Residents of Region 6 have placed the blame for the state of cemeteries in their area firmly on the shoulders of the Tshwane metro.

They have accused the metro of neglecting the Mamelodi, Eersterust, and Heatherly cemeteries, saying that going to these cemeteries is no longer safe because of plants left to grow uncontrolled.

“The cemeteries are sacred places, where our loved ones are laid to rest in peace,” said Jack Simelane, a convenor from the Progressive Civics Congress in Region 6.

He continued, saying that he has pleaded with the metro to cut overgrown grass at these cemeteries for safety reasons, because residents don’t know what is underneath the overgrowth.

“We are scared of snakes, and the overgrown grass could turn into a hideout for criminals,” said Simelane.

“It is the Tshwane metro’s responsibility to clean the cemeteries every day,” he stated.

“Are we waiting for someone to be bitten by a snake or become a victim of robbery or rape while visiting their loved ones at these cemeteries?”

He said it was not the first time they had complained about the state of the cemeteries.

“We have EPWP workers who were hired to keep [the] Tshwane metro clean.”

Simelane added that some of the complaints he received include the difficulty walking between the graves and the need to carry garden tools when visiting.

Eddie Mabunda, a resident near Mamelodi West Cemetery, claims that some people not employed by the metro are charging visitors for cleaning the cemetery, a function that the municipality should be fulfilling.

Mabunda said there are families who come from as far as Soshanguve, Atteridgeville, and Mabopane to visit their loved ones at the cemeteries, but they struggle to find the graves because of the overgrowth.

Sometimes they end up going back because they could not find the graves of their loved ones, he added.

He confirmed the concerns about safety in the cemetery. “It is no longer safe to walk alone because the cemetery has turned into a hideout for criminals and drug addicts.”

Mabunda agreed that the metro needs to act fast to reclaim the cemeteries, saying that it is the metro’s responsibility to clean the cemetery because residents are paying rates every month.

Tshwane metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said maintenance of cemeteries is an ongoing process that was resumed at the beginning of the year.

Mashigo said it is important to note that the unprecedented and frequent rain has posed challenges to the city’s regular maintenance programme.

“The Community Services Unit within the City of Tshwane’s Regional Operations and Coordination Department in Region 6 is responsible for taking care of the cemeteries,” said Mashigo.

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