French travel company buying Gandhi home

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, Oct. 9 (UPI) --

A French travel firm has agreed to buy a house in suburban Johannesburg, South Africa, where Mahatma Gandhi spent three years as a young lawyer, its owners say.

Jarrod and Nancy Ball told The Guardian they selected Voyageurs du Monde's offer because the company plans to maintain the heritage of the house, called The Kraal, where the Indian political and spiritual leader lived for three years. The company said it would convert the house into a museum on Gandhi "in line with its philosophy of investing in heritage properties worldwide."

Mohandas Gandhi, not yet known as Mahatma or "Great Soul," spent 21 years in South Africa as a lawyer and political activist, developing his concept of non-violent resistance there. Considered the father of India, the Hindu spiritual leader was assassinated in 1948 at age 78.

The Balls' decision to sell the house to Voyageurs du Monde has angered many Indian officials.

"I know India has responded not too happily but we think it went to the right people and we're delighted," Nancy Ball said. "One of our end-use conditions was that something be done to protect the heritage."

Nancy Ball said the house had been on the market for a year before a South African newspaper reported on its history. That sparked a bidding war with at least four offers, including one from Voyageurs du Monde for a reported $500,000.

Ref: http://www.timesoftheinternet.com/