Frustration mounts over lack of maintenance at Centurion cemetery

Residents of Centurion are increasingly frustrated with the condition of the local cemetery, which has been plagued by overgrown grass, illegal dumping, and a lack of maintenance.

Families who have buried their loved ones at the cemetery have expressed their dismay as the site becomes less welcoming and more concerning due to safety issues.

Resident Sarah Botha, whose mother is buried at the cemetery, said she feels uneasy whenever she is there.

“I feel scared to visit my mother’s grave. The tall grass makes it look abandoned.

“I’ve also heard stories about people being robbed there, and it’s terrifying to think that I could be a target while I’m just trying to mourn.”

Another resident, Thabo Nkosi, said it was heartbreaking to see the condition of the cemetery while his loved ones lay there.

“This is a sacred place for us, and seeing the cemetery in this state is scary,” he said.

“I want to honour my father’s memory, but it’s hard to do that in such a neglected environment.”

Meanwhile, an elderly widow, Jane Van der Merwe, highlighted the issue of accessibility.

She said she has had to bring her tools to clean her husband’s grave.

“It’s not just about the grass being high; it’s about being able to pay my respects properly.

“The lack of maintenance is truly disheartening.”

Ward 78 councillor Peter Sutton acknowledged the cemetery’s ongoing issues, noting that illegal dumping will complicate maintenance efforts.

“The illegal dumping of these huge rocks will make it hard when grass will be cut,” said Sutton.

“We have previously dealt with criminal activity here; criminals have been stealing parts of the fence and have vandalised the guard houses near the main gate.”

He added that some residents have even been afraid to come to the cemetery because of criminal activity.

Sutton also pointed out that the low brick fence posed a security risk for residents.

“The fence near the houses is not high, and criminals can easily jump [over] it to access their properties.”

Tshwane metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo confirmed that the city is aware of the cemetery’s condition and that it is working on addressing the issue.

“The scheduled maintenance routine for the cemetery is supposed to be monthly, but it has been affected by the heavy rains during the past weeks.”

Mashigo also explained the challenges facing the city in maintaining the cemetery.

“There is no tender for general maintenance of cemeteries, so we are currently using internal capacity,” he said.

He assured the public that the city is actively working on addressing maintenance issues, including the cutting of grass and cleaning of the cemetery.

Mashigo added that security is in place to prevent future illegal dumping and theft.

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