Darren Scott won't suffer for long

Johannesburg - Darren Scott's piggy bank will not suffer for too long amid the racial uproar that sparked a furore, even though racial remarks in South Africa's young democracy are taboo.

According to liaison officer and branding specialist Marcus Brewster, Scott will probably not be vilified by the public for too long.

SuperSport would not elaborate on the amount that Scott is paid per shift, but did mention that he was appointed on a freelance basis.

This means that Scott does not receive a monthly salary.

"Scott would have received about R100 000 for his work during the Rugby World Cup. The real damage will be to his person and his brand."

This can cause Scott's work as host and master of ceremonies at events to suffer.

TV presenters make enough money from formal work to keep the pot boiling, but make a profit from work arising due to the nature of their brand as a public figure, Brewster said.

Back in the saddle

"Where Scott really took a knock, is that his brand will now no longer be a household name in every home in the country. He will still remain well-known only in the Gauteng-area where Jacaranda 94.2's listeners live. Work that would've come as a direct result of the Rugby World Cup, he has now lost."

According to Brewster, Scott's continued success will now depend on how well he manages his reputation.

"The guy made a mistake. Fortunately people forgive easily. If he doesn't blame others and explains what happened now, this will only be a temporary setback. I think Scott is too talented to stay without work for long."

"Sexual or drug-related scandals, such as the one that Joost van der Westhuizen was involved in, are easily forgiven by society because it involves the personal affairs of famous people," he said.

"When a statement, however, includes hate speech, it becomes a matter which involves the community and is not something that should remain personal. With our history, a racist slur has become unforgivable."

Although Scott was a talking point worldwide on Thursday, especially on social media, Brewster believes it shouldn't be long before he's back in the saddle.