Residents unite to restore dignity at Zuurfontein Cemetery

Residents of Kempton Park joined hands with AfriForum and local stakeholders to breathe new life into Zuurfontein Cemetery through an ongoing community clean-up initiative.

Supported by Avbob Kempton Park, the project aims to restore dignity to the 13 600 gravesites, which many say suffered from neglect.

The initiative began in July 2022, when resident Lorraine Porter gathered a small group of volunteers to tackle overgrown grass, weeds, and rubbish.

ALSO READ: Neglect and vandalism at Bredell Cemetery sparks outrage

Since then, the project has grown steadily, with up to 30 residents now lending a hand.

Volunteers have cleared overgrown vegetation, cut grass, pruned rose bushes, and revived flower beds, ensuring families can again access the graves of their loved ones.

AfriForum Kempton Park chairperson and neighbourhood watch leader Ernest Hoddinott praised the community’s dedication.
“Cleaning the cemetery is a lot of work.

“Unfortunately, they are in a state of disrepair, and if it were not for the community, they wouldn’t be where they are today. Especially in the rainy season, the grass grows so fast,” he said.

Hoddinott encouraged wider community participation.

“Everybody can help us. One person can pick up papers, another can cut grass, or someone else can prune trees. Small gestures make a big difference,” he said.

ALSO READ: Neglected Thembisa cemetery poses danger to grieving families

For Zetoné Lopes, who has had family buried at Zuurfontein since 1977, the initiative is deeply personal.
She credits Porter with sparking the revival effort.

“It is such a pleasure to see people working together. You get excited, meet new people, and realise that others actually care,” she said.

Beyond her time, Lopes also contributes resources.

“I bring meals for the volunteers. We feel it is good for the people working here. They feel appreciated when they have food or something to drink.”

She thanked local businesses, including Fasteners Galore and Tenacious CBD & Pets / Tena Café, for supporting the effort.
Other volunteers echoed the sense of purpose.

Maepa Johannes said collapsed graves and poor upkeep motivated him to join.

Matome Mabunda, a student, said he helps on weekends both to support the community and to earn an income.

ALSO READ: Bredell Cemetery in disrepair as residents plead for dignity

Residents are encouraged to join the Zuurfontein Community Facebook group or contact the organisers at 083 728 4090 to participate in restoring the cemetery.

Your involvement will make a visible difference. Volunteer today and be part of the positive change in Kempton Park.

As Lopes said, the cemetery’s revival is not the work of one group alone: “It is not just AfriForum, CPF or SAPS, it’s the whole community taking hands to restore dignity to this resting place.”