Get to know Westpark Cemetery
A look back at how Westpark Cemetery started, and who it has held within its walls through its many years of service to the community.
When the Geldenhuys brothers purchased Waterval Farm in 1887, they did so with the hopes they would find gold. This wasn’t to be, so, in 1942, part of the farm would be sold to the council, later becoming the City of Johannesburg, to be opened as Westpark Cemetery.
Based on a research paper put together by Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), the first burial at the cemetery took place on February 10, 1942.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission website says the cemetery contains 617 Commonwealth burials from World War II. There are also 21 war graves of other nationalities and seven non-war burials in the commission’s care. It’s cremation memorial commemorates 69 servicemen and women who were cremated in Braamfontein Cemetery in Johannesburg during World War II.
Also read: Heartbreak as ash walls desecrated again in Braamfontein Cemetery
It has mausoleums, memorial walls, and memorial gardens, as well as avenues that turn purple in the spring thanks to the large jacaranda trees. It is also said to house Johannesburg’s largest Jewish burial section.
Friends of Johannesburg Cemeteries founder Sarah Welham explained the cemetery is divided into religious sections those being: Muslim and Roman Catholic nuns and priests. There is also a section for Polish, Belgian, Greek, and Chinese communities, as well as stillborn deaths and the police and military. The Salvation Army and the Westdene bus disaster also have a sections. These are just a few of the many sections the cemetery holds.
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Related article: JCPZ launches campaign to combat cemetery vandalism and disrespect.
