A Stellenbosch businessman, CEO and co-owner of Gondwana Private Game Reserve, has died after being trampled by an elephant at the Mossel Bay facility on Tuesday (22 July) morning, sending shockwaves through South Africa’s conservation community.
Emergency services were called to the scene where paramedics found FC Conradie with multiple injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
A police spokesperson Warrant Officer Kappie Kapp, confirmed that an inquest docket has been opened to determine what led to the fatal encounter.
“The elephant involved in the incident has since been moved from the area as a precaution,” said Kapp.
According to unconfirmed reports, Conradie and other workers were busy on the reserve at the construction site of a new lodge, when he was stormed by the elephant.
In an emotional tribute on social media, Gondwana Private Game Reserve described Conradie as more than just a leader. “FC was more than a leader, he was a mentor, a visionary and a truly remarkable human being,” the reserve said in an official statement. “We kindly ask for privacy and space for the family during this incredibly difficult time.”
The conservation facility honoured Conradie’s significant contributions to the industry, noting his “unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation, community upliftment and sustainable tourism left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of working with him.”
Conradie, a devoted husband and father of three, was instrumental in establishing Gondwana as one of South Africa’s leading private game reserves. His leadership style, described as grounded in integrity and compassion, helped shape the reserve’s reputation and success.
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