The Ehlanzeni Cemetery in Thembisa has fallen into a state of disrepair and danger, making it nearly impossible for grieving families to pay their respects.
Illegal dumping and hazardous electricity connections have turned the cemetery into a site of neglect and risk for both mourners and residents.
When The Thembisan visited the cemetery, located in the Ehlanzeni section, the grounds were littered with household waste, damaged fencing, and illegal electrical wiring.
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Loose overhead cables and wires buried just beneath the ground surface pose a danger, especially to children playing nearby and residents who use the cemetery as a walkway.
The Gcaba family, who had come to visit the grave of their late mother, left in tears after they were unable to locate the grave due to mounds of dumped soil and rubbish covering the tombstones.
“We are heartbroken. Our municipality is failing us,” said Busisiwe Gcaba.
“We are not able to find the grave, which means we go back without doing what we came here for.”
Further compounding the issue are illegal electricity connections crisscrossing the cemetery, with circuit breakers even attached to the fence.
Exposed and unsecured wires pose a lethal threat.
Ward 11 Clr Oriel Mathebula expressed deep concern over the lack of municipal oversight and the ongoing danger.
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“The illegal connection of electricity is a danger to the community, especially those who pass through.
“A person has already died because of these wires,” said Mathebula. “It’s heartbreaking to see people return home without honouring their loved ones.”
According to Mathebula, the City of Ekurhuleni and other officials previously visited the site, but no action was taken to address the issues.
The community continues to wait for a response and intervention.
“We are expecting the municipality to intervene. The waste and energy departments need to step in immediately.”
The Thembisan contacted CoE spokesperson Zweli Dlamini on March 26 and followed up again on April 30, enquiring about plans to restore the cemetery and remove dangerous wiring. At the time of going to print, no response had been received.
