Observatory, Cape Town – Saturday, 25 October 2025
Members and friends of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered in Observatory, Cape Town to witness the historic groundbreaking ceremony for the Cape Town South Africa Temple – a sacred house of worship that will serve members of the Church in the Western Cape and surrounding regions.
The ceremony was presided over by Elder Carlos A. Godoy, of the Africa South Area Presidency, who offered the dedicatory prayer, formally beginning construction of the temple. In attendance was Minister Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe, the Minister of Social Development. Local government representatives, community leaders, and interfaith guests also attended, joining with Church members in celebrating this significant milestone.
Elder Carlos A. Godoy expressed how the temple is going to be built especially for the rising generation. They will grow up being able to attend the temple grounds and enter the temple as youth and young adults, taking full advantage of being able to participate in the temple, a sacred place.
The Cape Town South Africa Temple, once completed, will be the third temple in South Africa and the fifth in the African continent currently operating or under construction. Temples are distinct from regular meetinghouses or chapels used for Sunday worship. While meetinghouses are open to all visitors, temples are considered sacred spaces where members participate in special ordinances focused on eternal families and service to others.
The temple will be located at 3 Liesbeek Avenue, Observatory, Cape Town, on a beautifully landscaped site overlooking the Liesbeek River. Adjacent to the temple will be a new meetinghouse and ancillary facilities to serve the local Latter-day Saint community.
During his remarks, Elder Carlos A. Godoy expressed gratitude for the faith, prayers, and service of Church members in South Africa, noting the growth and strength of the Church since it was first established in the country in 1853.
In his dedicatory prayer, Elder Godoy blessed the ground and all who will be strengthened, inspired, and uplifted by the temple that will rise here. He also blessed the land saying, “We especially grateful Father for the holy temples, which are Thy houses among us, where heaven and earth meet. We also desire, Heavenly Father, to express gratitude for the love and kindness of our friends and neighbours in this community. Please bless them with peace and prosperity. Allow this holy house to be a light upon the hill and a place of peace, reverence, and inspiration for all who come near. May everyone feel Thy spirit when they are close to this sacred place.
We also pray for the regional and governmental authorities of this beautiful country. Bless them that they may lead with righteousness, justice and wisdom and that prosperity may become a reality in the lives of many of our South African brothers and sisters. . .”
Construction is expected to take several years. Once completed, a public open house will be held, allowing all who wish to tour the temple and learn more about its purpose before it is formally dedicated.
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