The Guptas Brothers
The Gupta family is a wealthy and influential Indian-born family with roots and business interests in South Africa. Their most notable members include brothers Ajay, Atul, and Rajesh ‘Tony’ Gupta. Atul’s nephews, Varun, Ashish, and Amul, are also members. The family is synonymous with corruption in South Africa. For their illegal activities, they have been sanctioned multiple times by several countries.
- Ajay Gupta
(born 5 February 1966) - Atul Gupta
(born 14 June 1968) - Rajesh (“Tony”) Gupta
Guptas Family Net Worth
The Gupta family is known for their wealth. Atul Gupta was listed as the 7th wealthiest person in South Africa in 2016, with an estimated net worth of R10.7 billion based on JSE-listed holdings. The Gupta family owns shares in the following companies;
- Black Edge Exploration
- West Dawn Investment (Pty) Ltd.
- Tegeta Exploration and Resources
- Shiva Uranium Mine, and more.
Guptas Family House
With their wealth amounting to billions of Rand, the Gupta family owns some very expensive homes in South Africa. They own a multi-million Rand Sahara estate located in Saxonwold Suburb. It comprises four mansions estimated at R52 million. The house has a helipad and is served by chefs and very expensive bodyguards. They also own the Sir Mark Thatcher house in Cape Town, a United Arab Emirates Mansion (448 million Rand), etc.
Guptas Family Foundation
According to a family spokesperson, Shiv Kumar Gupta believed that one day Africa would become the “America of the World,” so he sent Atul Gupta to South Africa. Atul got to South Africa and established the company Sahara Computers. Due to the minimal restrictions as opposed to the way it was in India, the business flourished. The company currently turns in over R200 million and has employed over 10 thousand people.
Why And How Are They So Rich?
The Gupta family first began growing their wealth in South Africa through the immediate success of their company, Sahara Computers. This was credited to lesser restrictions in the country as opposed to India. The family also allegedly grew wealth through illegally dealing in the country and various parts of the world. During the Zuma regime, investigators have revealed that the family gave financial bribes for state contracts and were involved with the government. They have been accused of being involved in fraud and money laundering.
What Do They Do?
The Gupta Family runs several businesses and companies in South Africa. They hold shares and have links and interests in some of the biggest companies in the country. They are also known for their alleged corrupt dealings and illegal misuse of power which allegedly helps them increase their wealth and influence.
Are They Arrested?
Atul and Rajesh Gupta were arrested in the United Arab Emirates in early June 2022. They were accused of profiting from their close links to former South African president Jacob Zuma, and exerting cruel influence. The brothers fled South Africa after a Judicial commission began probing their involvement in corruption in 2018. They allegedly committed financial bribes to win lucrative state contracts and influence powerful government appointments. The brothers denied any wrongdoing.
When Did They Come To South Africa?
The Gupta Family moved to South Africa in 1993. They were in their forties at the time and had relocated from Uttar Pradesh in Saharanpur in India.
When Did They Leave South Africa?
After being linked to former South African president Jacob Zuma and accused of misappropriating state funds, the Gupta brothers left South Africa in 2018 after Zuma resigned from power. In the same year, an inquiry into Zuma’s regime was established. A report compiled by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo after years of investigation revealed that the brothers were involved in the highest levels of government and the ANC. Investigators said that Zuma “would do anything the Guptas wanted him to do for them.”
What Did They Invent?
The Gupta family spokesperson has revealed that the first business/company established by the family was Sahara Computers. According to the story, Atul Gupta found the company when he arrived in South Africa after being sent by his father, Shiv. The company gives the brothers a steady yearly income.
