Earlier this week, Google Maps erroneously listed the Gupta mansion in Saxonwold as an address for the South African Presidency.
This week marks the 12th anniversary of Google Maps, and perhaps the occasion marks an especially pertinent gaffe for South Africans; the address of the home of the Gupta family in Saxonwold Drive was listed as an address in for the South African Presidency.
The error, which placed the Saxonwold address alongside the presidential offices in the Union Buildings in Pretoria as well as Tuynhuys in Cape Town, pointed directly to the home of the Gupta family outside which protests occurred last week.
Read: South African billionaire Wendy Appelbaum tackles networks on out-of-bundle charges
The gaffe 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.
Some of those ratings referred to the discourse surrounding state capture that have permeated civil action in South Africa over the past few weeks. One such 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 expunged from Google Maps, and it is unclear as to whether the contributors in question will face penalties from Google for listing incorrect information.
Read: Check out this amazing round-the-world hyperlapse made in Google Maps
What are your thoughts? Be sure to let us know your opinion in the comments below!
Follow Bryan Smith on Twitter: @bryansmithSA
Source: MyBroadband
