Johannesburg City Parks urges families to visit loved ones’ graves
As heavy rains threaten the integrity of graves, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo urges families to take action and visit their loved ones' resting places.
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), the custodians of the city’s cemeteries, are urging families to regularly visit the graves of their loved ones following reports of sunken graves at the Olifantsvlei Cemetery.
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Recent incidents have raised concerns that other cemeteries, including Avalon, Allandale, and Westpark, may also experience similar issues.
Azola Manjati, manager of cemeteries and crematoria at JCPZ, explained that grave subsidence occurred when the soil settled and air pockets were released over time. This process is exacerbated by heavy rainfall and soil erosion, leading to significant sinkage of graves. “Grave subsidence can result in sinking at the surface level between 10cm to 50cm,” Manjati noted.
He added JCPZ staff and contractors could only refill sunken graves with the permission of the families involved.
Families are reminded that the maintenance and enhancement of graves are their sole responsibility. Compliance with local by-laws is essential, and families are encouraged to take action to restore the dignity of their loved ones’ resting places.
Also read: JCPZ launches campaign to combat cemetery vandalism and disrespect.
“We urge families to heed the call to come forward and address the issue of sinking graves.” In light of these challenges, JCPZ is exploring solutions to prevent grave sinkage during the summer downpours. Additionally, alternative burial options are becoming increasingly popular in Johannesburg.
These include:
- Standard first burials: New graves allocated to the family of the deceased.
- Second interments: Allowing families to bury additional family members in the same grave.
- Reduction burials: Involving the exhumation of remains into a smaller coffin for reburial, maximising space.
- Cremation: Families receive the ashes of their loved ones and can choose how to honour their memory.
As the rainy season approaches, JCPZ continues to prioritise the maintenance of cemeteries and the well-being of families. By encouraging regular visits and proactive maintenance, they hope to mitigate the impact of grave sinkage and ensure that the resting places of loved ones remain dignified and respected.
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