Who are we
The Independent Order of True Templars (IOTT) is an organization based on open membership from different denominations. It is also good to acknowledge that “Prayer” is its motivational and experiential source for spiritual growth.
Church Ministers in the Cape introduced the Temperance Organization in South Africa to fight against wine, which was used as part of Colonialism – 19th Century. There was resistance from Black Kings in South Africa against the taking or consumption of wine viz King Cetshwayo of the Zulus and Sir Seretse Khama of Botswana, who were active members during Colonial Times – in fighting against the use of liquor.
John Fox Smith came from Britain to South Africa to introduce Independent Order of Good Templars (IOGT). Their team led to the formation of the Right Worthy Temple (RWT). The Right Worthy Temple was seen as an organ that would represent the national structure involved in policy formation.
Rev Henry Keyser and John Geard who were working among the indigenous people of South Africa, decided to open up branches based on the strengths of numbers of people in South Africa, separate from IOGT in 1875. Since most of the people were not that well educated, language difficulties posed a problem of communication. Today there are various languages predominantly used in the different jurisdictions of the IOTT.
IOTT would have an independent governing power based from Government, Church or Juristic Institution. The main objective of the Order was to do well instead of deriving any benefits. The Order would operate as a non-profit making organization. IOTT was supposed to be wide and inclusive and not narrow and exclusive.
The future and the success of the IOTT depend for the 21 millennium on the 24 Grand Temples and to a large extent to the Youth and Bands of Hope Departments in fighting the Monster posing as Drugs, Alcohol, HIV & Aids.
Our Vision
It is important to be explicit about taking a paradyme shift – What are the changes we want to do? Though the organization is an independent and empowering agency, it connects and fits well with the Government as a Church Jurisdiction on its own strength. Its standards are discussed, planned and implemented for improvement.
