The Future

The goal of the project is to redevelop Tolstoy Farm, a historic settlement founded by Mahatma Gandhi as a base for satyagrahis (passive resisters) between 1910-1913.

The specific aims and objectives are:
• To redevelop Tolstoy Farm as a major tourist attraction
• To establish Tolstoy Farm as local centre for community development.
• To address poverty and unemployment through local economic development, skills development and poverty alleviation i.e. community development
• To contribute to the development of tourism infrastructure in the Gauteng Province

The project involves the development of tourism infrastructure by redeveloping a site of tremendous historic importance to Gauteng and South Africa as a whole. In addition, the project will involve the establishment of a community development centre comprising:
• a peace museum;
• a resource centre housing key resistance documents; and
• a training centre for developing the local community’s income-generating skills.


The site is located in a southwestern corner of the Johannesburg municipal area, approximately 35 km from Johannesburg, 17 km from Soweto, 7 km from Lenasia and 2 kilometres from the Lawley Station (maps are attached hereto). It is located on the site of privately-owned Corobrik brick factory. However, the company has recognised Tolstoy Farm’s strategic and historic importance and has granted permission for its usage as a heritage site.

The unique aspect of this project is that it combines the establishment of a new tourist location with a strong community development and outreach focus.


Tolstoy farm would fit into a struggle route that includes the Hector Petersen Museum, Regina Mundi and Vilakazi St, due to its proximity to Soweto. A strong case can be made for establishing, in conjunction with tourism authorities and tour operators, a southwestern tourism route that encompasses Lenasia, Ennerdale and surrounding areas due to the unique agglomeration of cultural diversity in this part of the city. Visitor attractions could include local temples, mosques, other community projects and ethnic restaurants.

It will create a limited number of jobs directly on the settlement itself. It has a strong potential to create tourism-related jobs such as site guides, curio and craft sellers and will provide procurement opportunities to local entrepreneurs (especially small, black owned businesses).

The City of Johannesburg approved its tourism strategy in 2001. It is keen to deepen the tourism experience for tourists, especially business/MICE tourists. It has developed nine tourist themes/routes, one of which is the ‘struggle route’. This project fits neatly into that theme. The historical significance of this project has the ability to entice tourists to this development.