The City of Cape Town says no fixed completion date has been set as it continues to scrutinise the winning bid for the Good Hope Centre to ensure it meets strict legal, financial and heritage requirements, with the process currently underway due to its complexity.
The auction of the landmark Good Hope Centre took place on Thursday 26 February, with the Claremart Group, appointed by the City of Cape Town, securing a sale of R135 million.
The public auction featured over 50 City-owned properties for sale and leasing.
A day later (27 February), The SPIRIT Revelation Ecclesia, also known as New World Faith Ministries church, based in Maitland, claimed to have purchased the Good Hope Centre.
James Vos, Mayco member for economic growth, said only bids that “successfully conclude the post-auction audit and due diligence process” will be presented to the Immovable Property Adjudication Committee (IPAC).
Council Approval
“Thereafter, recommendations may be submitted to City Council for final approval, where applicable. These timelines depend on the completion and outcomes of the due diligence process,” said Vos.
Vos explained that the post-auction review process involves assessing several factors before a final decision is taken on whether the sale will proceed.
When asked whether additional public participation would take place before the sale is formally approved, Vos said the process had already been completed, as the applicable legislative framework requires public participation before Council grants in-principle approval to dispose of municipal property.
“No further public participation is required before the sale is formally approved or finalised, provided that all applicable statutory, policy and contractual requirements continue to be met,” he explained.
Funding Plan
The church last month issued a statement clarifying the purchase amount for the building.
“It is important to emphasise that neither Pastor John Anosike nor the ministry possesses the full sum of cash of R135 million to settle the bidding amount upfront. Our intention from the beginning has always been to utilise the banking loan system to finance this acquisition, as is common practice in large property or venue purchases.”
The church further stated that the plan has been to work through legitimate financial institutions to structure the payment “responsibly and transparently” over time, rather than relying on immediate cash reserves.
“Pastor John, as an individual, has also contributed significantly toward this endeavour, demonstrating personal commitment and responsibility in seeing the vision come to fruition. In addition to his contribution, several others have also come forward to support the initiative.
“These individuals generously donated out of their own free will after the announcement was made that the bid for the venue had been successful and that the opportunity had been secured,” read the statement.
People’s Post has contacted the church but has not yet received a response.
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