Tshwane cleans up cemeteries after public outcry
Spokesperson Lindela Mashigo confirmed that although the tender for general cemetery maintenance is still pending, internal capacity is currently being used to carry out this essential work.
'Tender for general maintenance of cemeteries has not been secured, and currently, the city is using internal capacity for general maintenance of cemeteries,' he said.
He noted that all cemeteries in Region 4, which includes Centurion, were maintained in April and that grass-cutting is ongoing.
'Grass cutting is continuing as and when required.'
Region 4:
Grass cutting at Centurion, Laudium, and Olievenhoutbosch cemeteries.#ReASpana #TshwaneAtWork pic.twitter.com/ngTnWQ6tFJ
— Obakeng COT MMC Environmental Agriculture . (@RamaboduObakeng) March 12, 2025
Mashigo said that the metro plans to maintain these cemeteries monthly going forward, with priority given to those most in need.
He emphasised that there has been no illegal dumping or theft at Region 4 cemeteries in recent weeks.
For some residents, these efforts have not gone unnoticed.
Tshepo Nkadimeng, a resident of Olievenhoutbosch, expressed his satisfaction with the current state of the cemetery in his area.
Clean-up operation of cemeteries is underway across the city. Some progress work at Olievenhoutbosch Cemetery, in Region 4. @CityTshwane pic.twitter.com/ML3kBCY04e
— Dr Nasiphi Moya (@nasiphim) April 16, 2025
Keeping our cemeteries clean reflects respect for our loved ones. 🌱
Region 4 teams are hard at work cutting grass in Centurion and Olievenhoutbosch cemeteries, ensuring serene and dignified resting place#CommunityCare #RespectOurCemeteries #ReASpana @CityTshwane pic.twitter.com/mYyTautaSH
— Kholofelo Morodi (@kholofeloMorodi) March 7, 2025
'I honestly have to give credit where it's due. For the first time in a long time, I visited the cemetery last weekend and was pleased to see that the grass had been cut properly.
'It makes such a big difference,' he said.
Nkadimeng stated that the cemetery feels peaceful and respectable again.
'In the past, we were used to seeing knee-high grass and having to clear the area around our family members' graves ourselves. This time, I didn't even need to bring a weed cutter or broom – everything was already in order,' he said.
Nkadimeng added that the improved condition of the cemetery has made it easier for families to mourn without distraction.
'It shows that someone is paying attention. We are now more comfortable going to visit graves, and that's how it should be.'
He noted that cemeteries aren't just open land, as they hold deep emotional value for all of those whose loved ones are laid there.
Nkadimeng said he hopes that this level of care continues because it restores dignity to the cemetery.
Early in January, frustrated residents raised complaints to call the attention of the metro to poor cemetery maintenance in Centurion.
At the time, families were concerned about the overgrown grass, illegal dumping, and even safety risks due to criminal activity.
Resident Sarah Botha, whose mother is buried at the Centurion cemetery, said she was uneasy 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,' she said at the time.
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.'
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 long; it's about being able to pay my respects properly.
The lack of maintenance is truly disheartening.'
ALSO READ: Residents encouraged to get vaccine ahead of flu season
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