Radio and television icon Darren Scott has spent decades entertaining and informing South Africans.
Now, as he faces another tough battle in his ongoing fight against melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer, the media community and his supporters are rallying behind him.
His longtime friend and former colleague, Sasha Martinengo, recently shared an emotional tribute, reflecting on their journey together and urging people to support Scott during this difficult time.
A Friendship That Started on Air
Martinengo and Scott’s friendship didn’t have the smoothest start.
Their first encounter happened when Scott was hosting a show at Capital Radio in Johannesburg.
At the time, Martinengo, working for Virgin Records, approached him with a new song by Rick Astley, hoping to get it played on air.
The meeting was brief, and Scott, busy with his show, wasn’t particularly warm to the young record executive.
But despite the rocky introduction, he did play the song—a small win for Martinengo.
Years later, their paths crossed again when Scott joined 5FM as a weekend breakfast show host.
Given their past interactions, Martinengo was unsure what to expect.
However, to his surprise, the two quickly built a deep respect for one another and eventually became close friends.
In the broadcasting world, where genuine friendships are rare, their bond was something special.
Over the years, they worked together on various radio stations and collaborated on SuperSport projects, always supporting one another.
Darren Scott’s Impact Beyond Broadcasting
Beyond his career in radio and television, Scott has been a driving force behind numerous charitable initiatives.
He played a key role in launching impactful projects like Wings of Change and Hot Cares, which have helped countless people over the years.
From organizing golf days and concerts to hosting fundraising events, Scott has always used his platform to give back.
His dedication to helping others has made him not just a beloved broadcaster but also a champion of good causes.
Scott’s Long Battle with Cancer
Scott’s battle with melanoma began nearly 40 years ago. Diagnosed in 1986 after years of sun exposure on cricket fields without proper protection, he has since endured multiple surgeries, treatments, and complications.
Over the years, his body has become, in his own words, “a pinball machine” for the disease.
Despite undergoing numerous procedures to remove malignant growths, the cancer has continued to resurface, each time bringing new challenges.
In a deeply personal social media post, Scott shared how he has struggled with severe weight loss, blackouts, and a compromised immune system due to the side effects of his treatments.
One particular reaction to a cancer therapy left him so weak that he lost 15kg in just two weeks, leaving him battling to regain his strength for months.
His health struggles reached another low point recently, forcing him to have his gall bladder removed.
However, despite these hardships, Scott remains resilient and optimistic, sharing that he finally feels “human again” after a turbulent year.
A Community Coming Together to Help
To assist with Scott’s mounting medical expenses, his ex-wife, Sarah-Kate Accetta, launched a BackaBuddy campaign.
The initiative, backed by his current employer, HOT 102.7FM, aims to raise funds to support his treatment.
So far, the campaign has raised nearly R230,000, with a goal of R960,000.
Martinengo has urged people to contribute in any way they can—whether by donating or simply sharing Scott’s story to reach a wider audience.
A Legend Who Deserves Support
Darren Scott has dedicated his career to bringing joy, entertainment, and valuable insights to South Africans.
Now, in his toughest fight yet, he needs all the support he can get.
If you would like to help, consider donating to his BackaBuddy campaign or spreading the word.
Every contribution, big or small, can make a difference in his journey toward recovery.