It seems the City of Ekurhuleni does not take responsibility for the sad state of the old cemetery on West Street in Kempton Park central business district.
With Kempton Express’ visit on July 28, the cemetery was not only dirty but many of the graves were badly neglected or damaged.
This cemetery holds significant historical value for Kempton Park. It was established in 1931 and accommodates 611 adult and 196 children’s graves.
Ward councillor Simon Lapping, who accompanied Express, said those buried in the cemetery were the forefathers of Kempton Park.
“Among them are members of the Marais and Smit families, whose graves go back to the 1930s.”
“It is quite evident that the metro has absolutely no desire to maintain this cemetery in any manner whatsoever. The cemetery is littered with filth and rubbish, sinkholes are forming on certain graves and illegal dumping is taking place,” said Lapping.
He also remarked that many headstones had been damaged and some graves were used as toilets. The fence was non-existent with no staff present to monitor the cemetery.
“The entire cemetery shows neglect and no maintenance at all.”
Responding to the sad state of affairs, spokesperson for the metro Themba Gadebe said: “There is a problem of vandalism in the area and homeless persons who take refuge in the cemetery, leading to uncleanliness.”
Gadebe last week said the cemetery was cleaned a month ago.
However, the question does remain as to why the graves are caving in without anything being done. “The metro will continue with maintenance of the cemetery,” said Gadebe.
The metro also took note of the broken fence and said it would be repaired.
“The metro police do inspections at the cemetery to remove homeless persons whenever they settle there. Maintenance should commence in November,” said Gadebe.
Lapping said: “Cemeteries are meant to be a place of dignity and remembrance for people’s loved ones.”
