Braamfontein Cemetery has suffered extensive storm damage, with large trees uprooted and heavy branches blocking key access routes, according to Friends of Johannesburg Cemeteries’ Antoinette Morgan.

The damage was first noticed on the early morning of February 2, during a visit to the site. After inspecting work being carried out at Brixton Cemetery, Morgan, along with Sarah Welham, decided to enter Braamfontein Cemetery through the Enoch Sotonga gate entrance, only to find the gates closed and branches scattered across the area.

They then approached the cemetery via Braamfontein, entering through the Graf Street gate and proceeding to the western section where further work was planned.

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It was there that the full extent of the damage became visible. “The scene was horrendous,” Morgan said. She described trees uprooted and snapped like matchsticks across large parts of the western section.

City Parks was immediately notified of the situation, with officials urged to dispatch teams to address what was described as severe storm damage. The worst-hit areas include the western corner near Smith Street and the end of the cemetery, where exits are no longer accessible.

Significant damage was also reported near the Enoch Sontonga gate, close to the Enoch Sontonga Memorial Park, where fallen trees obstructed roads and pathways.

The publication reached out to Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo for comment. Their response will be updated once it is received.

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