Hamberg Cemetery, located on Wailbanch Street, officially reopened for burials on Thursday, June 12.
The announcement was made by Johannesburg City Parks and Zoos (JCPZ), along with custodians of cemeteries in the City of Johannesburg.
The cemetery will accommodate around 1 500 burial sites and reopenings, offering much-needed relief and space for families and communities in the area.
Thanduxolo Mendrew, the managing director of JCPZ, said the reactivation of the cemetery aims to ensure that future generations are not left with the burden of managing cemeteries at full capacity.
“The reopening of Hamberg Cemetery is not just about creating space – it’s about managing our city’s burial needs with foresight and respect. We are committed to ensuring every Johannesburg resident has access to dignified and culturally sensitive burial services, while also planning responsibly for the future,” he said.
Currently, 38 of the city’s 42 cemeteries have reached full capacity. At Westpark Cemetery, burials are restricted to 15 per day. The reopening of Hamberg forms part of JCPZ’s strategy to manage capacity and provide a sustainable alternative.
“Residents can be reassured that Johannesburg has sufficient burial space to meet demand for at least the next 30 years. This is based on current availability and planned expansions within existing cemeteries and will be complemented by the growing use of alternative burial options,” Mendrew added.
JCPZ is also promoting alternative burial methods such as cremation, multiple burials in family-owned graves, above-ground mausoleums, ash memorial gardens, and the reopening of family graves for second or third interments.
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“We acknowledge the deep emotional and cultural importance of burial for many families, and our approach is grounded in empathy and consultation. At the same time, we encourage residents to embrace innovative solutions that help conserve land, manage costs, and uphold the dignity of burial services for all,” he said.
For more information, residents can visit the JCPZ website at www.jhbcityparksandzoo.com or contact 011?712?6600 for cemetery bookings.
