Grand Opening of the Church of Scientology Johannesburg

Mrs. Carol Milner Councilor Kensington Ward

Thank you so very much.

It is my pleasure to speak to you on behalf of the City Council of Johannesburg, and on behalf of the people of Kensington.

I have always believed that every citizen of our nation should take some responsibility for the community in which they live. This is probably why I became involved in civic matters myself. When I heard that the Church of Scientology was moving to this district, I was delighted, because I have seen what you do in the community.

This is an especially important time for such involvement. Law enforcement authorities tell us that South Africa has been perceived as a 'soft touch' in recent years. International drug cartels are meeting with sterner and sterner resistance and smarter police methods in many of their traditional markets. They are therefore flooding places like South Africa with their deadly trade.

The Church of Scientology was one of the very first groups to raise up their hands and work at the forefront of the fight against an evil that destroys our communities. Just a few months ago, you staged a rally of the Drug Free Marshals in the city. 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.

The international scope of the Church's work on many social fronts has been enormous. Any organization that has achieved even a fraction of what Scientology has created in the realm of social betterment is to be highly commended.

Another reason for my pleasure in hearing of your purchase of the old Golf Clubhouse, built in 1919, was a sense that it was in very good hands. I expected that the Church would respect the character and ambience of the building. I was not disappointed. In fact it was with a slight sense of disbelief that I saw for the first time what has been achieved here.

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. So let me welcome you all and wish you all success in making your aims a reality in this city.