Westpark Cemetery projected to reach capacity by May
As Johannesburg's population grows, Westpark Cemetery faces an impending capacity crisis, with JCPZ addressing this challenge, as well as what families can do to preserve their burial options.
As Johannesburg’s urban population continues to swell, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) is confronted with significant challenges in maintaining sufficient burial space for future generations.
Westpark Cemetery, a critical part of the community’s burial services since 1956, is projected to reach full capacity by May, prompting JCPZ officials to urge families and funeral homes to consider alternative interment options.
Ongoing maintenance and vigilance
In the wake of heavy rains, JCPZ remains vigilant about the condition of graves within Westpark Cemetery.
Spokesperson Jenny Moodley noted that inspections are regularly conducted to identify and address sunken graves. “When necessary, public communication is issued, urging families to visit the cemetery and to reinstate their loved ones’ graves,” she explained.
Moodley reported that many families have responded positively to these calls for action. To further assist, soil is made readily available for grave maintenance, ensuring that families can care for their loved ones properly.
In addition to grave maintenance, JCPZ has engaged a private contractor to mow the lawns monthly during the summer months. Most maintenance occurs during the rainy season, highlighting the city’s commitment to keeping the cemetery well-maintained.
Challenges in operations
Westpark Cemetery faces numerous operational challenges that complicate its ability to serve the community effectively:
• High traffic volumes: Increased security and operational management are necessary during weekends and peak burial periods, straining available resources.
• Disregard for cemetery by-laws: Unauthorized activities, such as littering and alcohol consumption during funeral gatherings, compromise the dignity of the space.
• Disrespectful behaviour: Instances of firearms discharge, and other inappropriate actions by visitors, has raised significant concerns among cemetery staff and management.
To tackle these challenges, park rangers are deployed throughout the cemetery, and a private security company, along with Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officers, are assigned on weekends to maintain order and deter potential transgressions.
Limited Burial Space: A growing concern
Currently, Westpark Cemetery has enough burial space for only a few more months, with it expected to reach capacity in May. However, with 39 of the city’s 42 cemeteries already at full capacity, JCPZ is proactively seeking additional burial options. Families still in need of first-time burial spaces will have their requests redirected to the three active cemeteries in the city, which currently have sufficient capacity for the next 30–40 years.
These include:
• Olifantsvlei Cemetery (Located in the far South of Johannesburg)
• Waterval Cemetery (Located in Midrand)
• Diepsloot Cemetery (Located in northern part of Johannesburg)
“We understand the deep emotional and cultural significance of burials for the families and communities we serve,” Moodley stated. “We are committed to providing support during this difficult time and respecting cultural practices to allow for appropriate and respectful burial options.”
To address the current scarcity of burial space, JCPZ is exploring additional land for new cemeteries within the City of Johannesburg. “We are committed to working with the city and relevant stakeholders to secure land that can help alleviate pressure on our existing cemeteries, and cater for future burial needs in the next four to five decades,” she added.
Encouraging alternative interment options
As Westpark Cemetery nears full capacity, JCPZ is encouraging residents to consider alternative interment options.
These measures include:
• Reopening existing graves: Families can choose to reopen graves to inter additional family members, which preserves valuable burial space and mitigates the costs associated with maintaining large tracts of dormant cemeteries.
• Cremation: While not embraced by all faiths, cremation is increasingly viewed as a sustainable and space-saving option, respected by many as an environmentally conscious choice.
• Mausoleums: Families may also consider installing above-ground mausoleums, allowing for multiple burials in one compact space.
These strategies aim to reduce future costs related to managing inactive cemeteries while ensuring families make informed decisions about their burial options.
Upcoming changes to cemetery by-laws
JCPZ is currently reviewing cemetery by-laws, which were enacted in the early 2000s. These by-laws require updates to address modern cemetery management needs, ensure compliance with legislated requirements, and clarify roles and responsibilities.
Moodley emphasised the importance of community engagement, stating: “The public is strongly encouraged to submit comments during the engagement process. Once public input is gathered, the by-laws will be revised as necessary and submitted to the council for approval before adoption.”
Among the multiple articles regarding Westpark Cemetery, the Northcliff Melville Times reported on some notable challenges it faced over the years:
• January 29, 2025: The heavy rainfall in recent weeks has also posed a problem for some graves. Graves at Westpark Cemetery with overgrown greenery.
• February 15, 2024: The Westpark Cemetery was overrun by hip-high long grass and shrubbery.
• July 27, 2024: JCPZ launches campaign to combat cemetery vandalism and disrespect.
• November 11, 2024: JCPZ urges families to visit loved ones’ graves.
• August 24, 2023: Stray bullets believed to come from Westpark Cemetery calls for action.
• April 17, 2023: Potholes fixed after questions sent to JRA about potholes near Westpark Cemetery.
• April 11, 2023: Families urged to consider second or third burials at cemeteries that have reached full capacity.
• April 10, 2023: JMPD needed at Westpark cemetery en masse to prevent potentially dangerous behaviour for mourners.
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