Great news for Zimbabwe! The Harare Zimbabwe Temple was announced on April 3, 2016, during the 186th Annual General Conference by the esteemed Prophet Thomas S. Monson. This announcement heralded the beginning of an inspiring journey toward a significant place of Temple Work and community.
On December 12, 2020, we celebrated a major milestone with the groundbreaking ceremony led by Elder Edward Dube, a distinguished native of Zimbabwe and 1st Counselor in the African South Area Presidency. His powerful words, “As we watch the rising of this building from the ground up, may we also turn our hearts upward to Thee and Thy Son, our Savior Jesus Christ,” resonated deeply, capturing the anticipation and hope surrounding this remarkable Temple. The presence of President Mnangagwa added weight to the occasion as he emphasized the vital role of the Church in national development and the well-being of our people. At the groundbreaking ceremony was President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, was also in attendance. President Mnangagwa praised the Church in his remarks, saying, “The contribution of the Church to national development and social well being of the citizenry cannot be overemphasized.”
Mark your calendars! The Harare Zimbabwe Temple will open its doors for a Public Open House from January 22 to February 7, 2026. This is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to experience this state-of-the-art addition to our community! Located at 65 Enterprise Road, Highlands, Harare, this temple occupies an impressive 6.7 acres and reaches a height of 103 feet 4 inches, showcasing a single attached end spire, though it uniquely does not feature a gold-leafed Angel Moroni. Inside, you will find two Instruction Rooms, two Sealing Rooms, and one baptistry, with a total area of a spacious 17,247 square feet.
We unveiled the temple’s architectural rendering on October 1, 2020, and the excitement within our community continues to grow. This temple represents not just a building, but a transformative blessing, especially for members patrons previously faced a 13-hour journey to the Johannesburg South African Temple. As the first temple in Zimbabwe and the eighth in Africa, the Harare Zimbabwe Temple stands as a testament to our growing faith community, which currently consists of 26,000 members across six stakes and two districts.
Additionally, the visit of Prophet Russell M. Nelson to the temple site on April 17, 2018, during his tour was a pivotal moment, further igniting enthusiasm for this Temple. The Harare Zimbabwe Temple is not merely an architectural endeavor but a beacon of hope, unity, and spiritual enrichment for all. We are poised to witness this beautifulcent Temple rise, solidifying its place in our lives and our community for generations to come!