The City of Ekurhuleni’s cemeteries are fast approaching full capacity for new burials.
Only 30 per cent of the vacant burial space remains across the City, said Themba Gadebe, spokesperson for the City.
Phumlani Cemetery in Etwatwa was closed on February 29 due to non-availability of burial space for first interments. However, the cemetery remains ready for second, and in appropriate circumstances, third interments.
Residents are encouraged to consider other options to save burial space, such as second and third interments in accordance with the City’s Cemetery and Crematorium by-laws, said Gadebe.
The by-laws make provision for multiple interments in one grave on condition that an application has been made to the cemetery officer and written permission has been granted.
Families who have arranged reserved graves can still bury on those spaces only if they can produce proof of reserved graves to cemetery officials.
Nevertheless, the city has reserved a small portion of land at Phumlani Cemetery for the burial of indigents and paupers only.
