Hermann Kallenbach at Tolstoy Farm

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About Hermann Kallenbach at Tolstoy Farm

Developed in cooperation with the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation

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Roodepoort 302-IQ, 1835
18 May 2023

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HERMANN KALLENBACH (1871-1945) Tolstoy Farm (1910-1913) was conceived by Gandhi and his friend Hermann Kallenbach, who named the place in honour of Russian writer Leo Tolstoy. Gandhi wrote to Tolstoy: ÒNo writing has so deeply touched Mr Kallenbach as yours, and he has taken the liberty, after consultation with me, of naming his farm after youÓ. KallenbachÕs generosity made the settlement possible, when he bought the property in 1910 and placed it at the disposal of the Satyagrahis.

Photo courtesy: Kabelo Mokoena (Sunday Times)

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A culmination of research gathered over many years, the Online Johannesburg Heritage Register is being launched on Nelson Mandela Day 18 July 2025.

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