State of cemetery a ‘disgrace’
What initially started as an attempt to find the final resting place of fallen soldiers, has developed into a clean-up operation every six to eight weeks at the Benoni Cemetery.
Members of the SA Legion Motorcycle Charter in Benoni have for the past 18 months been cleaning and restoring the grave stones of fallen comrades and police officers, and cutting grass in the summer months.
Jimmy Ross, of the legion, said they had a meeting 18 months ago, when they resolved to locate old graves.
“Some are in a terrible state,” said Ross.
“When we became involved it was not a case of tracing, but cleaning.”
He said members of the legion, as well as their wives and children, jumped in and assisted in the clean-up.
However, Ross added, the state of the toilet facilities at the cemetery are neglected, which meant many of the children and women could not continue offering their services.
In spite of this, the men still clean the site.
Ross said the grass is not cut often enough and he has seen it completely cover some of the tombstones in the rainy season.
He is saddened that ex-servicemen have been “forgotten”.
“Nobody cares about old soldiers who paid the ultimate price by giving their lives,” he said.
Kenny Godfrey, who is from the legion and the Old Bill of the Memorable Order of Tin Hats (Moths) Reveille Shellhole, said the state of the cemetery is a “disgrace”.
“You walk around here with tears in your eyes – that is a fact,” he added.
“The more you clean the more despondent you become.”
The group is looking for a sponsor who can supply them with weed killer.
To donate, contact Godfrey on 083 455 7466.
The municipality had not replied to questions at the time of going to print.
Also read:
Councillors unable to do jobs efficiently
Follow us on these platforms:
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp: 079 431 2006
Instagram: benonicitytimes.co.za
