Cape Town – A Cape Town-based church led by Nigerian pastor John Anosike has claimed it purchased the city’s historic Good Hope Centre following a municipal auction, a move that has sparked debate about the future of the landmark venue.
Spirit Revelation Ecclesia, also known as New World Faith Ministries, confirmed that it had successfully acquired the Good Hope Centre for R135 million. Church leaders reportedly celebrated the acquisition on social media and during sermons, describing it as a significant milestone for the ministry.
Pastor Thelma Lewis, who leads a ministry within the church, announced the news in a celebratory message praising Anosike and the church community.
“Today has marked a day of victory for the church and Pastor John Anosike. The Good Hope Centre is a gate in Cape Town, and the church has taken their position at the gate of the city,” Lewis wrote in a social media post shared with congregants.
Anosike also addressed the congregation during a Sunday service, describing the purchase as the biggest “leap of faith” in his ministry career, a statement that was reportedly met with applause from members of the church.
The Good Hope Centre, a well-known events venue in Cape Town, was sold through the City of Cape Town’s municipal land disposal auction despite objections from political parties and civil society groups who argued the site could be used to help address housing shortages in the city.
The City of Cape Town has indicated that the sale is still subject to a verification process and that the municipality has not yet formally confirmed the final purchaser while bids undergo due diligence checks.
It said it has not yet verified any of the bids, adding that a thorough vetting and due diligence process will take place in the coming weeks before any transaction can be finalised.
The city explained that the process would evaluate bidders’ tax status, financial health, ownership structures and overall risk, while also ensuring compliance with municipal asset transfer regulations.
Regarding the Good Hope Centre, the city stressed that the matter was still in its early stages and had not yet been finalised.
“Regarding the Good Hope Centre in particular, should it be established that a qualifying bid has been received, this will be vetted in detail to ensure that the bidder complies fully with the requirements of the offer to purchase and the development facilitation agreement,” it said.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: Facebook/City of Cape Town
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
