South Africa mourns veteran radio presenter Mark Pilgrim

Pilgrim passed away seven months after his fellow radio and TV presenter Kevin Savage also died of cancer. Hot 102.7 FM managing director Lloyd Madurai revealed the news about his death in a statement.

“It was with great sadness that I share this news,” Madurai said. “Our hero and brother and much loved radio personality Mark Pilgrim lost his battle with cancer this morning. He fought valiantly to the very end. Mark passed away peacefully at home with his fiancé Adrienne by his side. The family thank you for being part of his journey. For loving him and for celebrating him and supporting him always.  Mark will be greatly missed by all. May his soul rest in peace.”

Colleagues in the media have also been sending condolences to Pilgrim’s family and friends.

Top local radio personality Gareth Cliff wrote on social media: “Go well Mark, despite all your bravery and courage… sometimes these things just take you out at the knees man.”

“I photographed Mark for the upcoming publication of In Good Company II,” local photographer Marc Gregory said. “However, due to Mark’s passing, it was important to honour him by releasing some of the photographs to the public now.”

Legal journalist Karyn Maughan wrote: “Mark Pilgrim documented the highs and lows of his battle against cancer in a way that showed his massive love of his family, his determination to fight for as long as he could and his profound humility. We were blessed to know you Mark. Your life was a light.”

South African National Editors’ Forum wrote: “The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) sadly notes the passing of veteran radio personality, Mark Pilgrim, on Sunday, 5 March 2023 after a prolonged battle with cancer.”

Pilgrim began his radio career on Voice of Wits campus radio during the 1980s. In 1995, he joined 5FM and moved to 94.7 Highveld Stereo in Johannesburg in 2003. In October 2007, Pilgrim hosted a chart show broadcast simultaneously on KFM and 947 Radio. At the end of June 2014, he retired from radio, but returned several months later on Hot 91.9 FM in Johannesburg, initially doing a Saturday morning show between 9am and noon, eventually coming back full-time and also doing a show from 9am to noon on Mondays and Fridays. 

He won the MTN Radio Award for Best Weekend Radio Show in 2015 and the Liberty Radio Award for Best Daytime Show in 2019. A Hall of Fame induction was conferred on him in 2021 for his contributions to the radio industry by the South African Radio Awards.