Johannesburg South Africa Temple

The intent to construct the temple was announced by church president Spencer W. Kimball on April 1, 1981, during a press conference on Temple Square, along with nine other new temples worldwide. Construction used brick cladding (a first for a temple), Following construction, a public open house was held from July 30 to August 10, 1985. It remained the sole temple in southern Africa until the Durban South Africa Temple, which was dedicated 35 years later. After it was dedicated, the church then had a temple on every continent except Antartica. == Design and architecture ==

The temple’s design is a modern six-spire adaptation, created by church architects in collaboration with Hartford & Hartford and overseen locally by Stanley G. Smith. The 1-acre site is located on Parktown Ridge, landscaped with jacaranda and apricot trees, and overlooks the city of Johannesburg to the north and Pretoria—one of South Africa’s three capital cities—to the south. The exterior is brick with a slate roof. The design uses wrought-iron railings and underground parking, and is topped with six spires. A gilded statue of the angel Moroni stands on the tallest spire, which reaches the full 112-foot height. The 19,184-square-foot interior has four ordinance rooms, three sealing rooms, and a baptistry. == Renovations and community impact==

In August 2017, the angel Moroni statue was cleaned and regilded with new 23-carat gold leaf following weathering and minor lightning damage. The temple has also undergone periodic interior refurbishments, including updates to draperies, wall coverings, plumbing, and patron housing facilities. During its 1985 public open house, more than 19,000 visitors toured the temple, including local civic and business leaders. == Temple leadership and admittance ==

The church's temples are directed by a temple president and matron, each typically serving for a term of three years. The president and matron oversee the administration of temple operations and provide guidance and training for both temple patrons and staff. Serving from 1985 to 1987, Harlan W. Clark was the first president, with Geraldine M. Clark serving as matron. As of 2024, the temple president and matron are Howard N. Kingsley and Jennifer Kingsley. A public open house was held July 30–August 10, 1985, and the temple was dedicated by Gordon B. Hinckley on August 24–25, 1985, in four sessions. ==See also==