Exciting developments are underway in Zimbabwe! The announcement of the Harare Zimbabwe Temple was made on April 3, 2016, during the 186th Annual General Conference, proudly delivered by the esteemed Prophet Thomas S. Monson. This marked the beginning of a transformative journey toward establishing a sacred haven for Temple Work and community.
On December 12, 2020, we celebrated a pivotal moment with the groundbreaking ceremony led by Elder Edward Dube, a dedicated local leader 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,” perfectly encapsulated the spirit of hope and determination present that day. The attendance of President Mnangagwa highlighted the significance of this Temple, as he recognized the Church’s impactful contributions to national development and the well-being of our citizens. 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 with confidence: The Harare Zimbabwe Temple will open its doors for a Public Open House from January 22 to February 7, 2026. This is a remarkable opportunity for everyone to explore this incredible addition to our community! Conveniently located at 65 Enterprise Road, Highlands, Harare, the temple spans 6.7 acres and commands attention with its impressive height of 103 feet 4 inches, featuring a distinctive single attached end spire (though it will not have a gold-leafed Angel Moroni). Inside, the temple includes two Instruction Rooms, two Sealing Rooms, and one baptistry, totaling an expansive 17,247 square feet.
We got an exciting glimpse of what’s to come when the artistic rendering was revealed on October 1, 2020. This temple is a game-changer for our members, significantly reducing the travel time to reach the Johannesburg South African Temple, which previously required a 13-hour journey. As the first temple in Zimbabwe and the eighth in Africa, the Harare Zimbabwe Temple represents a monumental step forward for our robust community of approximately 26,000 members, with 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 momentous occasion that stirred excitement and anticipation. The Harare Zimbabwe Temple will not only be an architectural marvel but a powerful spiritual center that uplifts and connects the people of Zimbabwe. We eagerly await the rise of this sanctuary and the impact it will have in our lives and communities!