Gondwana game reserve boss killed in elephant incident
Image: Facebook
GONDWANA Private Game Reserve chief executive and co-owner FC Conradie's passing after being trampled by an elephant has been described as a huge loss to the hospitality industry and conservation community.
Emergency services were summoned to the scene at the reserve located about 30km outside Mossel Bay on Tuesday.
'On arrival the members found the man, employed at the business, with multiple injuries. He was later declared dead by paramedics on scene. The elephant was already moved away from the camp on arrival.
'Circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation,' said police spokesperson Christopher Spies.
A statement by the game reserve described Conradie as a 'devoted husband, father of three young children, and a cherished friend to many'.
'FC was a beloved and highly respected figure, both within Gondwana and across the broader conservation community. His passing has left the team at Gondwana and many others in profound shock and mourning.'
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
A close family friend and spokesperson for the reserve, speaking on behalf of the Gondwana team, said: 'This is an unimaginable loss. FC was more than a leader - he was a mentor, a visionary, and a truly remarkable human being. We kindly ask for privacy and space for the family during this incredibly difficult time. Everyone who knew FC is grieving deeply.'
François Ferreira Academy, a Culinary Arts & Hospitality Training school in George acknowledged his lasting impact on their students, noting that Gondwana had welcomed them for the practical component of their training.
'FC was not only a visionary leader but also a passionate advocate for growth, development, and the power of hospitality to transform lives. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and the entire Gondwana team during this incredibly difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May you find strength and comfort in the legacy he leaves behind.'
Cape Times
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
Can digital skills help reduce high rates of youth unemployment?
This year's UNESCO theme, 'Youth empowerment through AI and digital skills,' resonates profoundly with South Africa's challenges and aspirations. As a global community, we are collectively seeking solutions that improve young people's skills for both employment and entrepreneurship. Image: Ron A year into South Africa's national government of unity (GNU), the country's young people remain trapped at the precipice of despair. The promise of job opportunities and pathways for entrepreneurship continues to diminish, especially in a world increasingly led by a youthful population whose inventive thinking often conflicts with the traditional methods of those in power. This disconnection is not merely an abstract idea; it is a tangible reality for millions, showing as a deep sense of exclusion and a suppression of potential. The grim reality of South Africa's youth unemployment crisis is stark and well-documented. Statistics SA's Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the first quarter of this year paints a sobering picture: young people aged 15-24 face a staggering unemployment rate of 62.4%, while those aged 25-34 contend with 40.4%. These are not just numbers; they represent a generation sidelined, their energy and creativity unharnessed. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ With 20 million South Africans aged between 15 and 34, this demographic forms the largest segment of our population. This demographic dividend, a potential driver of economic growth and social progress, is instead becoming a source of national concern. This alarming reality requires urgent and decisive action, moving beyond mere discussion to implement tangible and impactful measures across all sectors of society. Our collective response must begin at home, extend through our communities, reshape our educational institutions, and energise our civil, public, and private sectors. The goal should be to nurture an active, future-oriented population, equipped to become tomorrow's leaders and innovators. Importantly, this quest for solutions must fully harness the transformative potential of technology. The rapid rise of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), for example, should not be viewed with concern but as a significant opportunity. It prompts us to reconsider how we can utilise this technology to empower young people, unlock entrepreneurial talent, and boost economic development. It is time to move past the negativity rooted in a failure to recognise opportunities and instead embrace the immense potential within this digital frontier. Prof Ndlovu Image: Supplied The Vaal University of Technology (VUT), strategically located in one of Gauteng's most influential industrial regions, has long recognised this necessity. Our commitment goes beyond traditional academic teaching to proactive engagement with the digital future. Through initiatives like our Strategy 2033+, we focus on attracting and nurturing students with exceptional talent and potential, equipping them with the digital skills essential for a rapidly changing job market. Our recent community service project, where our Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences assisted Suncrest High School's 2025 Grade 12 students with online applications, showcases our commitment to closing the digital gap and promoting a culture of access and opportunity from the grassroots. The Gauteng government's commendable focus on the township economy has achieved significant progress in supporting existing businesses. Nonetheless, our efforts must also shift towards empowering young people in these communities who aspire to start their ventures, developing solutions and products tailored to local needs. This requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, particularly financial institutions. They must explore innovative, concessional financing models that recognise the unique challenges and vast potential of youth-led township enterprises. We cannot continue to champion the township economy while failing to equip its most dynamic segment – our youth – with the necessary skills and financial lifelines. This year's UNESCO theme, 'Youth empowerment through AI and digital skills,' resonates profoundly with South Africa's challenges and aspirations. As a global community, we are collectively seeking solutions that improve young people's skills for both employment and entrepreneurship. UNESCO and other UN agencies have consistently supported the progress of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To truly accomplish these goals, we must put our solutions at the centre of the ingenuity and motivation of our young people, recognising them not merely as beneficiaries but as co-creators of our future. Furthermore, the latest World Economic Forum's World of Work report underscores that 'technological change, geoeconomic fragmentation, economic uncertainty, demographic shifts and the green transition – individually and in combination – are among the major drivers expected to shape and transform the global labour market by 2030.' While these are global forces, South Africa has a unique opportunity to lead in adapting and innovating. We can and must surpass the mediocre leadership that has often characterised our response to the challenges faced by our young people. This moment calls for visionary, agile, and collaborative leadership that recognises the urgency of digital transformation. At VUT, our concern about the high rate of youth unemployment runs deep. However, concern alone is not enough. We are committed to rolling up our sleeves and taking action that goes beyond mere talk. This commitment is reflected in concrete steps that clearly show our determination to make a difference. Skills development, especially in digital and AI skills, provides a strong pathway to solutions. Learning institutions are no longer static brick-and-mortar places; they are active partners in national growth, evolving to effectively address today's complex challenges and to produce graduates capable of leading in the digital era. This demands closer collaboration between academia, industry, and government to jointly create curricula, support innovation hubs, and enable smooth transitions from education to employment or entrepreneurship. The path ahead will be challenging. It demands courage, ingenuity, and most importantly, readiness to listen to young people's voices. They are not just the recipients of change; they must be its architects. If we are truly committed to building a future that works for everyone, we must invest in the blueprints that centre on youth, giving them the tools, networks, and confidence to shape their futures. The time for action is now. Professor Ndlovu is the Vice Chancellor of the Vaal University of Technology (VUT)
IOL News
4 hours ago
- IOL News
US tariffs threaten local jobs, but we can still be competitive
South Africa will be hit with a 30% tariff on all its exports to the United States from August 1, following a formal letter from US President Donald Trump to President Cyril Ramaphosa demanding action on trade imbalances and long-standing market restrictions. Image: Lee Rondganger/IOL As global trade tensions rise and the possible 30% US tariff could make international markets more volatile, local enterprises in Ekurhuleni can protect local jobs by being globally competitive and regionally focused. South Africa's export sectors, and especially mining and related services, will potentially lose competitiveness in the US should the 30% tariff on South African goods take effect on August 1. When South African goods become more expensive overseas due to a tariff, there is a decrease in demand for our goods. This hits exporters first, and the ripple effects land hard at home. Ekurhuleni is especially at risk – our metropole is the industrial heart of South Africa, with heavy engineering, metal manufacturing, the automotive industry and other similar industries driving local jobs and income. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ But rather than retreat, companies based right here in Ekurhuleni can adapt and diversify where possible. Local companies are aware of this threat and are planning their responses. As a local company, we are doing all we can to ensure we continue to deliver on our North American contracts, but also to ensure that we continue to develop avenues into other markets, including the rest of Africa. The foundry has been a vital part of Benoni since its founding in 1937. In such a long time, we have weathered many international storms. With such a long history in Ekurhuleni, our company also knows how valuable jobs and employment are to our community. In times of great volatility, our people-first approach has been a stabilising force, ensuring that workers are supported, retained, and empowered. That's why we must support industrial exporters in our region, from local city councillors to the national government. When we buy local, invest local, and push government to create trade conditions that protect our industries, we help keep factories open and workers employed. In a city built on manufacturing muscle and engineering skill, the fight for fair trade is the fight for our future. We cannot afford to let international tariffs silently steal jobs from our communities. We must recognise, support, and champion the companies that are holding the line. Because the cost of doing nothing is not measured in lost profits, it is measured in lost livelihoods. William Price Ekurhuleni
IOL News
8 hours ago
- IOL News
Ingonyama Trust faces challenge in refunding over 1,600 residents
Ingonyama Trust Board acting CEO Siyamdumisa Vilakazi says spending over R4 million to reimburse homeowners who paid rental fees to occupy traditional land in KwaZulu-Natal will not financially harm the board. Image: Ingonyama Trust Board website THE Ingonyama Trust is facing significant hurdles in its mission to refund more than 1,600 residents from whom it illegally collected funds between 2007 and 2021. More than R4 million is awaiting restitution, but the trust has only successfully contacted just over 200 individuals so far, leaving a vast majority untraceable. The interim chief executive of the board, Siyamdumisa Vilakazi, said they are continuing with their efforts to trace people. "Tracing all of them is difficult, as some have died; others in the deep rural areas have network problems where they stay. There are 1602 people who need to be refunded. We've only managed to trace 208," said Vilakazi. Vilakazi said there could be more people who show up who say they were also paying the trust. "However, so far only 1620 people are in our records," said Vilakazi. The trust is paying back people who were paying for residential leases. He said the residential lease was different from the money paid by subjects who are under traditional authorities, as those funds are kept by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. The residential leases were paid between 2007 and 2021 until it was discovered that the trust has no authority to collect such funds. "It was different amounts. In some areas, people were paying R1200 per year," said Vilakazi. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ While hoping to have all refunds processed within the next 18 months, Vilakazi mentioned the possibility of additional individuals coming forward claiming they were also subjected to the trust's leases. In June 2021, Judge Isaac Madondo in the Pietermaritzburg High Court ruled that the Ingonyama Trust's residential lease programme was unlawful and unconstitutional. The court declared the leases invalid and ordered the trust to refund all money collected from residents under the programme. This ruling stemmed from a challenge arguing that the Trust's actions violated residents' constitutional and customary law property rights, specifically by converting permission to occupy (PTO) rights into lease agreements. The matter was brought to court by the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution (Casac) and the Rural Women's Movement. The previous board tried to appeal the decision unsuccessfully. The deputy chairperson of the ITB, Advocate Linda Zama, said they decided to abide by the court's ruling and directive. She said she's unaware why the previous board decided to charge residents. She said she knows that there are people who are opposed to their decision to refund residents. SUNDAY TRIBUNE
