The grand opening of the Ideal Church of Scientology Eastern Cape

Historic Restoration and Spiritual Renewal: David Miscavige Leads Opening of New Scientology Church in South Africa’s Eastern Cape

In a triumphant celebration of heritage and faith, thousands gathered in the heart of Gqeberha—formerly known as Port Elizabeth—to witness the grand opening of the Ideal Church of Scientology Eastern Cape, an event led by David Miscavige, the ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion. On a radiant Sunday afternoon along the Sunshine Coast, the historic Market Square pulsed with energy as civic leaders, local residents, and Scientologists united to mark a new era of spiritual freedom in the storied Nelson Mandela Bay, named after the iconic leader born in this very province. The event, infused with the vibrant rhythms of traditional African djembe drums, live music, and captivating dance, resonated with the indomitable spirit of the continent, heralding a dawn of hope and renewal in this Land of Legends.

At the center of the celebration stood a near-century-old landmark, once an elegant skyscraper at the crossroads of this proud port city near the scenic beaches of Algoa Bay. After an exhaustive restoration, this architectural gem now rises as a breathtaking 10-story masterpiece, anchoring a constellation of iconic structures around Market Square—including the old railway station, post office, and City Hall. The meticulously revived building, adorned with restored South African black granite and two dozen carved lion heads gracing its façade, symbolizes not only a return to historical grandeur but also a promise of boundless spiritual growth for the region.

The significance of the occasion was underscored by Mr. David Miscavige, who addressed the impassioned crowd filling the historic plaza. “What an absolute honor to stand with you on this momentous day,” Mr. Miscavige declared. “When Africa calls, who could ever resist? Especially when it brings you to the home of Nelson Mandela, where freedom was not a slogan—but a cause worth dying for. Just as he fought for the freedom of a nation, so you fight for the freedom of the spirit itself.” He emphasized the responsibility entrusted to the community with this new Ideal Org: to answer Africa’s enduring call for freedom.

The Church of Scientology, which has maintained a presence in Eastern Cape for decades, has cultivated deep ties through its commitment to community service—a bond reflected in the attendance of numerous dignitaries from across South African society, who offered heartfelt speeches and accolades. Among them, Mr. Graham Taylor, Chairman of the Historical Society of Port Elizabeth, praised the Church’s dedication to preserving the city’s heritage. “Today, we stand at the historical core of this city,” he said. “I’ve had a front-row seat, watching you invest over 50,000 hours in preserving history. From restoring black granite to reviving lion heads across 10 stories, you’ve returned our treasured friend to her full grandeur. As we like to say, you’ve turned lemons into lemonade.”

This grand opening not only celebrates a physical restoration but also signifies a profound spiritual milestone for South Africa. As the new Ideal Church of Scientology Eastern Cape rises into the Nelson Mandela Bay skyline, it stands as a beacon of hope, unity, and the enduring quest for freedom—both of the nation and of the human spirit.

“Religion has always been a building block of society,” he continued, “and upon that foundation you’ve built a pillar of hope standing tall at the epicenter of historic Market Square. Talk about an investment into our future. This is the most significant contribution to our social infrastructure for over 50 years. Actually, make that ever!”

Prince Sonwabile Ndamase electrified the audience as he spoke to the spirit of help embodied in the Church’s Scientology Volunteer Ministers. “My own story with you begins ‘in a flash of yellow.’ Mid-pandemic, your Volunteer Ministers came to my home and safeguarded my family. You went into our villages, our townships, our cities—everywhere.

“And the arrival of your VMs in their bright yellow jackets became a symbol of help and hope in our darkest hour. Your presence showed every South African that, truly, Something Can Be Done About It!”

Rev. Thabang Xaba honored the lifesaving work of L. Ron Hubbard’s Drug Rehabilitation Technology. “One young man’s story still shakes my soul. His deep struggle led him to the razor’s edge where death waited on one side, and prison on the other. But like an ancient miracle, just in time, Narconon ‘appeared on his doorstep.’

“Then, step by step, low self-esteem turned into personal pride,” Rev. Xaba added. “Spiritual confusion transformed into newfound purpose. Or, as he tells it, ‘I came face to face with myself—and I now love the person I am becoming.’ Your Church delivers time and again. And to my fellow church leaders across this country, I say, let us work together and use this day as a springboard to fulfill the purpose of our nation!”

The final guest speaker was Ms. Patricia Mokwala, a specialist with the National Department of Social Development, who described the growing respect for the Church within South Africa’s public sector. “My Ministry Director told me, ‘Go down to the Church of Scientology and see what they are doing … because they are doing great works.’ This is the power of your work. This is the strength you have awakened in South Africa.

“Social development is about igniting potential, helping people rise above their circumstances,” Ms. Mokwala said. “We meet many who believe their solutions must come from the outside, from the sky, from somewhere else. But you teach something revolutionary: that the solution comes from within. None of us can do everything, but united, we can do anything.”

The new Eastern Cape Ideal Org provides all residents with an introduction to Dianetics and Scientology, beginning with the Public Information Center. Its displays, containing more than 1,000 films, present the beliefs and practices of the Scientology religion and the life and legacy of Founder L. Ron Hubbard. The Information Center also offers a detailed overview of the renowned Church-sponsored humanitarian programs—including a worldwide human rights education initiative; far-reaching drug education, prevention and rehabilitation programs; a global network of literacy and learning centers; and the Scientology Volunteer Minister Program, which has become one of the world’s largest independent relief forces. The Information Center is open morning to night for visitors to tour at their leisure and return as often as they wish.

The Church’s Chapel provides for Scientology congregational gatherings, including Sunday Services, Weddings and Naming Ceremonies—as well as a host of events open to members of all faiths in the name of community collaboration. The new Church further includes multiple seminar rooms and classrooms, in addition to dozens of rooms for Scientology auditing (spiritual counseling).

Ideal Church Organizations (Ideal Orgs) realize the fulfillment of Founder L. Ron Hubbard’s vision for the religion. They not only provide the ideal facilities to service Scientologists on their ascent to greater states of spiritual awareness and freedom, but are also designed to serve as a home for the entire community and a meeting ground for cooperative efforts to uplift citizens of all denominations.

The Grand Opening of the Ideal Church of Scientology Eastern Cape represents the birth of South Africa’s fourth Ideal Org. It joins three other Ideal Orgs that form a triangle of Churches in Gauteng Province between Pretoria, Johannesburg North and Johannesburg. At the center of that triangle is the Advanced Organization for Africa, located in the majestic Castle Kyalami, serving the entire African continent.

All told, in recent years, the Church has opened new Ideal Organizations in major cities all over the world, including in the Latin American capitals of Mexico Cityand BogotáLondonBirmingham and Dublin in the British Isles; throughout Europe in ParisBrusselsRomeMilanPadovaMadridBerlinHamburgStuttgartCopenhagenMalmöAmsterdamBasel and Budapest; in the Middle East at Tel Aviv; all along the Pacific Rim at TokyoKaohsiungAucklandSydneyMelbourne and Perth; and more in Canada at Québec and Cambridge.

The unprecedented expansion for the Scientology religion is further represented by the opening of new Ideal Church Organizations across the United States, including New York CityHarlemBuffaloChicagoWashington, DC, Atlanta, Tampa, Orlando, Miami, Austin, Dallas, Nashville, Cincinnati, ColumbusDetroitTwin CitiesKansas CityDenverSalt Lake CityPhoenixLas VegasPortlandand Seattle. And in California alone, at SacramentoSan FranciscoLos GatosSan JoseSilicon ValleyVenturaSan Fernando ValleyPasadenaLos AngelesInglewoodOrange County and San Diego.

For a complete list of Ideal Churches of Scientology, visit Scientology.org/IdealChurches.

To disseminate Scientology’s message still further and answer the overwhelming interest about the religion, the Church launched its own satellite TV channel, Scientology Network, on DIRECTV Channel 320, which also live streams on scientology.tv, as well as on multiple platforms in 17 languages across 24 time zones.