New precast wall installed at Mooifontein Cemetery

The City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) has yielded to pressure from the DA in Gauteng by installing a precast wall at Mooifontein Cemetery.

This move aims to enhance the safety and integrity of the site for visitors while preserving the dignity of those laid to rest.

The DA’s intervention followed the circulation of a disturbing video last year showing individuals sleeping on tombstones at Mooifontein Cemetery.

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The footage sparked public outrage, raising concerns about the dignity of the burial site and the plight of homeless individuals using the cemetery for shelter.

Refiloe Nt’sekhe, the DA political head for Tembisa south, submitted questions to the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Jacob Mamabolo regarding the CoE’s expenditure on security for Mooifontein Cemetery.

The response from COGTA revealed the city paid the security company contracted to protect the cemetery R200 000 per month despite failing to prevent trespassing and vandalism.

“Local political representatives during Ekurhuleni council meetings also raised concerns about people sleeping in the cemetery.

“The pressure the DA exerted led the CoE to install a precast wall at the cemetery.

“While the erection of the wall is a significant victory, the city needs to do more to ensure a dignified experience for visitors, such as installing toilets for those who bury their loved ones.

“We will continue to push for the proper care of all government-managed cemeteries to ensure families have peace of mind, knowing their loved ones rest undisturbed,” said Nt’sekhe.

During the State of the City Address, The Thembisan questioned the executive mayor of Ekurhuleni, Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, about the state of Mooifontein Cemetery.

He acknowledged the ongoing vandalism and stressed the need for a permanent solution.

“The vandalism at Mooifontein Cemetery done by the Vusimuzi community is a serious issue.

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“Residents have destroyed the fencing to create a shortcut and have also begun illegal dumping in the area, which is unacceptable.

“Each time we replace the fencing, it gets broken again, which presents a challenge.

“Grey water is also affecting the cemetery, and despite paving the roads inside the site, we need a lasting solution.

“The first step is to develop housing opportunities for the affected community.

“We must get the Esselen Park housing project back on track instead of starting a new one. This will help us address the issue.

“We recognise the difficulty of relocating people; once one group moves, another takes their place, but we need a permanent solution to house the people of Vusimuzi.

“Only then can we restore and secure Mooifontein Cemetery without ongoing disruptions,” said Xhakaza.