David Miscavige Heralds the “New African Century” at Opening of New Home for Church of Scientology

“From Southern Africa will spring the next great civilization on this planet....”
— L. Ron Hubbard

Saturday, November 2, 2003, the Church of Scientology of Johannesburg opened the doors of its new headquarters in Kensington, the hub of Scientology activity in South Africa. More than 1,400 guests and well-wishers — government and religious leaders, human rights champions, celebrities and professionals, church members and friends — came from all over Africa and from many countries to celebrate the landmark dedication.

Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Centre, capped the lineup of honored guest speakers, each of whom recognized South Africa’s Scientologists for their indomitable spirit and historical achievements.

“You don’t just represent the hopes and dreams of a continent, you represent the hopes and dreams of all civilization,” David Miscavige told the Scientologists and dignitaries attending the grand opening, “And, if South Africa dreams of a Rainbow Nation, then, Africa, here is your church — a church where, regardless of color, regardless of creed, regardless of social standing, you are welcome. “Because,” he concluded, “we are not white. We are not black. We are all one to another brothers of humankind.”

Master of ceremonies Ryan Hogarth, President of the Church of Scientology Johannesburg, welcomed the guests with a personal message that he comes from three generations of staff in the Johannesburg church.

The ceremony began as the sun began to set. The cloudy skies parted over Kensington and a man in aboriginal dress signaled the start of an historical event with ceremonial kissing, then hearty blowing of his African cow horn. Then drummers appeared in native dress, racing down the aisles and up onto the stage, joined by six women dancing to the African rhythm in native gamboots.

Then came the diva of African song, Vicki Sampson, and a stirring rendition of her signature “Afrikan Dream.”

New era of security, prosperity begins

Inside the new Church of Scientology Johannesburg.

The new church celebrates African landscape and culture through its use of rich native woods and materials. The more than 20 different fabrics and textiles used in the furnishings reflect the character of its home nation: diverse, colorful, spirited.

The site, formerly the Kensington golf club, is 7,748 square meters and encompasses the church’s main service center, expanded with a second story to 2,715 square meters, and three newly constructed buildings, one of which houses the chapel.

But most meaningful for South Africans is what this church’s expanded presence means to the attainment of Scientology’s aims — a world without insanity, without criminals and without war — and the new era of security and prosperity that attainment portends.