The City of Cape Town has commenced a thorough auditing process following the recent announcement that New World Faith Ministries, also known as Spirit Revelation Ecclesia, has acquired the iconic Good Hope Centre for R135 million, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The transaction has sparked celebrations among church leaders and congregants, with fervent messages of jubilation resonating on social media and during services over the weekend.
Pastor John Anosike, a prominent figure within the ministry, hailed the purchase as a pivotal moment for his church, signalling hope and new beginnings. However, not all is settled as the City has yet to confirm the validity of the bids received during the property auction held on 26 February 2026.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the City clarified that no bids have been accepted at this stage, as it must first conduct detailed vetting and due diligence in compliance with standard business practices.
The audit will assess the qualification status of bidders from various perspectives, including tax, ownership, risk, and financial compliance. It will also evaluate whether the bids align with Municipal Asset Transfer Regulation requirements, particularly focusing on ensuring that the achieved price corresponds to the valuation of the various auctioned sites.
In reference to the Good Hope Centre, the City has indicated that should a qualifying bid be established, it will undergo further scrutiny to confirm compliance with the Offer to Purchase and the Development Facilitation Agreement.
Additionally, the bidder’s development proposal will be rigorously reviewed to ensure it adheres to all heritage requirements and meets the mandated sale terms regarding site redevelopment and community accessibility.
Once the vetting process is complete, bids that successfully pass the audit will be presented to the Immovable Property Adjudication Committee (IPAC) and subsequently to the City Council for final approval as required.
The City reiterated that any final sale agreements would incorporate the audit’s outcomes and would require the Council’s endorsement.
This property transaction is part of the City’s broader strategy to release non-essential municipal assets for development opportunities in the private sector. By doing so, the City aims not only to alleviate the costs associated with maintaining underutilised properties but also to unlock economic potential in housing, commercial, and mixed-use sectors.
As articulated by the City, well-managed governance includes allowing public assets to stimulate local economies.
The anticipated developments promise to create jobs, generate ongoing revenue through rates, and contribute essential funding for infrastructure improvements, especially in underprivileged areas that need it most.
‘When development transpires, it catalyses long-term economic growth that ultimately benefits Cape Town’s residents,’ the City stated.
Church snaps up iconic Good Hope Centre in R135m deal
Cape Town’s well-known Good Hope Centre now has a new owner after Spirit Revelation Ecclesia, also known as New World Faith Ministries, confirmed it has secured the landmark property in a R135 million purchase, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The acquisition was celebrated by church leaders and members alike, with jubilant messages shared across social media platforms and echoed from the pulpit over the weekend. At the forefront of the celebrations was Pastor John Anosike, who described the transaction as a defining moment in his ministry.
Pastor Thelma Lewis, who heads a ministry within Spirit Revelation Ecclesia, marked the occasion with a triumphant message, calling February ‘a month of victory’ for the church. She wrote: ‘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.’
Speaking during Sunday’s sermon, Anosike reflected on the magnitude of the deal, telling congregants it was the biggest ‘leap of faith’ of his ministry career, a declaration that was met with applause and visible excitement inside the auditorium.
The Good Hope Centre, long recognised as a major events venue in the city, was sold via a municipal land disposal auction. The decision to sell drew objections from certain political parties and civil society groups, who argued the site could have been used to help address Cape Town’s housing challenges.
Despite the criticism, the church has framed the purchase in spiritual terms, saying the building will serve as a space for worship services, conferences and mass gatherings as the ministry expands its footprint in the city. Leaders have described the move as creating ‘social housing for the soul’, positioning the development as a new chapter in their outreach efforts.
Anosike leads Spirit Revelation Ecclesia alongside his wife, Pastor Ola Anosike, as the ministry prepares to transform the historic venue into its new base for large-scale religious events.
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Picture: @brettherron / X
