Geluksdal – Frustration is mounting among community members and local leadership over the deteriorating condition of the Geluksdal Cemetery.
The area has no proper fencing and is overgrown with long grass. These issues have raised serious concerns about safety, accessibility, and respect for the deceased.
Ward 82 Clr Henry Buitendacht said he has spent the past six weeks trying to get the cemetery maintained, with little success.
He mentioned that his priority is urgently getting the long grass cut, saying the site inaccessible.
“For now, my main focus is just to have the grass cut so that people can visit their loved ones in peace.
“For many families, visiting graves is an important cultural and emotional practice, especially at the start of the year when loved ones clean and prepare burial sites.
“This year, however, that tradition has been disrupted,” Buitendacht explained.
“People could not visit their loved ones at the start of this year and that has affected many people.”
The overgrown grass has not only made graves difficult to locate, but it has also raised fears about personal safety.
A resident, Sibusiso Maseko said they worry that the dense vegetation could provide cover for criminal activity.
“Imagine coming here alone, whether you are a woman or a man. With this tall grass, anything can happen. It is a risk,” he said.
The issue came into sharper focus during a recent funeral held at the cemetery for a respected former teacher.
Buitendacht explained that mourners were confronted with the neglected state of the grounds, prompting criticism of local authorities.
“People look at us as if we are insensitive and don’t care. That is why I am pleading with the department to act,” he added.
Many tombstones are no longer visible in the tall grass. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
Although no specific incidents have been reported at Geluksdal Cemetery, Buitendacht noted that similar conditions elsewhere have led to crime, and the community wants to prevent such outcomes.
According to Buitendacht, a municipal contractor had promised to begin cutting the grass early this week.
However, delays have continued, with last-minute excuses further frustrating efforts.
“The contractor told me he would start cutting the grass at 07:00 on March 20 but then called to say he needed to buy PPE.
“I will keep following up until the work is done,” he said.
The contractor is funded by the municipality, not by local leadership, and Buitendacht emphasised that he remains dependent on the relevant departments to ensure delivery.
Beyond immediate maintenance, discussions are underway about securing the cemetery. Instead of traditional steel fencing, Buitendacht suggests a more community-friendly approach.
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“We are considering shrubs or hedges rather than steel fencing. It is something we are still investigating with the community,” he mentioned.
Buitendacht cited that community members have been asking about caretakers or security personnel in the area.
He said this will require coordination with municipal human resources structures.
“While some residents have suggested that the community step in to clean the cemetery themselves, the municipality must fulfill its responsibilities, although, I do not rule out collective action if necessary.
“We could unite and clean the cemetery as a community, but for now, let me follow up with the contractor and the department,” he said.
Despite the delays, Buitendacht remains resolute.
“I will not rest until the grass is cut. That is my commitment to the community,” he said.
The CoE has confirmed that the fencing issue is receiving attention.
“The matter is receiving attention, unfortunately at this stage no dates can be disclosed.
“However, again this is as a result of criminals who have no respect for themselves and those around them,” said CoE spokesperson Zweli Dlamini.
Dlamini added that community members can report security concerns to local municipal offices or directly to cemetery management.
”These can also be reported to local CPFs, EMPD and the SAPS. As a city we can do so much, which is the deployment of the security personnel we have and also erect fences.
“Unfortunately fences are vandalised within days and we cannot be replacing them all the time because of limited resources.
“This is a societal problem that needs all of us,” he concluded.
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