25-04-2025
Old Apostolic Church under threat
A significant and cherished landmark in Krugersdorp West is under threat.
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Following recent discussions with the Krugersdorp Heritage Association (KHA), it has come to light that plans are underway to demolish the unused Old Apostolic Church building located in Windram Street, Krugersdorp West.
This was confirmed by the public notice of its demolition, as seen below:
Co-founder of the KHA, Jaco Mattheyse, said that in light of this news, it is essential to share the historical background of this unique structure and the church that built it, to better understand its cultural and historical value to the community.
'The Old Apostolic Church has its roots in the Catholic Apostolic Church, which was formed in 1832 as a result of the Albury Movement. The church was established in South Africa by Carl George Klibbe, who was born on 24 December 1852 in Pomerania, near the Baltic Sea. Klibbe was a preacher in the Lutheran Church before encountering Apostolic teachings in Schladen, Germany, where he met Apostle Heinrich Niemeyer,' Jaco explained.
He added it was only after emigrating to Hatton Vale, Queensland, Australia, in 1886 that Klibbe and his family fully embraced this doctrine.
'They were sealed into the Apostolic faith by Niemeyer himself. By the time of Klibbe's passing on 22 May 1931, the Old Apostolic Church had grown to over a million followers. Before his death, he appointed Apostles Ernest Fredrick Wilhelm Ninow, Carl Fredrick Wilhelm Ninow, and William Campbell as his successors, with EFW Ninow taking over as the chairperson and spiritual leader of the church.'
Jaco confirmed with a long-time resident, who was born in Krugersdorp West in 1936, that the church building on Windram Street is among her earliest memories.
The building is a fine example of modest ecclesiastical architecture from the early 20th century.
'It features a single large hall, a stage, and a small front porch, and boasts beautiful pressed steel ceilings and intricate woodwork – all of which add to its aesthetic and historical charm,' he explained.
He added that in the 1950s, the congregation split into two after purchasing the old Dutch Reformed (Nederduitsch Hervormde) church located diagonally across the street. This was made possible after the Dutch Reformed community built a new church on Rustenburg Road, near what is now SalvageNet. Both buildings were used jointly until the early 2000s.
He continued, later, the church bought two homes from a retired local policeman, and demolished them along with the old Dutch Reformed building to make way for a new, larger brick church that could accommodate the reunited congregation.
'After the merger, the original building at Windram Street was rented out to another church for a few years before standing vacant. In 2023, the Old Apostolic Church sold the property to a developer, who now intends to redevelop the site into student accommodation,' he revealed.
Jaco explains that there are also legal and heritage-related concerns; buildings older than 60 years with historic or architectural significance fall under the protection of the National Heritage Resources Act of 1999.
Section 34 says no one is allowed to alter or demolish a building [or part of it] that is over 60 years old unless they get a permit from the provincial heritage authority.
'If the permit is denied, the authority must, within three months, consider giving the site formal heritage protection.'
The Krugersdorp West community, supported by concerned residents from surrounding areas, has since launched a petition to express their deep concern over the potential loss of this beloved building.
If any resident wants to sign this petition, contact Jaco via email at or call 084 799 2438.
'Preserving the history of places like this building is not just about protecting bricks and mortar – it's about honouring the legacy, culture, and shared memories of a community,' Jaco concluded.
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