The JNF have been giving educational guided hikes of areas in Johannesburg. These hikes are part of the KKL-JNF’s promotion of the environment in South Africa and in Israel. Our most recent hike was one given on Linksfield Ridge. One of the positive aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic is that it has given us the impetus to take part in new and exciting discoveries. Hikes such as these emphasize the amazing sites on our doorstep. Joni Kowensky has given guided tours of the area. He is a registered guide with the Parks Board and is very knowledgeable about the history, geography, and flora and fauna of the ridge.
Hikers have learnt about various native plants, viewed ruins (stone circles and structures) and rock art. The walk in the reserve ended at the entrance to Kallenbach Drive, which is more than 100 years old and was constructed by a close friend of Mahatma Gandhi, Herman Kallenbach, who was a Jewish architect and a passionate Zionist. Kallenbach left a large portion of his considerable estate for the development of Israel. Gandhi recorded walking and meditating on the ridge. Participants also had the opportunity to share their knowledge with the group about the surroundings, and got to see the enormous contribution South African Jews made to the development of Johannesburg.
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