The clean-up operation at Braamfontein Cemetery is continuing following the destructive storm of February 2, with Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) confirming that progress has been made in clearing fallen trees and debris.

However, large sections of the historic site remain affected, and full restoration is still not complete.

What was once a place of quiet remembrance has, in parts, been transformed into a scene of fallen gum trees, broken branches and blocked pathways. While officials said work is ongoing, frustration is growing among those who monitor the cemetery’s condition.

Read more: Storm-hit Braamfontein Cemetery still cluttered as clean-up teams push toward May deadline

At the centre of this frustration is Friends of Johannesburg Cemeteries member Sarah Welham, who raised concerns about the pace and thoroughness of the clean-up operation. Welham said repeated assurances from JCPZ have not matched what is visible on the ground, describing the situation as unacceptable given the time that has passed since the storm.

“Because the storm caused such havoc at the cemetery four months ago, the progress has been abysmal. On every occasion when we have had a reply from City Parks, they have said they are on to it, and it will only take a week to complete the task. We are still waiting to get into the area to assess the damage to the headstones.

“The large gum tree that fell is still lying where it fell, and apart from a few sections on the north side, which have been cut but not removed, there has been no attempt to remove the trunk. As for the branches lying on the ground, the piles may be getting smaller, but it is difficult to tell because there are so many still there. In my estimation, a big vehicle with a grab hook and a team of workers would be able to remove all the piles of branches lying around in just a day.”

Welham further warned that the remaining damage poses ongoing safety risks to visitors and historic graves. “A whole gum tree trunk needs to be cut up and removed. Piles of branches need to be removed. Some trees were damaged high up in their crowns so that big branches are hanging precariously. Should there be a strong wind, these branches could fall and kill anyone visiting their family graves. Also, the chance of 125-year-old headstones being wiped out is really awful to contemplate.”

Also read: Braamfontein Cemetery clean-up operations continue, but some feel they lack strategy

For now, sections of Braamfontein Cemetery remain in a state of partial recovery, with the gap between official assurances and conditions on the ground continuing to fuel concern among those watching the site closely.

JCPZ spokesperson Jenny Moodley said that teams of Region A will be deployed to clear the cemetery; however, with so many clean-up operations in the inner city, they have experienced some delays.

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