“To Build Community Spirit”: Johannesburg Community Unites for 36th Annual Gandhi Walk Fundraiser

• The 36th Annual Gandhi Walk took place on 7 September in Lenasia, where community members participated in a 6.5km fundraising walk that started and finished at Gandhi Hall
• The event aimed to raise funds for maintaining the historic Gandhi Hall while promoting community unity, health, and celebrating Mahatma Gandhi's legacy of non-violence
• Miss India SA Kiara Govender joined the event, sharing how Gandhi's message of "be the change you want to see in the world" aligns with her personal mission and values

One Johannesburg community showed the true spirit of unity as hundreds of people came together for the 36th Annual Gandhi Walk in Lenasia. The meaningful event, which took place on 7 September 2025 at Gandhi Hall, showed how local communities can work together to preserve important heritage sites while promoting health and togetherness.

The clip was shared on Briefly News' TikTok page, showing participants gathering at the historic Gandhi Hall in Lenasia Ext 5 before beginning their 6.5km journey. The fundraising walk began at 9:30 am, bringing together people of all ages from across Johannesburg, who wanted to support the cause while celebrating the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi.

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Gandhi walk brings the community together

Sunita Thakordas, the event's general secretary, explained that the main mission behind the fundraising walk is to keep Gandhi Hall operational.

"So the main mission is for us to keep the hall going. Halls are no longer being hired out, so this is to maintain the hall, which has become a heritage site to the Lenasia community. This is the main reason for this fundraiser," she said.

The community leader emphasised that the walk helps build community spirit and brings people together, particularly focusing on involving children and future leaders.

She also explained that the walk format was chosen decades ago, specifically because it brings crowds together and provides an effective way to raise funds while covering operational costs.

After completing the 6.5km route, participants received medals and goody bags, while families enjoyed entertainment, food stalls, live music, and a festive celebration back at Gandhi Hall.

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Miss India SA joins the meaningful celebration

Miss India SA Kiara Govender attended the event, sharing her thoughts on why the Gandhi Walk holds special significance.

"I decided to come to the 2025 Gandhi Walk because of the values and the vibrance that it brings to the community. It gives everyone another reason to remember the values of Mahatma Gandhi, 'Be the change you want to see in the world' is something that I try to strive for every single day," she explained.

During her speech before the walk began, Govender expressed her honour at representing both India and South Africa, two cultures rich with integrity, values, and vibrance. She praised the community for keeping its values alive throughout Lenasia and Johannesburg.

Gandhi's lasting impact on communities

According to Wikipedia, Mahatma Gandhi was an Indian lawyer and anti-colonial activist who employed non-violent resistance to lead India's successful independence campaign from British rule. Born Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi in 1869, he spent 21 years in South Africa developing his political views and ethics before returning to India in 1915.

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Gandhi's philosophy of satyagraha (non-violent protest) and his dedication to truth and non-violence continue to inspire communities worldwide. His birthday, 2 October, is commemorated as Gandhi Jayanti in India and recognised internationally as the Day of Non-Violence, making events like the Lenasia walk part of a global celebration of his peaceful principles.

View the TikTok clip below:

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Source: Briefly News