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The city seeks public input on the cemetery by-laws

Fourways ward councillor encourages residents to participate in the critical review of cemetery by-laws. The comment period is open until February 7.

The City of Johannesburg has announced an important opportunity for residents to engage in the governance process by submitting written comments on the proposed amendments to the cemeteries and crematoria by-laws.

This initiative, following the lawful framework set out by the Rationalisation of Local Government Affairs Act 1998 and the Local Government Municipal Systems Act No 32 of 2000, aims to update regulations that dictate the management and use of the city’s burial sites.

The review comes in the wake of the original by-laws being published in the Extra-Ordinary Provincial Gazette on May 21, 2004. A variety of aspects regarding cemeteries and crematoria are on the table for reassessment.

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This includes requirements for the disposal of a body, application procedures for burial, reservation and management of graves, guidelines for the postponement or cancellation of burials, standards for sizes of graves and memorial work, and the role of funeral undertakers and associated penalties for non-compliance.

Councillor David Foley of Ward 94.

These proposed changes reflect the evolving needs and practices surrounding funerary services and cemetery management in response to community feedback and societal shifts.

Councillor Mark Van der Merwe, for Ward 115, and councillor David Foley, for Ward 94, are spearheading this public engagement effort.

“By-laws govern our city and can vary significantly from one municipality to another. Our regulations must reflect current realities and community needs, allowing for comprehensive participation in the governance process,” said Van der Merwe.

This comment period will remain open until the close of business on Friday, February 7, providing a generous window for the public and relevant organisations to express their views.

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All feedback will contribute to a collaborative approach in refining the proposed amendments before they are submitted to the City Council for a final vote.

Foley emphasised the importance of public participation, saying: “Residents must read and understand the by-law criteria being presented. Their voices matter, and their input can significantly shape the policies that govern our community.”

The councillors encourage community members to familiarise themselves with these regulations to actively participate in the review process.

Residents of Fourways and the broader Johannesburg area can access the details of all existing by-laws, including those related to cemeteries and crematoria, on the City of Johannesburg’s official website: https://joburg.org.za/documents_/By-Laws/Pages/By-Laws.aspx.

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