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Members from South Africa, Lesotho and Mozambique gathered together on Feb. 16, 2020, for the dedication of the Durban South Africa Temple. Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles dedicated the temple in three sessions, and although attendees spoke multiple languages — including English, Portuguese, Xhosa, Zulu and other tribal languages — the gospel of Jesus Christ united them as one, said Elder Rasband.
At the event, he said, “The doctrines of the gospel of Jesus Christ unite us, and I felt very at one as a people today. Regardless of how they look, regardless of how they dressed, we were one people today — the people of the Church of Jesus Christ.”
Dedicatory prayer excerpt: “May the influence of the Holy Ghost be unrestrained within these walls, and may the temple serve as a beacon of everlasting light to all who see it and a sanctuary to all who enter in. We pray for those who attend the temple of any age. May they feel strengthened to live their covenants with determination, patience and discipline. Wilt Thou bless them with insight, steadfastness and forgiving hearts.”
Read the dedicatory prayer of the Durban South Africa Temple here.
A temple for Durban, South Africa, was announced by Church President Thomas S. Monson during October 2011 general conference on Oct. 1, 2011.
Ground was broken for the Durban South Africa Temple on April 9, 2016. Presiding at the event was Elder Carl B. Cook, Africa Southeast Area president.
The public was invited to tour the Durban South Africa Temple from Jan. 22 through Feb. 1, 2020. People representing 20 countries visited the temple during its open house.
The Durban South Africa Temple was dedicated by Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles throughout three sessions on Feb. 16, 2020.
Church President Thomas S. Monson announced a temple for Durban, South Africa, on Oct. 1, 2011. A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the Durban South Africa Temple on April 9, 2016.
Visitors toured the newly constructed house of the Lord from Jan. 22 through Feb. 1, 2020, for its open house. On Feb. 16, 2020, Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles dedicated the Durban South Africa Temple.
The 19,860-square-foot Durban South Africa Temple was built on 14.49 acres of land. The exterior landscaping is filled with more than 800 trees and thousands of shrubs and flowers. The roofing is made from red clay tile and was designed similarly to buildings in downtown Durban.
The interior of the temple features more than 50 art pieces, with many depicting the life and ministry of Jesus Christ as well as various African landscapes. Tribal geometric patterns are inscribed into the marble flooring throughout the temple, and a South African basket-weaving design is shown throughout the building’s rugs.
1 October 2011
16 February 2020
2 Izinga Drive
Hawaan, Blackburn, 4319
South Africa
View schedule and book online
(27) 31-140-0240
This was the second Latter-day Saint temple in South Africa.
The day before the edifice was dedicated, Elder Ronald A. Rasband conducted a tour through the temple for the contingent of the Zulu nation’s royal family, headed by His Majesty, King Goodwill Zwelithini; Her Majesty, Queen Mchiza; Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the king’s uncle; and other members of the royal family.
The Durban temple was the last temple dedicated before a 20-month absence of temple dedications or rededications, due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The temple’s instruction sessions and ordinances are offered in English, Portuguese, Zulu and Xhosa.
This was the second Latter-day Saint temple in South Africa.
The day before the edifice was dedicated, Elder Ronald A. Rasband conducted a tour through the temple for the contingent of the Zulu nation’s royal family, headed by His Majesty, King Goodwill Zwelithini; Her Majesty, Queen Mchiza; Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the king’s uncle; and other members of the royal family.
The Durban temple was the last temple dedicated before a 20-month absence of temple dedications or rededications, due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The temple’s instruction sessions and ordinances are offered in English, Portuguese, Zulu and Xhosa.
