
Exclusive tour inside Gupta compound going on auction
JOHANNESBURG - The infamous Gupta compound in Saxonworld is set to be auctioned off.
The series of properties in the lavish Johannesburg suburb was home to numerous high-profile meetings between the family and government ministers.
These properties currently belong to Confident Concept, which is a Gupta-owned company placed under business rescue.
Confident Concept has been embroiled in litigation since 2018, the company is allegedly owing the City of Johannesburg thousands of rands in rates and taxes.
The mansions will go under the hammer through Park Village Auctions in July.
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Three high-class Gupta mansions in Saxonwold, Johannesburg, will be up for auction on 24 July 2025. This follows the business rescue for the family's company, Confident Concept (Pty) Ltd, which the properties fall under. Park Village Auction's Clive Lazarus described the sale as signalling the 'beginning of the end' of the seven-year saga. The viewing of the properties, handled by Park Village Auctions, will be held between 6 and 20 July 2025. The first mansion will be the triple-storey residence at 5 Saxonwold Drive, featuring eight bedrooms, extensive living and entertainment areas, an indoor swimming pool, an expansive rooftop patio, staff accommodation, and ample garaging. The mansion measures up to 4,207 sqm. The 5 Saxonwold Drive mansion. IMAGE: Park Village Auctions. Indoor swimming pool. IMAGE: Park Village Auctions. The next property available for auction is the number 7 Saxonwold Drive, also a triple storey, has a staggering 17 en-suite bedrooms. The property features a triple-volume foyer, multiple lounges, a cinema lounge, staff accommodation and even a beauty salon. The 7 Saxonwold Drive property. IMAGE: Park Village Auctions. A salon inside the property. IMAGE: Park Village Auctions. IMAGE: Park Village Auctions. Last but not least on the list is number 3 Saxonwold Drive single-storey three-bedroom home with a single garage, storeroom, and staff accommodation. The number 3 Saxonwold Drive. IMAGE: Park Village Auctions. IMAGE: Park Village Auctions. The entire contents of each house, namely furniture and appliances, will be sold as a single lot (not individual items) following each respective property. To be part of the bid, you have to register and pay the relevant refundable deposits. Viewings of the properties will be held on 6, 13, 19 and 20 July 2025 from 10:00 to 16:00. The Saxonwold properties once hosted prominent figures such as the former Deputy Finance Minister, Mcebisi Jonas, who confessed at the Zondo commission about bribes and corruption he encountered during a meeting at one of the Gupta residences. The family's business, Confident Concept (Pty) Ltd, has been involved in two legal battles, including business rescue proceedings following financial distress and disputes over property development with municipal authorities. The company owned a substantial portfolio of properties, including those adjacent to the infamous Saxonwold compound in Johannesburg. Notably, these properties were embroiled in litigation with the City of Johannesburg (CoJ), allegedly owing R726,695 in rates and taxes as of 2022. After years of several appeals at the Supreme Court of Appeal, the Appellate Division finally ruled, allowing the Confident Concepts properties to go up for auction and 'hopefully lead to a long-awaited payday for creditors,' says Lazarus. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.