The Angel Moroni Statue is placed atop the Durban South Africa Temple

On October 25, 2018, a beautiful warm South African day, the statue of the Angel Moroni was hoisted into place atop the Durban South Africa Temple. Spectators were thrilled as they watched Moroni being lifted high into the air then gently lowered to stand on the gold colored pinnacle of the temple. Positioned on a hill overlooking the rolling South African countryside, the Temple and statue of Moroni are a glistening beacon shining to the world below.  

 President Thomas S. Monson announced the temple in 2011; ground was broken to begin construction on April 9, 2016. Temple construction site manager, Anton Fourie, said that temple construction requires a higher standard of workmanship and materials than typically expected. Contractors are also required not to smoke and to act with respect on the Temple site. He promised the contractor that the workers would have a reverent, special feeling once they became involved in construction. Brother Fourie says the workers do have a reverence about them and feel a special sacredness while on the Temple site.

Completion of the Temple is expected in 2019. Once complete, The First Presidency will determine a date for the Temple’s dedication.

President Jacques De Wet, Stake President of the Hillcrest South Africa Stake, located near the Durban Temple, says members are absolutely thrilled with the temple. Since the announcement of the Temple, more members have become temple worthy and there has been an increased interest in Family History work. The Temple has already blessed the members.

Durban South Africa Stake President, Zwelethu Mhlongo, said, when the temple was announced they felt very grateful and somewhat undeserving of such a blessing. President Mhlongo also says members are anxious for the temple to be dedicated and that having the Temple has brought increased reverence to all worship in the Stake.

Senior missionary couple, Elder Glen and Sister Judy Bray, serve at the Temple site. Elder Bray helps advise with construction and Sister Bray reports twice a week regarding the progress of the Temple. They express gratitude for the special blessing of being so closely involved with the development of the Temple. They say people come to the temple site from all over the world inquiring about the Temple.

Viewing the placement of The Angel Moroni Statue from the off-site viewing point, Sister Tina Carvalho from the Durban Stake and her parents Julio and Emilia Carvalho from Porto, Portugal, were thrilled to see the statue drop into place. Julio, not a member of the church, said it was a wonderful building, he and Emilia were enthused to know more about the church.

Brother Sohelele Mngoma of the Durban Stake, also at the off-site location, was very grateful to see the placement. He said his parents and grandparents are not members of the church. The Zulu culture is very concerned about connecting with their ancestors. The Temple has given Brother Mngoma’s parents and grandparents an appreciation for the eternal connections the Temple provides.