Primrose Cemetery’s deteriorating condition raises safety fears

Families visiting loved ones at Primrose Cemetery say they are increasingly worried about their safety as the cemetery deteriorates, with overgrown grass, damaged fencing, a vandalised office and a lack of dedicated staff contributing to concerns that the facility is being neglected.

Residents say the condition of the cemetery has also created an environment that is attracting displaced people and criminal elements, leaving some families afraid to visit the graves of their loved ones.

For grieving families, visiting a cemetery is an important part of remembering and honouring those who have passed away.

However, residents say the deteriorating conditions at Primrose Cemetery are making what should be a place of remembrance increasingly uncomfortable and frightening. Concerns include inadequate grass cutting, damaged fencing and the vandalised cemetery office, which remains unrepaired.

ALSO READ: Raw sewage overflow sparks outrage at Elsburg Cemetery

Ward councillor Wendy Morgan said this issue is long-standing and seems to have no on-site solution. Concerns have been raised repeatedly, and numerous emails have been sent requesting that the city attend to the cemetery’s upkeep.

“It has become a frustration for residents and those who have loved ones buried there. To constantly find the cemetery in such a state is disappointing,” said Morgan.

The City of Ekurhuleni confirmed that Primrose Cemetery received only one grass-cutting cycle, completed in December 2025, with some sections finished only on January 23, 2026. The city said it provided only one cycle because of budget constraints.
“The grass-cutting season normally starts in October,” city spokesperson Zweli Dlamini explained.

However, residents fear that the lack of regular maintenance is leaving the cemetery overgrown and neglected, making it easier for unwanted activity to take place on the premises.

Fencing is another concern. According to the city, no budget was allocated for fencing at Primrose Cemetery. Residents say damaged fencing is particularly concerning because it can leave the cemetery vulnerable to illegal access and contribute to perceptions that the facility is not being properly secured.

ALSO READ: Overgrown Primrose Cemetery sparks concern among Ward 36 residents

The cemetery office has also been vandalised and still needs repairs. The city said it had forwarded the matter to its EPMO (Enterprise Programme Management Office) to assess the damage during the 2025/26 financial year.

However, the available budget for the current financial year is insufficient to cover all the required work. The city said it would submit an additional budget request during the budget adjustment process.

Residents say the condition of the office is another sign of the challenges facing the cemetery and are calling for urgent intervention before the situation worsens.

Another challenge is the absence of personnel specifically allocated to Primrose Cemetery. The city confirmed staffing shortages but said it is advertising vacant positions and expects to fill them within the next three months.

“Additional HR support has already been engaged to assist with filling the remaining vacant posts,” said Dlamini.

Despite the challenges, the city confirmed it has placed Primrose Cemetery on a renovation list after assessing the facility.

For families, however, the concern is not only about future renovations but about whether they can safely visit the cemetery now.

Residents say they want the city to ensure that cemeteries are maintained, secure and dignified places where families can mourn without fearing for their safety.

ALSO READ: Ekurhuleni announces 2024/25 cemetery and crematorium fees

They are calling for better grass cutting, repaired fencing, restoration of the vandalised office, and adequate staffing to ensure Primrose Cemetery does not continue to deteriorate.