One of the SA digital media's industry's best-known players, having taken home the 'best individual contribution to digital' award at the 2017 Bookmark Awards, Matthew Buckland has passed away from cancer at the age of 45.
A year ago, Buckland spoke of how the Burn Media was set to embark on aggressive growth after a deal to go solo.
Today, the South African digital industry has shared its sadness over Buckland’s passing on social media, so much so that the news is trending:
#ripmatthewbuckland is now trending in #Johannesburghttps://t.co/AjoR22EgP8 pic.twitter.com/mni2plzrQH
— Trendsmap Jo'burg (@TrendsJoBurg) April 23, 2019
#RIPMatthewBuckland
— Josephine Buys (@jozib_sa) April 23, 2019
Utterly heartsore. https://t.co/sEhbQU1SvZ
Devastating news that @matthewbuckland has passed away from cancer. A prime mover in South Africa's digital media sector, a man who taught so many so much. Not least us @MediaTMO, giving @glendaN her first lessons in content management. #RIPMatthewBuckland. Please DM tributes.
— The Media Online (@MediaTMO) April 23, 2019
�� #RIPMatthewBuckland https://t.co/7sT8p4yyOQ
— Marisa Louw (@marisalouw) April 23, 2019
it is tragic @siyafrica he made such a difference in our team as well as the clients he helped us serve. This is a big loss for all of us professionally and personally #RIPMathewBuckland
— Patricia Torres-Burd (@patburd) April 23, 2019
Devastated to hear @matthewbuckland has passed away. He was one of the originals, helping shape digital in SA. See his tweets - they encapsulate his passions. (He was there when I signed up to Twitter at the Rat & Parrot 12 years ago - still a vivid memory) #RIPMatthewBuckland pic.twitter.com/rfsU7ifHQO
— Arthur Goldstuck (@art2gee) April 23, 2019
Constant change, evolution, endless challenges. The constant ‘wow’ factor. The strong feeling of “ownership” that our generation has over this industry as we were a part of shaping it — not the old industrialists and the “old money" of the past.Digital news entrepreneur
Dubbed a 'digital news entrepreneur', Buckland was also head of the Mail & Guardian’s online division, founder of the collaborative news and opinion platform Thought Leader from 2000 to 2007, established a division at Naspers’ online publisher News24.com, and was also a consultant and investor at multinational media fund Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF).
Our sincere condolences to Buckland’s wife Bridget; daughters Stella and Isabella; family and friends; and all who were inspired by his digital spark.
A memorial service for #MatthewBuckland will take place at Cape Point Vineyards at 10 o'clock on Tuesday, 30 April. It is an open service, and all are welcome. A date and venue for Johannesburg is still to be finalised.
— The Media Online (@MediaTMO) April 26, 2019
