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Johannesburg - The former Johannesburg home of Indian liberation leader Mahatma Gandhi has been preserved and restored to offer a guesthouse, museum and restaurant.
Satyagraha House is situated in Orchards, Johannesburg, and forms part of a growing trend in so-called "struggle tourism" destinations which offer socially responsible fee structures within SA's hospitality industry.
The property is owned by French tour operator Voyageurs Du Monde. About 80% of house visitors are from overseas, primarily France.
“Gandhi was against exploitation, waste and extravagance. We respect that tradition. Our house is a gift from French social investors to the people of South Africa." explaines on-site manager Edna Oberholzer.
"Therefore, we refuse to play the ‘rand game’ with its rates. Exploitation was not a trait advocated by Gandhi."
Fabrice Dabouineau, a director of Satyagraha House and of Voyaguers Du Mond, said he was surprised to see some SA hotels increase rates by 20% a year. In 2015, some of these hotels followed their December rate rise rapidly by another 20% rise to capitalise on the weak rand.
“Foreigners paying in euro or sterling may still find a South African vacation affordable, but we could not possibly exploit South Africa’s weak currency like this,” said Dabouineau.
This year, five years after opening and after a modest 5% price increase, Satyagraha House will reach break-even point. Subsequent profits will be channelled into maintenance, investment in new facilities, social upliftment and a staff profit-share programme.
Hospitality revenue is used to maintain the museum.
Part of Satyagraha House's mission is to build greater local awareness of Gandhi and his work. Museum admission is free for South African visitors.
