I recently had the task of accompanying a foreign visitor to the “Old” cemetery in Mbombela to pay our respects to dear departed family.
The Muslim cemetery, which was recently desecrated by body snatchers, was neat and tidy with secure gates and fences. It is maintained by the Nelspruit Muslim Burial Service. Having paid our respects, we decided to visit the other part of the cemetery too. Our sadness turned to shock and, dare I say, utter sadness at the sight before us.
The cemetery had been forgotten. It was desolate and strewn with trash. The place has become a toilet, the scene for illicit sex, a campsite for the homeless and a hideaway for illegal business dealings.
It showed total disrespect for the departed and their final resting place. What have we become that we have forgotten the dead? Have we lost our humanity? Is this how we will be remembered and dumped when we leave this world?
This has been one of the saddest things I have witnessed living in Mbombela. Let us unite and show compassion and respect for our loved ones who are no longer with us. It is time for action, self-respect and honour for our loved ones.
