The address for the South African Presidency was briefly listed as a premises in the plush residential area of Saxonwold, home of the controversial Gupta family and infamous Saxonwold Shebeen, on Google Maps.

 

The faux address which read “Saxonwold Drive, Randburg” as the location for the South African Presidency had been changed back to “The Presidency Office” at the Union Buildings in Pretoria by Wednesday evening.

But if Google Maps users typed “South African Presidency” into the app as a destination over the last couple of days, the first result yielded was to the Saxonwold address.

Since late 2016, the Saxonwold area drew attention after former Eskom CEO, Brian Molefe’s cellphone tracking records, obtained by the Public Protector’s investigators, indicated that Molefe was at or near the Guptas’ Saxonwold, Johannesburg compound 19 times between August 5 and November 17 2015.

Former public protector Thuli Madonsela’s “State of Capture” report highlighted links between the Guptas and government officials with many of the frequenting the Saxonwold compound.

 

“My cellphone reflects that I was in Saxonwold 14 times, close to the herd of proverbial goats. My cellphone reflects I was in the area,” said Molefe.

“There’s a shebeen there, two streets away from the Gupta(s). I will not admit or deny that I’ve gone to the shebeen,” he said.

The change in address is likely a result of local Google Maps contributors, who have claimed the Saxonwold Drive address as of that of the South African Presidency in wake of concerns of state capture by the Gupta family.

The move resulted in over 18 reviews for the location, many of which were listed as 1-star – or the lowest rating possible.

One review read: “Previously only available in PTA, I’m glad that JHB now has a branch of the presidency too, unfortunately the service is still terrible… I hear their building branches internationally now and have legal representation in Panama with leadership help from Moscow and Dubai so hopefully things improve.”

The listing has since been removed from Google Maps which means the reviews have also been deleted.


Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens.
Sources: Google Maps

About the Author

Brent Lindeque is the founder and editor in charge at Good Things Guy.

Recognised as one of the Mail and Guardian’s Top 200 Young South African’s as well as a Primedia LeadSA Hero, Brent is a change maker, thought leader, radio host, foodie, vlogger, writer and all round good guy.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *