Where It's Located
The Durban South Africa Temple is located at 2 Izinga Drive in Izinga Ridge, Umhlanga, just north of Durban in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. The temple sits on a 14.49-acre site atop a grassy hill with views toward the Indian Ocean and the surrounding sugar cane fields. The temple complex includes patron housing, a visitors' center, and a distribution center.
Getting There
The nearest major airport is King Shaka International Airport (DUR), located about 20 miles (32 km) north of central Durban. Travelers from the United States typically connect through major international hubs such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, Doha, Dubai, or London before continuing to Durban. From the airport, the temple is approximately a 20- to 30-minute drive.
A Bit of History
The Durban South Africa Temple was announced by President Thomas S. Monson on October 1, 2011. It became the second temple in South Africa, following the Johannesburg South Africa Temple, and the fifth temple in Africa.
Groundbreaking and site dedication took place on April 9, 2016, with Elder Carl B. Cook presiding. Following a public open house from January 22 through February 1, 2020, Elder Ronald A. Rasband dedicated the temple on February 16, 2020, making it the 168th operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The temple serves members from southeastern South Africa as well as portions of Mozambique, Eswatini, and Lesotho, greatly reducing travel times for thousands of Latter-day Saints throughout the region.
Design and Architecture
The Durban South Africa Temple contains approximately 19,860 square feet of floor space. Its exterior is finished in marble and features a single attached end tower topped with an angel Moroni statue. The tower rises approximately 97 feet above the surrounding landscape.
Inside, the temple includes one instruction room, one sealing room, and one baptistry. The temple's architectural design complements the surrounding Umhlanga neighborhood with its use of natural colors, stone accents, and beautifully landscaped grounds. Its hilltop location provides an impressive setting overlooking the rolling coastal terrain of KwaZulu-Natal.
Final Thoughts
The Durban South Africa Temple represents an important milestone in the continued growth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across Africa. As the second temple in South Africa and one that serves members from several neighboring countries, it has brought temple blessings much closer to thousands of faithful members. Its beautiful coastal setting, elegant design, and regional significance make it a memorable destination for anyone interested in visiting Latter-day Saint temples around the world.
Scott & Riah
Brough Made
https://broughmade.com
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