he was working at, Hot 1027 FM, announced his passing on social media. They wrote: 'It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of a Hot 1027 radio legend. Earlier today, Darren Scott lost his battle to cancer.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. 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