Johannesburg, Oct 5 (IANS): The largest mosque in the southern hemisphere, built at a cost of about $24 million, has opened to the public here in South Africa.

"We are honoured that members of the Turkey business community have chosen South Africa for this historic complex," Xinhua quoted South African President Jacob Zuma as saying at the opening ceremony.

The complex consists of a mosque, a non-profit clinic, a shopping mall and a school that would cater to about 800 students. The mosque can accommodate 6,000 worshipers.

It was built at a cost of 210 million rand (around $24 million).

The construction was funded by a prominent Turkish businessman who came to South Africa four years ago.

The South African president expressed belief that the complex will help create greater understanding and tolerance between diverse religions.

South Africa's tourism will also benefit from it, he said.

"It will further enhance economic and tourism development between South Africa and Turkey. It will build on the productive diplomatic relations between the two countries," Zuma said.

The clinic will be operational by mid-2013 and the shopping mall will open next month, official sources said.

The project manager, Orhan Telick, said the complex will be handed over to a South African charity once it is completed.