Brixton Cemetery is in a disgusting state, characterised by stolen fences, stripped and broken-down buildings, and grounds littered with extreme filth.

“Visitors report seeing human excrement, used needles, broken glass, condoms, and general rubbish, creating a significant health hazard,” Antoinette Morgan, of Friends of the Johannesburg Cemeteries, stated. “The overall environment is unsafe for anyone visiting alone, transforming a place of peace into one of peril.”

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She highlighted that the core issues are a lack of security and access control. “With no proper fencing or gates, the cemetery is vulnerable to vandalism, drug dealing and use, and has become a shelter for homeless individuals. Security personnel are challenged by the size of the cemetery without proper perimeter control. This often leads to neglect going undetected and unreported. This neglect has led to damaged and toppled headstones, which also hampers historical and genealogical research.”

The surrounding community sometimes contributes to the problem by treating the perimeter as a dump, said Morgan. “Displaced individuals are living in the cemetery, and residents are dumping rubbish and rubble with impunity.”

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She noted the following must happen:

• Install secure perimeter fencing all around,
• Accommodate or move the displaced individuals elsewhere,
• Employ proactive security personnel who conduct regular patrols, are better armed, and have direct communication, like walkie-talkies, with their HQ. They could, possibly, comply reports, that can be handed to Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) to use in their efforts to clean and maintain the cemetery,
• Upgrade, refurbish, and paint the existing entrances, which are currently awkward and dangerous,
• Install more lighting throughout the cemetery,
• Clean up all rubbish and thin out overgrown trees where illegal activities occur, and
• Install proper signage and plant flowerbeds to improve the environment.

The cemetery should be treated like a park, Morgan said, a pleasant, safe place for people to visit or walk through. We also need to involve NGOs, to help with the drug user issue. Potentially, the surrounding Community Policing Forums, and other community groups, could help with righting fallen headstones, and assist with cleaning up the cemetery.

She wishes for a successful transformation, similar to the one that took place at Braamfontein Cemetery, which was revamped into a peaceful and beautiful garden. “I want the Brixton Cemetery to be saved, restored, and brought back to life for everyone.”

Questions were sent to JMPD and City Parks for comment, and the article will be updated once their responses are received.

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