For the first time in Zimbabwe’s history, the public is being invited inside a sacred space that will soon close its doors to all but the most spiritually prepared.

Tucked into Harare’s Highlands suburb, , the newly completed Harare Zimbabwe Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has opened its doors for public tours ahead of its dedication in March. For a limited time, Zimbabweans of all faiths can walk through a building that will soon become one of the most private and revered places of worship in the country.

“Loyalty to God at all times is essential,” said Elder Vaiangina Sikahema in an interview with Zim Now, reflecting on the spiritual meaning of the temple and the discipline required of those who worship within it.

His message framed a rare media tour of the temple held earlier this week, offering journalists and visitors a glimpse into a sacred world that is normally closed to outsiders.

Once dedicated on March 1, 2026, the temple will no longer be open to the general public. Access will be reserved exclusively for Church members who meet strict spiritual qualifications, in keeping with the inscription engraved on its walls: Holiness to the Lord, the House of the Lord.

For now, however, Zimbabweans are being given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to step inside.

This is the first temple built by the Church in Zimbabwe, a development long awaited by its growing community of believers. For decades, Zimbabwean members were required to travel to Johannesburg, South Africa, to participate in sacred temple ordinances.

The Harare Temple now brings those spiritual experiences closer to home for the Church’s approximately 50,000 members across the country.

When the temple was announced in 2016 by then Church President Thomas S. Monson, only 150 temples were operating worldwide. Nearly a decade later, the Church’s global presence has expanded rapidly, with 383 temples now dedicated, under construction, or announced around the world.

During the tour, visitors are guided through the temple’s baptistry, where baptisms are performed by immersion, including on behalf of deceased ancestors. The practice reflects the Church’s belief in eternal families and resonates strongly with African traditions that honour ancestry and the enduring bond between the living and the departed.

The interior design carries subtle Zimbabwean identity. Mats and décor feature patterns inspired by the flame lily, the national flower, and the purple jacaranda, symbols of life, renewal, and spiritual growth.

For many visitors, the experience is emotional.

During the media tour, one Church member, a young woman named Alison, shared how her faith had reshaped her life.

“I can have a family even in the next life,” she said. “I found light through the Church.” Beyond worship, the temple complex includes accommodation for members travelling long distances or from neighbouring countries. It is designed to support families, including those with children, and to serve as a spiritual retreat for worshippers.

The Church also runs women’s organisations focused on empowering women and girls through moral guidance, education, leadership development, and employment readiness programmes.

For Elder Sikahema, the temple stands as a symbol of faith, sacrifice and commitment.

“This is not just a building,” he said. “It is a house of God.”