Umhlali cemetery receives welcome facelift

The Umhlali cemetery is being returned to the proud resting place it once was, but could use the public’s help to complete the transformation.

Where littered alcohol bottles and human waste could be found everywhere less than 6 months ago, it is now a well-kept, peaceful place to visit those who have passed.

“The maintenance has really improved at the cemetery. KwaDukuza workers have made a significant effort and there is now a regular maintenance schedule in place,” said ward 22 councillor, Privi Makhan.

In closed cemeteries such as Umhlali where no new burials are accommodated, maintenance work focuses on trimming trees and bushes, along with grass cutting and fence repair.

“It is looking really good with all the weeds and organic waste now cleared up. The fence is still broken, but it is currently in the tender process which will hopefully see it fixed soon,” said Makhan.

The municipality is not responsible for the cleaning, upkeep or beautifying of gravestones, however.

This is solely the responsibility of family members or other interested parties such as civic groups. Many gravestones have cracked and lie broken next to the grave.

In the case of Umhlali, these graves house many of the North Coast’s most well-known families, including the Balcombs, Huletts and Townsends.

“There is a historic element to this cemetery and I think it is important that we keep the site and actual gravestones clean,” said Makhan.

To encourage the upkeep, Makhan is planning a day during which descendants of those buried and anyone else who would like to help can clean the gravestones en masse.

The date provisionally planned for is Saturday, May 7.

To find out more, contact Makhan directly at 073 664 1830.