Vryheid’s neglected necropolis in ruins

A SOMBRE wind blows through Vryheid Cemetery, heavy with the air of neglect and disregard.

It whispers languidly through the unkempt grass and overgrown weeds that dance between the barely visible gravestones like ghostly apparitions paying tribute to the forgotten.

This sight is not new to Vryheid residents. The maintenance of the cemetery, or seeming lack thereof, has long been a bone of contention. The scourge of vandalism which has plagued the cemetery in recent times is restricted to isolated incidents. The apparent disregard for the upkeep of this sacred ground where the remains of the fallen are laid to rest, however, is not.

According to groundskeeper and caretaker, Bertie Slabbert, the current state of disarray at the cemetery stems from an ongoing shortage of staff and equipment.

“We do the best we can with what we have,” says Slabbert. “I have two workers, maybe four sometimes, but only two brushcutters to take care of Vryheid Cemetery as well as the other surrounding cemeteries.”

When questioned about the state of Vryheid Cemetery, AbaQulusi Municipality’s Media Liaison Officer, Arnold Ramodibe responded, “…It would appear that there is an issue of shortage of staff in that section, following the death of one staff member and the retirement of another. According to the cemetery supervisor, Mr Brian Masondo, the municipality is currently in a process of recruiting staff to fill in the vacant posts.”

While it was previously understood that Quantum Leap had been contracted to maintain the larger, grassier areas of the graveyard, according to Ramodibe, this is apparently not the case.

“In relation to Quantum Leap, it’s said that Quantum Leap is not responsible for the cemetery maintenance.” he concluded.

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Another article you might want to read: Vandals target cemetery again.