The Fairland Cemetery, and its surrounding pavements, have received a much-needed facelift, thanks to the dedication of local volunteers and the generosity of community partners.

For more than two years, The Community Cleaners have been maintaining the cemetery and pavements, ensuring the space remains cared for and welcoming. As part of these ongoing efforts, the group identified a large rock on Smith Street as the perfect spot for cemetery signage. Until now, there had been no official signboard marking the site, and the rock – highly visible to passing traffic – had been sprayed by graffiti.

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Last week, a donation from Zandree Lill, of Chas Everitt, set a new project in motion. Founder of Community Cleaners Andre Swanepoel stated that a truckload of rocks and succulents inspired the idea of turning the graffiti-scarred boulder into the centrepiece of a low-maintenance, waterwise rockery. “SCP stepped in to assist with transporting the rocks to the cemetery, while also filling the large water container, which has been crucial for nurturing eight indigenous trees, planted recently with the support of City Parks. Four trees now stand within the cemetery and four along its pavements.”

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The transformation of the new rockery was a hands-on effort. Community Cleaners volunteers Margerith Marais and Karen Swanepoel took the lead on the design – painting, laying out, and planting – working over several days to bring the project to life. “Fairland Cemetery has always been a quiet, hidden place, and many residents didn’t even realise it’s here,” said Swanepoel. “The rockery and sign change, they make the cemetery visible and respected, while also creating a welcoming entrance into Fairland.”

She added that local residents have already begun offering plant cuttings to add to the rockery, which will continue to be expanded and maintained over the coming months. What began as a simple plan to cover up graffiti has quickly grown into a community-driven project that highlights both the cemetery and the neighbourhood itself.

For many, the new sign and garden are more than just a visual improvement; they represent the power of collaboration and the pride residents take in their suburb.

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