World’s Largest Scientology Life Improvement Centre Opens in Johannesburg, South Africa

In an expansion of an already thriving Scientology community in Johannesburg, South Africa, the central Church of Scientology of Africa (located in Kensington, Johannesburg) has opened a Scientology Life Improvement Centre – the largest of its kind in the world – in the heart of Johannesburg, near Witwatersrand University.   Designed specifically to cater to those new to Scientology, and to provide solutions to immediately help anyone with any area of their life needful of improvement, the Scientology Information Centre of Johannesburg is uniquely equipped to provide a boost to the student-centric population of the Braamfontein neighborhood. 

Announced to the Scientology Community by Mr. David Miscavige during the events of this summer that celebrated the openings of Scientology organizations around the world, this building was the ninth major Scientology center to be opened in the past year, with at least six more to occur before this year is out.

One thousand Scientologists, university students and community and government leaders gather to celebrate the opening of the new Scientology Life Improvement Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa on March 26, 2010.  

Among those distinguished speakers at the Grand Opening was Ms. Phumzile Zuma, daughter of South African President Jacob Zuma and a Wits student.  Ms. Zuma spoke of the common-sense moral code, The Way to Happiness, and how much this book can help students, the community and the world.

“Imagine a world where everyone is clear as to exactly what is wrong and what is right. Imagine a world where you can achieve your goals and purposes while being at peace with yourself and those around you. Well, fellow South Africans and students, I have come to realize we can achieve that with the tools this new Scientology Life Improvement Centre is bringing into our neighborhood.”  – Ms. Phumzile Zuma

 

Following the ribbon cutting which opened the new Scientology Life Improvement Centre in Johannesburg, attendees toured the Centre’s interactive displays presenting Dianetics and Scientology principles and their application to life.

Those visiting the new Scientology Life Improvement Centre in Johannesburg take self-guided tours of multimedia displays presenting Dianetics and Scientology principles, the life and legacy of Founder L. Ron Hubbard and Church of Scientology’s global humanitarian and social betterment programs.

The Materials Guide Chart in the new Scientology Life Improvement Centre provides a chronological guide to the books and lectures of Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard.

You can contact the Johannesburg information center here, or call (011) 607-2100.

New HQ for Scientology in Port Elizabeth, South Africa

The Church of Scientology of Port Elizabeth has completed the purchase of one of the city’s historic landmarks—the United Building on the corner of St Mary’s Terrace and Govan Mbeki Avenue. It will contribute to the area not only by way of the planned restoration and renovation project but also through increased community activities that will now be possible.

The United Building on the corner of St Mary’s Terrace and Govan Mbeki Avenue in Port Elizabeth will be the new regional headquarters for the Scientology religion.

The building will be the regional headquarters for the religion.

This announcement comes on the heals of a recent milestone for Scientology in South Africa: the Commissioner of Revenue recognized the church as a public benefit organization and granted it tax-exemption.

The church has also recently acquired new property in Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town.

Artist’s renderings are of the exterior of the building, once renovations are completed.

“We see our investment in Nelson Mandela Bay as a contribution to the uplifting of the area,” said Paul Sondergaard, public affairs director for the religion in South Africa. Sondergaard went on to say that the Church will restore the property to its former glory to add to the heritage of Port Elizabeth. He emphasized that the new building will make it possible to greatly expand the church’s anti-drug and human rights campaigns and provide more assistance to the region through its Scientology Volunteer Ministers—an international help and disaster relief program with a membership of over 100,000 worldwide.

“L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of the Scientology religion, once wrote, ‘From Southern Africa will spring the next great civilization,’” said Sondergaard, “The Church of Scientology of Port Elizabeth is working with other committed members of our community to bring this about.”

Scientology in Africa: Kyalami Castle now belongs to the Church of Scientology

Kyalami Castle now belongs to the Church of Scientology.

“For all African Scientologists, this is a dream finally come true,” said Paul Sondergaard, national Director of the Public Affairs Office. “It means a lot to the future expansion of the Church in Africa.”

The 64,000 square foot castle on 22 acres of land will be providing religious services to people from throughout the Continent. It is the latest acquisition in a long series of 66 buildings the Church has purchased internationally over the past 5 years to accommodate the Church’s expansion.

“But the Kyalami Castle is the best yet,” says Sondergaard, “and a fitting tribute to the 50th anniversary of the Church in Southern Africa.”

Other buildings have been purchased in South Africa over the past year including for the the seven-story St. Georges Center in the heart of Cape Town City for the Church of Scientology of Cape Town, buildings in Morningside for the Church of Scientology of Durban, a new home for the Church of Scientology of Pretoria on Church Street in that city, and a stunning building on the recently renovated Goven Mbeki Avenue for the Church of Scientology of Port Elizabeth. In Johannesburg, the Church has become a prominent feature in the Kensington, Bedforview area, having taken over the old Kensington Golf Club house, which it subsequently expanded and fully renovated.

For those who have questions about the Church, a new video channel has been launched on its official website (www.Scientology.org). The Scientology Video Channel provides a comprehensive overview of the basic beliefs and practices of the religion while answering the question “What is Scientology?” and provides information on the many humanitarian programs sponsored by the Church—programs addressing drug abuse, illiteracy, human rights and disaster relief.

L. Ron Hubbard, founder of the Scientology religion, once wrote: “From Southern Africa will spring the next great civilization on this planet….” and African Scientologists feel the acquisition of this new Advanced Organization is a significant step in the accomplishment of this dream.

The Church of Scientology was first established in the United States in 1954, and the first African Church opened in Johannesburg in 1957.

[cited from ScientologyToday]