A significant and cherished landmark in Krugersdorp West is under threat. Following recent discussions with the Krugersdorp Heritage Association, it has come to light that plans are underway to demolish the old, unused Old Apostolic Church building located at 31 Windram Street.

In light of this news, it is essential to share the historical background of this unique structure and the church that built it in order to better understand its cultural and historical value to the community.

A Brief History of the Old Apostolic Church

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. 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 Chairman and spiritual leader of the church.

The Windram Street Building

According to long-time resident Mrs. Rachel Lindhout, who was born in Krugersdorp West in 1936, the church building at 31 Windram Street is among her earliest memories, dating back to 1939.

The building is a fine example of modest ecclesiastical architecture from the early 20th century. It features a single large hall, a stage, a small front porch, and boasts beautiful pressed steel ceilings and intricate woodwork — all of which add to its aesthetic and historical charm.

In the 1950s, the congregation split into two after purchasing the old Nederduits Hervormde Church located diagonally across the street. This was made possible after the Nederduits Hervormde community built a new church on Rustenburg Road, near what is now SalvageNet. Both buildings were used jointly until the early 2000s.

Later, the church bought two homes from Mr. Josef "Ore" Van Dyk, a retired local policeman, and demolished them along with the old Nederduits Hervormde building to make way for a new, larger brick church that could accommodate the reunited congregation.

After the merger, the original building at 31 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.

Community Response & Heritage Concerns

The Krugersdorp West community, supported by concerned citizens from surrounding areas, has launched a petition to express their deep concern over the potential loss of this beloved building.

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 (1) states that: "No person may alter or demolish any structure or part of a structure which is older than 60 years without a permit issued by the relevant provincial heritage resources authority. Section 34 (2) follows: "Within three months of the refusal of the provincial heritage resources authority to issue a permit, consideration must be given to the protection of the place concerned in terms of one of the formal designations provided for in Part 1 of this Chapter.”

Any demolition of such structures requires official approval and thorough consultation. At this point, discussions with relevant heritage bodies and stakeholders are ongoing.

How You Can Help

The Krugersdorp Heritage Association invites the public to get involved:

• Sign the petition to help protect this historic site.
• Share stories, photos, or personal memories related to the church building.
• Spread awareness within the community.
• Preserving the history of places like 31 Windram Street is not just about protecting bricks and mortar — it’s about honouring the legacy, culture, and shared memories of a community.

For more information or to get involved, please contact the Krugersdorp Heritage Association or Mr Jaco Mattheyse at Krugersdorp.Heritage.Association@gmail.com or 0847992438.