“New African Century” Heralded at Opening of New Home for Church of Scientology

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 then 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

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.

Ward Councilwoman for Kensington Carol Milner spoke of her delight when she heard the Church of Scientology was moving to her district. Having already worked with church members on their Drug-Free Marshals anti-drug program, she told the audience, “I was very impressed by their simple, effective and relentless drive to bring about change by preventing drug use and dealing, through education and peer pressure.”

Dr. Ben Ngubane (gesturing), South Africa’s Minister of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology, with Church of Scientology International President Heber C. Jentzsch.

Taken by the aesthetics of the new church’s new home, she said, “If one is best known and judged by actions, then I can safely say that your neighbors and this district as a whole are lucky to have you.”

Johannesburg Area Police Commissioner Oswald Reddy, a 20-year veteran and leader of South African law enforcement, followed with a recounting of his first contact with Scientologists. At his first meeting with a group of Church members, they told him of a simple procedure called a “Touch Assist” that could help alleviate the stress virtually every police officer goes through.

Wanting firsthand experience, he requested and received his first touch assist. “I switched off my cell phone, something I probably haven’t done since I bought it,” he explained. “I told my staff to hold all calls and they nearly fainted. Ten minutes later I felt relaxed.”

The Commissioner soon notified all Station Commissioners in Joburg of the techniques in The Scientology Handbook, urging them to avail themselves of assists to enjoy the same relief from stress he had experienced.

He then recognized Criminon, a program used inside prisons, based on L. Ron Hubbard’s discoveries in the field of criminal reform. Said Reddy, “...one of the policeman’s greatest frustrations is to capture a criminal, ensure that he goes to jail and in a very short time he is back on the streets, an even more hardened criminal than before.”

Compare this with the dramatic effects Criminon is having on South Africa, he told his audience: “Not one of the prisoners who have done the Criminon program has since returned to prison.”