South Africa

Snowflake announced general availability on AWS Africa (Cape Town) Region, expanding its AI Data Cloud reach in South Africa. This offers local businesses data residency, sovereignty, and AI-driven insights, aligning with POPIA and the National Policy on Data and Cloud. Companies like Carry1st are already leveraging Snowflake for cost reduction and faster insights. The deployment provides regional clients added flexibility. Snowflake is also collaborating on the One Million Minds initiative to boost AI skills, fostering digital transformation in Africa.

On July 22nd, millionaire CEO Francois Christian Conradie, 39, was killed at the Gondwana Private Game Reserve in South Africa after being attacked by a bull elephant. Conradie, attempting to move the herd away from tourist areas, was gored and trampled. Witnesses described a brutal, brief attack. Conradie, head of a sports management firm, was known for his passion for elephants and conservation, holding degrees in zoology, business, and marketing. The reserve is investigating the incident and has requested privacy for Conradie’s family.