Dedication of the Harare Zimbabwe Temple
On Jan. 22, 2026, Emmerson Mnangagwa, president of the Republic of Zimbabwe, along with other interfaith, government and civic leaders, toured the Harare Zimbabwe Temple. Other dignitaries included the vice president, ambassadors from nine nations and 11 ministers from the Zimbabwean government.
“Their experience was almost inexplicable — words can’t explain what happened and their feedback,” said Sean Donnelly, a Harare native and the Church’s area relations manager over Africa at the time of dedication. He added that “the head of state had a very spiritual experience in the temple when the [Church] leaders prayed in the temple with him.”
The Harare Zimbabwe Temple was dedicated March 1, 2026, by Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Joining the Elder Gong for the dedication weekend was his wife, Sister Susan Gong, as well as two General Authority Seventies and their wives — Elder Steven R. Bangerter, executive director of the Temple Department, and his wife, Sister Susan Bangerter; and Elder Denelson Silva, first counselor in the Church’s Africa South Area presidency, and his wife, Sister Regina Silva.
Drawn to the Harare temple dedication were myriads of Latter-day Saints — from pioneer members and returned missionaries with more than a half-century of experiences and stories to the first-generation “pioneering” members of their families. “We honor pioneers, old and young,” said Elder Gong. “We honor faithful brothers and sisters and those whose tithes and offerings open the windows of heaven. We honor all who have prayed, worked and sacrificed for this day.”
With the coming of the house of the Lord in Harare and other new temples around the globe, the Lord is inviting Latter-day Saints to create “a new gospel temple culture,” said Elder Gong, mindful especially of those who previously had to travel long distances to worship in the temple. “Instead of going to the temple once in our life, or once a year on a temple trip, we can plan and come ourselves to the Lord in the house of the Lord more often,” he said.
Paul and Pamela Guveya served as co-chairs of the open house and dedication committee. Pamela Guveya said she treasures remembering the facial expressions of the open house guests — similar to attendees on the Harare temple grounds after Sunday’s dedication. “You see someone coming out from the temple — this person is filled with the Spirit of the Lord. Talking to them, asking them how they feel, with them expressing their feelings and gratitude is something very dear and special to me.”
Paul Guveya agreed: “Having a temple in Zimbabwe is a huge blessing that our Heavenly Father has opened up for us. We’re going to see so many of the young people getting married in the temple, we’re going to see many ordinances — for the baptisms for those who have passed on, our ancestors, our fathers, our children. It’s going to bring joy, and it’s going to unite so many families.”
One thing Paul Guveya said the members will appreciate is the proximity of a temple in Zimbabwe, rather than the 16- to 20-hour drives to the Johannesburg South Africa Temple and the prolonged waits at border crossings.
Sixteen-year-old Lizzie Nyasha Akili was beaming outside the Harare temple after Sunday’s service, the first time she had been inside a dedicated temple since being sealed to her parents and family at age 8 in the Johannesburg South Africa Temple. “Today has been very special,” she said.
What does having a house of the Lord in Harare mean for her? “It means to be able to be baptized for my ancestors,” she said, adding, “It also gives me joy because I will be able to complete other ordinances, such as sealings to parents and baptisms for other people as well.”
Dedicatory prayer excerpt: “Dear Father, please let Thy light and blessings from this holy house chase out darkness and bring in goodness. Please let Thy blessings contribute to peace, stability and firm foundation in our countries and communities, our stakes, wards and families.”
Read the dedicatory prayer of the Harare Zimbabwe Temple here.
Timeline of the Harare Zimbabwe Temple
The Harare Zimbabwe Temple was announced April 3, 2016, by Church President Thomas S. Monson. The groundbreaking and site dedication for this house of the Lord were held on Dec. 12, 2020, and presided over by Elder Edward Dube, first counselor in the Africa South Area presidency.
After a public open house from Jan. 22 to Feb. 7, 2026, the Harare Zimbabwe Temple was dedicated Jan. 19, 2026, by Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Architecture and Design of the Harare Zimbabwe Temple
A single-story building of approximately 17,250 square feet, the Harare temple draws from the architecture and Indigenous culture of Zimbabwe, including a design motif of simple triangular patterns. The geometric styles in art glass include a floral motif of the national flower, the flame lily.
Inside the building, sculpted carpet designs in neutral tones — with both geometric elements and floral motifs — complement the art glass. Floral patterns carry over to the entry rug, with Harare-native designs of the flame lily, aloe ballii, Yoruba bologi, African lettuce, terracotta gazania, aspilia mossambicensis and wentzel’s sugarbush.
Hues throughout the temple reflect local flora and fauna and the region’s landscape. These are reflected in some art pieces as well, and many of the approximately 45 paintings focus on the Savior. Adorning the 6.7-acre site are locally sourced plants, including feather duster and jacaranda trees.
Interior Photos of the Harare Zimbabwe Temple
