It is with immense sadness and heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the untimely passing of FC Conradie, beloved CEO and co-owner of Gondwana Private Game Reserve, who died in a tragic wildlife incident on the morning of Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025.
At approximately 8:00 AM, while in the field at the reserve he helped shape and steward, FC was fatally injured after being trampled by an elephant. Despite the swift response of emergency medical personnel, he was declared dead at the scene.
He was 39 years old.
A Life of Purpose and Passion
More than a businessman, FC Conradie was a visionary. A devoted husband, a proud father of three young children, and a respected leader, FC was known for his unwavering dedication to conservation, his deep respect for wildlife, and his dream of building a sustainable legacy that honored both nature and people.
His death has left a profound void in the hearts of his family, the Gondwana team, and the wider conservation community, where his leadership, warmth, and integrity made him a pillar of strength and innovation. He was not only the strategic force behind Gondwana’s success, but also a daily presence on the ground — connecting with staff, engaging with conservationists, and remaining deeply involved in the reserve’s operations and mission.
Investigation Underway
Warrant Officer Kappie Kapp of the KwaNonqaba Police Station confirmed that an inquest docket has been opened to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident. While the details remain under official review, the public is respectfully asked to refrain from speculation and allow the family, staff, and investigators the time and space needed to process and understand the events.
Mourning a Remarkable Human Being
A close family friend and official spokesperson for the Gondwana team shared:
“This is an unimaginable loss. FC was not just a leader—he was a mentor, a visionary, a friend to so many, and above all, a deeply kind and principled human being. We are devastated. We ask that the public and media respect the family’s privacy during this incredibly painful time.”
The Gondwana Private Game Reserve will remain operational, though with limited public engagement during the immediate mourning period. Grief counseling and support services have been made available to staff, many of whom saw FC as not only a boss, but a guide and friend.
A Legacy That Will Endure
Through Gondwana, FC Conradie championed an ethos of harmony between humans and nature. His leadership was rooted in the belief that conservation must go hand in hand with community upliftment, responsible tourism, and ecological stewardship. Under his guidance, Gondwana rose to become a beacon of excellence in private conservation, known not just in South Africa but across the global wildlife community.
He leaves behind a living legacy — in the reserve’s thriving landscapes, in the empowered communities surrounding it, in the generations of conservationists and professionals he mentored, and in the dreams he inspired others to pursue.
In Deepest Sympathy
Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to FC’s wife, his three children, his extended family, and the entire Gondwana team. Words can scarcely express the depth of sorrow felt across the many lives he touched.
May we honor his memory by continuing the work he loved so dearly — protecting our natural world, supporting one another, and believing that through unity, passion, and purpose, we can build something truly lasting.
Rest peacefully, FC Conradie. Your footprints will forever remain on the soil you loved.
#RememberingFCConradie
#GondwanaLegacy
#ConservationHero
#ForeverInOurHearts
#WildlifeWithPurpose
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