PHALABORWA – The Phalabora Liberation Stalwarts (PLS) embarked on a community clean-up campaign aimed at restoring dignity to the old Namakgale graveyard and addressing concerns over illegal dumping and overgrown vegetation at the site.

The non-profit organisation, which was established two years ago, carried out the clean-up campaign on Saturday, September 5, and Sunday, September 6.

A mission bigger than one graveyard

According to the organisation’s secretary, Sammy Modiselle, the initiative forms part of its broader mission to contribute to community development and the improvement of infrastructure across Phalaborwa.

Modiselle stated that the organisation had identified the deteriorating condition of the old Namakgale graveyard as an issue requiring urgent attention.

“The graveyard had increasingly become a dumping site, while the pathway leading to it had become overgrown, making it difficult for residents to access the cemetery,” he said.

A safer place to grieve

The organisation also raised concerns about safety at the site, saying the neglected condition of the graveyard had created an environment that could compromise the safety and dignity of people visiting the graves of their loved ones.

“The whole idea was to restore pride and dignity to the families of the bereaved, as well as to the wider community,” said Modiselle

Community pulls together to help

He also highlighted that the campaign was made possible through support from several local businesses and organisations, including Nomcebo Developers, Two Mountains, Wisani Burial Society, Palamine Meat and Vegetable, SJ Projects, Noyongo Developers and John Rendy Projects, which assisted with bush clearing and grass cutting.

More projects on the horizon

The Phalabora Liberation Stalwarts said its work extends beyond the Namakgale graveyard, with its broader focus covering infrastructure development, parks, roads, schools, recreational facilities and community-based activities across Phalaborwa.