Latest news with #JCPZ
IOL News
22-05-2025
- General
- IOL News
Westpark Cemetery's impending closure sparks a shift towards cremation in Johannesburg
Westpark Cemetery in Johannesburg is expected to reach capacity for new burials by August 2025. Image: Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo As the Westpark Cemetery in Johannesburg faces imminent closure as it nears full capacity, some African families who previously did not believe in cremation are now seeing it as the way to go. At least 38 of the 42 cemeteries operated by the Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) in Gauteng are at full capacity. This leaves the City of Gold with the Olifantsvlei Cemetery in the far south of Johannesburg, the Waterval Cemetery in Midrand, the Diepsloot Cemetery in the northern part of Johannesburg, and the Hamberg Cemetery in Roodepoort, which is set to be reactivated in June 2025, after previously being dormant. The JCPZ has assured residents that there is sufficient burial space to meet the city's needs for the next 30 to 40 years, and this excludes future expansions and the activation of currently dormant cemeteries. Westpark Cemetery, located in Randburg, will officially close at the end of August 2025, and it has been operational since 1942. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Debbie Mmusi, a Johannesburg resident, expressed her disappointment with the break-ins at cemeteries and now prepares to build a memorial wall in the backyard of her family home where they will deposit their ashes. Mmusi said that she had initially wanted to buy four empty tombs at Westpark Cemetery, because she wanted all of her family members to be buried in the same site when they die. However, after seeing the desecration of ash walls at the Braamfontein Cemetery and the vandalism of tombstones in other cemeteries, she asked her family members about their thoughts on cremation, and they all didn't have a problem with it. At that time, the JCPZ said an investigation found that over 4,000 ash walls, some over 50 years old, were either damaged due to fallen branches or deliberately desecrated and ransacked. Mmusi said: 'I am going to build a wall of remembrance at the back of the family property; it will have pigeonholes the size of a brick to fit whatever we put the ashes in. Then we will seal it off and put a family name, the names of all the descendants of the family member, and a picture of the deceased loved one. In case we decide to sell the property later, we will move with our ashes.' She added that putting the ashes in the remembrance wall in the backyard will ensure that the loved ones remain there with dignity, and the wall will be taken care of. Mmusi encouraged other families to consider cremation. Her deceased loved ones are buried in at least five different cemeteries, she said. 'The thing is, at the cemeteries right now, tombstones are being destroyed, tombstones are left unattended, and people instantly forget where their relatives are buried,' she said. However, the JCPZ said all cemeteries, including dormant and inactive sites, are supported by dedicated maintenance, security, and administrative teams. 'The JCPZ also collaborates with law enforcement and community safety partners to safeguard these spaces against vandalism and neglect.' Muzi Hlengwa, spokesperson for the Unification Task Team of the Funeral Industry of South Africa (UTT), said the closure of cemeteries has dire consequences for the undertakers and pushes up the funeral expenses. 'Currently, there is a huge traffic jam at the cemeteries, and tombs are too close together. Even when the undertaker is done with the funeral, they struggle to get out of the cemetery due to the space limitations. You find that instead of spending 30 minutes at the gravesite, you end up staying for three hours because the exit is blocked by traffic from other family funerals. You lose time trying to enter, and also lose time trying to exit the cemetery,' Hlengwa said. In a normal situation, he said, undertakers could use the same hearse to deliver the body for family A and return and deliver for family B, but now, because of the shortage of space resulting in traffic jams at the cemetery, undertakers cannot double-book the hearse anymore. 'Now, as the undertaking business, we have to have more fleet than we were supposed to. This leads to an increase in funeral expenses. If an undertaker is able to do two funerals with one hearse on the same day, the costs can be split between two families, resulting in lower expenses. Whereas, if it is one hearse for one funeral per day, the cost becomes high,' he said. Jenny Moodley, spokesperson for the JCPZ, said a comprehensive, multi-faceted strategy is being implemented to address long-term burial space availability. Interventions include phased out reduction of burials at Westpark Cemetery, reactivation of dormant cemeteries, promotion of alternative burial options, and the development of new cemeteries, she said. Moodley added that the JCPZ is engaging traditional leaders, interfaith forums, funeral directors, and community organisations to ensure inclusive planning and culturally sensitive solutions. There are also public awareness campaigns and family support services. 'Families affected by the gradual closure of Westpark are being supported by cemetery staff, who assist with referrals to alternative cemeteries and advise on options such as reopening family-held graves for additional burials. 'JCPZ recognises the deeply personal and cultural importance of burial practices. We remain committed to delivering dignified, respectful, and sustainable end-of-life services for all Johannesburg residents. Our goal is to balance current demands with responsible long-term planning for future generations,' she said. The annual average demand for burial space in Johannesburg currently ranges between 14,000 and 15,000 burials per year. She said the burials at Westpark are being gradually reduced, with the cemetery expected to reach capacity for new burials by August 2025. According to her, the JCPZ is exploring unused land in dormant cemeteries such as Hamberg and identifying infill opportunities within other dormant cemeteries, to be developed as funding allows. 'We have seen a growing number of residents, across faiths, opting for cremation or reopening existing graves; practices that promote sustainable use of cemetery land. Additionally, cemeteries such as Avalon, Westpark, and Alexandra are seeing increasing use of family grave reopenings, a positive trend in efficient land use,' Moodley said.
The Citizen
11-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
JCPZ calls on community to expand city's ‘green canopy'
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoos (JCPZ) celebrated Earth Day on April 22 with a call to residents to join the entity's efforts to protect green spaces by acting as custodians of parks and other urban green spaces. 'As we join the world in celebrating Earth Day, JCPZ calls on residents to recognise the urgent need for sustainable environmental practices that will protect the future of our urban landscapes,' says JCPZ managing director Thanduxolo Mendrew. 'This year's theme, Planet vs Plastics, is a reminder of the pressing environmental challenges we face, and Earth Day presents a pivotal moment for all of us to act responsibly in our communities. 'For Johannesburg, a city with both rich heritage and modern urban development, our parks, green spaces, and the preservation of our environment are essential to the quality of life for all residents. 'The importance of nurturing and caring for our city's parks cannot be overstated. These green spaces serve as vital refuges for both people and wildlife, providing areas for recreation, mental well-being, and environmental balance in an increasingly urbanised world. 'We are fortunate to have many beautiful parks in Johannesburg, but they need constant care and attention to thrive. Our residents must see themselves as custodians of these spaces, helping us maintain their beauty and accessibility for everyone. 'By protecting our parks, we are supporting biodiversity, mitigating pollution, and combating the urban heat island effect,' added Mendrew. The entity also called on residents to help expand the city's 'green canopy' by planting indigenous and fruit trees, to enhance aesthetic appeal of, boost property values, and improve air quality, reduce heat, and contribute to carbon sequestration. 'Planting indigenous trees is a powerful act of environmental stewardship that ensures the long-term sustainability of our ecosystem. Fruit trees can also bring direct benefits to communities by providing access to healthy, locally grown food.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
29-04-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Efforts to maintain Westpark Cemetery improved by JCPZ
The Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) has stepped up its maintenance efforts at Westpark Cemetery, a significant 122-hectare facility that serves diverse communities. Despite concerns raised on social media about the cemetery's appearance during the Easter holidays, JCPZ assures residents that cemeteries remain a top priority. The recent surge in rainfall has led to rapid vegetation growth, temporarily impacting regular maintenance schedules, and giving the impression of neglect. ALSO READ: Winnie Khumalo laid to rest at Westpark Cemetery However, JCPZ has proactively exceeded its standard service levels by deploying grass-cutting service providers every month, rather than the quarterly cycle outlined in the Service Delivery Agreement. This is evident in the documented grass-cutting activities in February, March, and April 2025. To accelerate clean-up operations during this peak season, additional teams have been deployed to support the existing cemetery-based crew. These efforts are expected to be completed, weather permitting, by May 3. JCPZ urges residents to support these efforts by maintaining the cleanliness of their family gravesites, especially during the rainy season. ALSO READ: Veteran actor; Tebogo Darlington 'PapaG' Ndarane laid to rest at Westpark Cemetery JCPZ remains committed to ensuring that cemeteries reflect the respect and care they deserve. The organisation values the importance of Westpark Cemetery as a sacred space, serving diverse communities, including Chinese, Muslim, Jewish, Christian, and SANDF burial sections. By prioritising cemetery maintenance, JCPZ aims to uphold the dignity of this historic and culturally significant facility. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
25-04-2025
- General
- The Citizen
City of Johannesburg commemorates Earth Day
In celebration of Earth Day, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) called on residents to recognise the urgent need for sustainable environmental practices that will protect the future of our urban landscapes. This year's theme, 'Planet vs Plastics', served as a reminder of the pressing environmental challenges faced, and Earth Day presents a pivotal moment for all to act responsibly in our communities. For Johannesburg, a city with rich heritage and modern urban development, parks, green spaces, and the preservation of the environment are essential to the quality of life for all residents. ALSO READ: Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo commemorates Mandela Day The importance of nurturing and caring for our city's parks cannot be overstated. These green spaces serve as vital refuges for both people and wildlife, providing areas for recreation, mental well-being, and environmental balance in an increasingly urbanised world. Managing director of JCPZ, Thanduxolo Mendrew said we are fortunate to have many beautiful parks in Johannesburg, but they need constant care and attention to thrive. 'Our residents must see themselves as custodians of these spaces, helping us maintain their beauty and accessibility for everyone. By protecting our parks, we are not only enhancing our city's liveability but also supporting biodiversity, mitigating pollution, and combating the urban heat island effect,' said Mendrew. Mendrew added that equally important is the urgent need to grow Johannesburg's green canopy. 'With rapid urbanisation, our city faces the challenge of maintaining and expanding its tree coverage. 'By planting indigenous and fruit trees, we not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of our city and boost property values, but also improve air quality, reduce heat, and contribute to carbon sequestration. ALSO READ: MMC Mabaso unveils City of Joburg hostels revitalisation plan 'Planting indigenous trees is a powerful act of environmental stewardship that ensures the long-term sustainability of our ecosystem. Fruit trees can also bring direct benefits to communities by providing access to healthy, locally grown food,' stated Mendrew. 'This Earth Day, we call on all Joburg residents, schools, businesses, and organisations to join us in expediting the planting of trees that will help cool our streets, support local wildlife, and foster healthier neighbourhoods.' JCPZ is committed to expanding its green initiatives, with continued investments in tree planting programs, the restoration of parks, and the promotion of sustainable practices. In recent weeks, JCPZ planted over 6 300 trees. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
24-04-2025
- General
- The Citizen
New Indigenous trees rooted in sustainability at Johannesburg Botanical Gardens
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) joined other African countries in a drive to prioritise greening for its people as they celebrated Indigenous Tree Day on April 15. On the day, the entity planted 30 trees at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens., having already planted about 6 352 indigenous trees across all seven regions for quarter three. Read more: Community concerns Prompt JCPZ to tackle dangerous trees Indigenous Tree Day is described as a call to action to nations across the continent to plant indigenous trees in their communities. This movement, in its second year, brings together scores of conservationists and communities in a bid to combat the effects of climate change through a collective tree-planting initiative. This year's theme, Building a Global Movement for Native Tree Conservation, emphasises the vital role of trees in African communities, their traditional value, and how we, as Africans, can turn the tide against climate change by restoring our natural environment. Also read: JCPZ launches campaign to combat cemetery vandalism and disrespect. The need for collaborative interest, investment in the environment, and shared responsibility will have far-reaching success stories for ensuring that the air we breathe is clean. Trees are incredible purifiers of the atmosphere. They absorb poisonous gases such as carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases, among others. Planting indigenous trees combat biodiversity loss and restore the continent's natural canopy for years to come. Although Joburg is considered the largest human-made forest in the world, with an estimated 3.2 million trees, JCPZ is dealing with the ongoing illegal felling of these precious trees. Residents are urged to refrain from removing healthy street trees as these are the property of the City of Joburg. Dead or infected trees should be reported to City Parks and Zoo on 011 712 6600/6617 or by using our social media platform. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! Related article: JCPZ addresses community concerns over tree safety. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
