Veteran South African motorsport journalist André ‘Scribe’ de Kock passed away on 24 June 2026 at the age of 72, following a short battle with cancer. The motorsport community gathered recently to honour his legacy, which spanned more than four decades as a dedicated editor for The Citizen.
A Distinguished Career And Daring Spirit
Beyond his prolific writing career, De Kock was widely recognised for his adventurous spirit and record-breaking stunts. He held a Guinness World Record for his daring feats, which included driving a motorcycle and a quad bike through tunnels of fire alongside Enrico Schoeman.
His immense contribution to the industry was officially recognised by Motorsport South Africa (MSA), which presented him with a Special Award in 1998. This was followed by a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010, cementing his status as a pillar of the local racing community.
Legacy Within South African Motorsport
De Kock’s career was characterised by his unrelenting dedication to documenting the sport with integrity and passion. Colleagues and industry peers have noted that his presence at racetracks both locally and internationally contributed significantly to the growth of motorsport coverage in the country.
The motorsport community continues to share tributes regarding his impact on aspiring journalists and his ability to engage audiences with his unique reporting style. Further details regarding permanent tributes or commemorative events will be shared by industry stakeholders in due course.