Heatherly cemetery headstone saga continues
Families are unhappy because they cannot erect headstones because Tshwane metro has failed to appoint a contractor to pour concrete slabs.
The issue of erecting head tombstones at Heatherly cemetery in Nellmapius is still a burning issue.
EFF members in Region 5 conducted a site inspection at the cemetery and found rubbish all over and overgrown grass covering graves. The offices on the premises were closed and there was no security guard in sight.
Party Sub Region 5 leader Bongani “King” Ramontja said the inspection came after residents who are not allowed to erect head tombstones at the cemetery complained.
“We are calling on Tshwane metro to clean the graveyard and appoint a contractor to pour berm strips (concrete slab lines) on which the headstones are to be erected.
We have received lots of complaints from the community members that graveyards are not clean.”
Ramontja said family members also complained they have been barred from erecting head tombstones on the graves of their loved-ones for the past three years because the metro had failed to appoint a contractor to pour the strips.
Some families said they had been prevented by the guards from pouring their own, and threatened with the seizure of their tombstones.
“How long should we wait for Tshwane to pour the concrete slab lines?
“Heatherly cemetery has been neglected by the Tshwane DA-led municipality, which is just unacceptable,” Ramontja said.
“Families who come to pay their respects to their loved ones deserve a clean and well-maintained space.
The overgrown grass not only looks unkempt but also provides cover for thieves to lurk and rob families who visit the graves of their property,” he said.
The Kolobe family in Mamelodi East Section SNS saved for months to erect and unveil tombstones on the graves of three departed loved ones.
Another victim, Johanna Makgatla said her family planned to unveil the headstones for two of her late brothers and mother in October 2022.
She said two tombstones have already been made.
“We were told they would confiscate them and fine us if we put them up,” said Johanna.
She said the family were unable to postpone the unveiling because the invitations had already been sent out.
“The headstone is paid for and ready to be erected, but we have been prevented by the metro with its empty promises since 2022,” she said.
Ramontja said: “We are calling on Tshwane to speed up the process and appoint the new contractor so families can have peace of mind and erect headstones for their loved ones.”
Tshwane metro spokesperson, Lindela Mashigo, said the grass cutting has commenced as of 21 February 2024.
He said the Tender Regional Operation Coordination 08 22/23 for the construction of concrete berm strips at various cemeteries in the city was finalized in August 2023.
“Funds have been allocated to the region through the adjustment budget; it is only a matter of time then the process will be finalized,” said Mashigo.
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