Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Durban South Africa Temple

Durban South Africa Temple

Cladding baptismal font in marble; ceiling and tiling work continues; pouring walkways; preparing water feature walls
Durban South Africa Temple

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Location

Preston Drive Extension
Izinga Phase 2A
Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa

Announcement: 

1 October 2011

Groundbreaking and Site Dedication: 

9 April 2016 by Carl B. Cook

Construction Status

As of October 2018, the exterior of the Durban South Africa Temple is nearing completion with a little work remaining on the roof and exterior walls. Inside, fire curtains have been fitted in the grand staircase lobby while wiring, plumbing, and tiling work continues.


Groundbreaking Ceremony

The groundbreaking ceremony for the Durban South Africa Temple was held on Saturday, April 9, 2016. Elder Carl B. Cook of the Seventy and president of the Africa Southeast Area presided, joined by other Church leaders, dignitaries, and community leaders. "Today the ceremonial shovels will turn the soil, and the construction of the temple will begin," said Elder Cook. "We can likewise begin building. We can build our personal lives in preparation for the temple. Today we can increase our faith, we can increase our obedience to God, and serve Him more fully."1


Temple Site

The Durban South Africa Temple will be constructed on a hillside property near the ocean and the N2 highway in the Izinga development of Umhlanga Rocks, just north of Durban. Umhlanga is one of the fastest growing cities in South Africa, which enjoys a low crime rate and is known for having the largest shopping mall in the southern hemisphere—the Gateway Theatre of Shopping.


Temple Announcement

On October 1, 2011, President Thomas S. Monson announced the construction of a temple in Durban, South Africa, in the opening session of the 181st Semiannual General Conference.2

The nation of South Africa has 12 stakes, 4 districts, and 1 operating temple in the city of Johannesburg, over 350 miles (570 kilometers) northwest of Durban. The city of Durban is famous for being the busiest port in South Africa. With a metropolitan population of almost 4.5 million people, it is the country's third largest city, behind Johannesburg and Cape Town.


Temple Facts

The Durban South Africa Temple will be the fifth temple built in Africa and the second built in South Africa, following the Johannesburg South Africa Temple
36th operating templeJohannesburg South Africa Temple (1985).

  1. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints News Release, "Ground Broken for Durban South Africa Temple," 9 Apr. 2016.
  2. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints News Release, "New Temples Announced for France, Africa, Colombia, Utah and Wyoming," 1 Oct. 2011.