South Africa Durban Mission
The South Africa Durban Mission is one of 5 missions of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in South Africa, centered on Durban. Below you’ll find the mission office address, tips for letters and packages, weather, language and temples.
At a glance
- Organized1 July 1988 (originally the Mascarene Islands Mission)
- Mission leadersHoward and Chari Laguna began serving around July 2025, according to the Church Newsroom.
- LanguageMissionaries here usually teach in English, Zulu, Xhosa and Afrikaans; your call letter tells you your exact language.
- Nearest templeThe nearest operating temple is the Durban South Africa Temple, in the mission area.
- WeatherNear Durban, the warmest month is usually February (average high about 81°F / 27°C) and the coolest is July (average low about 55°F / 13°C), with roughly 967 mm of rain a year. The wettest months are January and February.
- The Church hereSouth Africa has about 78,689 Church members.
This is an unofficial family guide, not affiliated with the Church; always follow your call packet and the Missionary Portal.
Mission office
Address & phone
- Office address
- 2 Derby Downs Pl., Ste #4, Derby Downs Office Park, Westville, 3630, South Africa
- Phone
- +27 83-255-1263
Source: Official Church area website official as of October 8, 2026
We haven’t verified the mission’s email yet — use the contacts in your call packet or the Missionary Portal.
Mission leaders
Who leads the mission
Howard and Chari Laguna
Serving since July 2025 · new leaders expected July 2028
Source: Church Newsroom 2025 · as of October 8, 2026
Meet your mission leadersSee their photos on the official Church area site →Letters & packages
How to send letters & packages
Import duties and customs delays are common here. Many parents send small padded envelopes or use the pouch/letter options from the call packet; declare low values honestly and avoid sending valuables.
- Your missionary can email weekly on P-day (preparation day: their weekly day for errands, letters and rest); letters and packages are optional extras.
- Confirm the current mailing address with the mission office or the call packet before sending — offices move.
- Small, padded envelopes usually travel faster and cheaper than boxes; declare contents honestly and avoid restricted items.
Weather & climate
Seasons, rain & live weather
Profile: temperate · about 967 mm of rain a year · wettest months: Jan, Feb.
Monthly averages
| Avg high | Avg low | Rain | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 81°F / 27°C | 71°F / 22°C | 107 mm |
| Feb | 81°F / 27°C | 72°F / 22°C | 115 mm |
| Mar | 80°F / 27°C | 70°F / 21°C | 102 mm |
| Apr | 77°F / 25°C | 66°F / 19°C | 126 mm |
| May | 75°F / 24°C | 61°F / 16°C | 89 mm |
| Jun | 72°F / 22°C | 57°F / 14°C | 22 mm |
| Jul | 72°F / 22°C | 55°F / 13°C | 31 mm |
| Aug | 72°F / 22°C | 58°F / 14°C | 37 mm |
| Sep | 73°F / 23°C | 61°F / 16°C | 68 mm |
| Oct | 74°F / 23°C | 63°F / 17°C | 106 mm |
| Nov | 76°F / 25°C | 66°F / 19°C | 88 mm |
| Dec | 79°F / 26°C | 69°F / 21°C | 100 mm |
Monthly averages computed from Open-Meteo historical weather data (2016–2025, ERA5 reanalysis) for a ~1° grid cell near the mission city. Approximate; local altitude and coast effects vary.
Language
What you’ll speak
English, Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans
English uses the Latin alphabet; spelling is irregular, so listen a lot. Accents vary widely by region (US South, Caribbean, Scottish, Australian, Nigerian, etc.).
Assignments can include other languages; your call letter states your language.
Nearby temples
Closest temples & distances
- Durban South Africa Temple — Operating (16 February 2020) · in or near Durban
- Maputo Mozambique Temple — Announced (6 October 2024) · about 286 mi (460 km) from Durban
- Johannesburg South Africa Temple — Operating (24 August 1985) · about 309 mi (497 km) from Durban
The Church in South Africa
Members & congregations
- Official Languages
- Afrikaans
- Church Membership
- 78,689
- Congregations
- 197 (112 Wards, 85 Branches)
- Number of Missions
- 4
- Operating Temples
- 2
Newsroom Facts & Statistics · updated Fri Mar 06 2026
Practical
Time zone, currency, calling code
- Time zone
- Africa/Johannesburg
- Currency
- ZAR
- Country code
- +27
- U.S. travel advisory
- Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution as of 2026-10-08
- Organized
- 1 July 1988
Culture & food
Customs & local food
- Greet with a handshake; ask how people are before business.
- Follow mission safety guidance closely.
Foods: Braai, Bobotie, Pap and chakalaka, Bunny chow
Family groups
Connect with other families
- South Africa Durban Mission Alumni Group
- South Africa Durban Mission Facebook Group
- Durban Presidents Euvrard/Stevensen Group
As listed by latterdaymissions.com (unofficial). Groups may be private, renamed, or inactive.
Common questions
Quick answers
Who is the mission president of the South Africa Durban Mission?
The mission leaders are Howard and Chari Laguna, who began serving around July 2025, as announced by the Church Newsroom. Mission leaders usually serve about three years, so new leaders are expected around July 2028.
What is the South Africa Durban Mission office address?
An unofficial directory lists the office at 2 Derby Downs Pl., Ste #4, Derby Downs Office Park, Westville, 3630, South Africa. Offices move, so confirm the current mailing address in your call packet or with the mission office before sending anything.
How do I send a package to a missionary in the South Africa Durban Mission?
Import duties and customs delays are common here. Many parents send small padded envelopes or use the pouch/letter options from the call packet; declare low values honestly and avoid sending valuables. Confirm the current address with the mission office first.
What language do missionaries speak in the South Africa Durban Mission?
Most missionaries here serve in English, Zulu, Xhosa and Afrikaans. Your call letter states the language you will teach in.
What is the weather like in the South Africa Durban Mission?
Near Durban, the warmest month is usually February (average high about 81°F / 27°C) and the coolest is July (average low about 55°F / 13°C), with roughly 967 mm of rain a year. The wettest months are January and February. Use the packing list from your call packet as the final word.
What temples are near the South Africa Durban Mission?
Operating temples nearby include Durban South Africa Temple and Johannesburg South Africa Temple (about 497 km).
When was the South Africa Durban Mission organized?
The mission was organized on 1 July 1988. It was originally called the Mascarene Islands Mission.
Other missions in South Africa
Other missions nearby
Next steps
Official: Missionary Portal · Missionary resources