Storm-hit Braamfontein Cemetery still cluttered as clean-up teams push toward May deadline
Despite visible progress, concerns remain over equipment shortages, limited staffing, and the risk of further damage as Johannesburg City Parks works to restore the historic cemetery.
The clean-up operation at Braamfontein Cemetery is continuing following severe storm damage, with Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) confirming that progress has been made, but significant work remains before full restoration is complete.
Friends of Johannesburg Cemeteries (FOJC) member Antoinette Morgan conducted a walkabout at the site to assess the condition of the cemetery and the ongoing recovery efforts. While acknowledging visible progress, she noted that large volumes of debris are still scattered across the grounds.
Read more: Braamfontein Cemetery clean-up operations continue, but some feel they lack strategy
Concerns were also raised about the practicality of removing the debris, with some locations reportedly difficult for heavy machinery to access despite nearby road space. She further warned that the removal process itself carries the risk of additional damage to grave sites, with at least two graves already identified as having been damaged since clean-up operations began.
FOJC also questioned operational capacity on site, noting that a City Parks official indicated that the truck required for debris removal is currently out of order. Morgan further raised concerns about JCPZ staff and whether the same small team is being used for multiple maintenance tasks, including grass cutting and debris removal. FOJC inquired about timelines, particularly following an earlier indication that work would be completed by the end of March.
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In response, JCPZ spokesperson Jenny Moodley confirmed that the clean-up remains ongoing and is progressing. She said the remaining work includes further cutting of fallen trees and continued removal of debris from the cemetery.
Moodley stated that if operations proceed as planned, full completion is expected by May 7. She added that larger tree debris is currently being cut into smaller, manageable sections to assist with removal and loading onto a grab truck.
She confirmed that one team of five workers is currently assigned to the site, with operations overseen by a head gardener in coordination with an on-site supervisor. Moodley reiterated JCPZ’s commitment to restoring Braamfontein and Brixton cemeteries.
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