Zuurfontein Cemetery community group reflects on 2024
The group, started by Lorraine Porter in July 2022, has been working tirelessly to address overgrown grass, weeds and more at the facility.
The state of Zuurfontein Cemetery has been described as “sad” by members of the local community group, prompting them to initiate a clean-up project in 2024 due to its deteriorating condition.
The group, started by Lorraine Porter in July 2022, has been working tirelessly to address overgrown grass and weeds, which have made it difficult for visitors to access their loved ones’ graves.
The Kempton Express spoke to Joos Nel and Zetone Lopes, who represent the group members.
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“In the beginning, I cautiously joined by invitation. I saw such a need at the first meeting, so I volunteered equipment, time and donations towards workers and supplies for refreshments.
“Realising we couldn’t do it on our own, AfriForum came to assist,” said Nel.
“The cemetery was in such a poor state; I couldn’t access my family’s graves because the grass was so high. Even wearing Wellingtons didn’t help,” Nel added.
“As people came to visit their loved ones’ graves, we approached them, discussing visible improvements and offering help where needed,” he said.
Nel noted that they shared information through local groups and word of mouth, keeping the clean-up effort ongoing.
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Donations were received for workers, with private equipment such as lawnmowers, brush cutters, petrol and tools used.
Zetone Lopes highlighted the contributions of food, cold drinks, water, gazebos and further donations from those involved in the clean-up.
“It was amazing how help just came in and people stood together. AVBOB has also indicated they may assist with repairing some of the headstones,” said Lopes.
“I’m grateful to have them on board, especially Wessel, who has advanced first aid training in case of emergencies,” she added.
Joos and Ernest guided the project with their expertise, helping fit taps to stripped water outlets, replace dumped dustbins, and manage overgrown driveways and branches that had covered graves.
Sand was delivered to fill sunken graves, and plants, including Aloes, were planted at the back of the cemetery by volunteers.
Lopes thanked all community members, sponsors, and authorities involved in the Zuurfontein Cemetery clean-up.
Ernest Hoddinott from AfriForum Kempton Park stated that the group had been approached by the Zuurfontein Cemetery Community to assist with the clean-up.
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“We engaged with various parties, and after the first clean-up, we decided this was a sustainable project that AfriForum Kempton Park would continue to drive,” said Hoddinott.
“The biggest challenge was the cemetery’s poor state, no grass cutting or weeding had been done.
“However, through commitment, we’ve managed to cut the grass to an acceptable level and remove most of the weeds,” he added.
Hoddinott noted that the Zuurfontein community had been long-standing and transparent about all clean-up plans.
AfriForum used various communication channels to keep members informed.
“All resources were donations from the community, while AfriForum’s resources also came from our wider community,” he said.
The Zuurfontein community raised funds to install dustbins, repair water leaks, and install new taps to water plants brought by visitors.
From AfriForum’s perspective, the cemetery now allows people to walk unhindered, with no long grass or weeds.
“There are no words to describe how this impacted the community. Through simple acts like cutting the grass, we witnessed families enjoying precious moments at their loved ones’ graves, moments that no amount of money can buy,” said Hoddinott.
ALSO READ: Residents join hands for a clean-up at Zuurfontein Cemetery
Looking ahead, Hoddinott highlighted the potential for further improvements in the new year.
“It all began with the Zuurfontein Community and AfriForum, supported by countless volunteers and AVBOB. Our councillors Amanda and Tracey, along with SAPS, have also been engaged,” he said.
“We strive to support any community-driven initiative to improve the towns we live in. Zuurfontein Cemetery is an example of how we can all stand together and make a difference,” Hoddinott said.
