Neglect and poor security raise alarm over Ekurhuleni cemeteries
Grieving families are demanding urgent action from the City of Ekurhuleni as local cemeteries fall into disrepair.
A heartbroken Karen Theron has spoken out about the appalling condition of a local cemetery, calling it a place of grief now marred by neglect and disrespect.
Karen visited her late mother’s grave on May 10, only to be met by what she described as a disgusting and alarming scene.
Karen was so overwhelmed by the state of the cemetery that she sat in her car and cried.
“It was so difficult to even get to my mother’s grave. A tree has been cut and just left there with its branches everywhere. They didn’t even bother to remove it. It’s as if they don’t care at all,” she said.
According to the complainant, once well-maintained and respectful, the cemetery has drastically deteriorated over the past few months. She expressed disbelief that, despite paying for a plot of land for her loved one’s final resting place, it has been left in such a deplorable condition.
Karen outlined that they had paid for that small piece of land. “This is where my loved one lies. It should be treated with dignity, but instead, it looks like a dumping ground.”
She is now pleading with the City of Ekurhuleni to take immediate action.
“This is not acceptable. This is our family, our history, our pain. Please, do your jobs. Stop blaming the rain or whatever other excuse you’ve got,” she urged.
On the other hand, Kromvlei Cemetery is another major headache for the community, as it is reportedly in a dreadful condition.
Another local resident has also raised concerns over the fact that only one person is stationed at the cemetery and is expected to perform all duties.
He believes this is wholly inadequate for such a sensitive and essential site. They have voiced that the cemetery, being the final resting place for their loved ones, deserves much better care, yet it is currently in a terrible state.
In a recent article by the Alberton Record, Zweli Dlamini, the spokesperson for the City of Ekurhuleni, acknowledged concerns about the condition of cemeteries across the region.
He claimed that cleaning operations had been delayed due to heavy rainfall, but no substantial clean-up effort has been carried out yet.
The Record has contacted Zweli Dlamini and Sizo Xaba, the Department of Parks manager, once more for comment on the matter. We will provide an update as soon as we receive a response.
