Gandhi came to South Africa in 1893. Over time, he became active in the politics of resistance, calling for Indian and Chinese people (classified as non-white) to burn their pass (identity) books. He was tried, convicted, and sentenced for this. He left for India In 1914, having shaped and established his policy of passive resistance, 'Satyagraha'. His time as a lawyer in Johannesburg is remembered in a 2.5-metre statue on the square. Unveiled on October 2 (Gandhi's birthday) in 2003, Tinka Christopher’s bronze statue depicts a young Mohandas Gandhi as a lawyer, with a gown over his suit and a book beneath his arm, his gaze fixed ahead.
Behind the Gandhi statue is the beautiful heritage building, Somerset House, which was restored in 2019. It was once home to a fabulous restaurant space called Thunder Walker, run by a local walking tour company.
Gandhi Square sits between the pedestrianized Main Street Mining Precinct and the Carlton Centre, Africa's tallest building. It is just a short walk from the historic Rand Club, which is well worth a visit. The City Sightseeing bus stops a few blocks west of Gandhi Square in the heart of the Mining District. Stick to Main Street, and it's an easy walk to access the square.
Comments