He worked for 5FM, 94.7 Highveld Stereo in Johannesburg. He retired in 2014, but then joined Hot 102.7FM in Johannesburg where he started with the Saturday show.
At the time of his diagnosis, Pilgrim was a presenter on Hot 102.7FM in the mornings from Monday to Saturday.
"It was with great sadness that I share this news," Lloyd Madurai, managing director at Hot 102.7FM said in an online statement.
"Our hero and brother and much loved radio personality Mark Pilgrim lost his battle with cancer this morning at 10:45," Madurai said in a Facebook post published an hour later.
"He fought valiantly to the very end. Mark passed peacefully with his fiancé Adrienne at home. They were together for his last breath.
"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."
HOT1027 DJ Mark Pilgrim lost his battle with cancer this morning.
— Hot 1027 News (@Hot1027News) March 5, 2023
He fought valiantly to the very end.
Mark passed peacefully with his fiancé Adrienne at home.
His family thank you for being part of his journey, for loving him, celebrating him and supporting him always
News24 reports that in July last year Pilgrim revealed during his seventh round of chemotherapy treatment that his latest scans had shown "a further significant reduction in the tumours (in size and intensity)".
A month later, the TV personality revealed that after a 45-minute radiation therapy session, "the tumours in the leg and spine are hopefully gone".
Pilgrim suffered a collapsed lung in September, leading to multiple related issues.
In October and November, the journalist underwent multiple medical procedures to address the collapsed lung, which saw him spend weeks in the ICU recovering. He was discharged from hospital in time to ring in the new year with his fiancée, Adrienne Watkins.
Pilgram will also be remembered for his never-say-die attitude following his diagnosis and treatments. He shared his fight on social media, including the days he spent in hospital, keeping his fans motivated about his determination to fight.
A lot of sleeping the last few days. Body is depleted. After chemo and immuno last Thursday it’s just been pouring out both ends. I’m like a shriveled pea. ����. pic.twitter.com/Lb6fsxXFpG
— Mark Pilgrim (@MarkPilgrimZA) February 2, 2023
Pilgrim is survived by his two daughters, Tayla-Jean, 12 and Alyssa, 10.
