Cemetery’s poor state shows no respect for the dead

Julie Christou writes by email:

I am sad to say I visited the Brakpan Cemetery on September 13 to put flowers on my husband’s grave on the 25th anniversary of his death.

My gosh, I was horrified.

The main entrances were locked and after driving around for several minutes, we eventually gained access through the back.

We had to navigate our way along a narrow sand path to get to the Greek section.

Why on earth would they lock the main entrance on a Sunday when families take the time to visit the graves of their departed loved ones?

The whole place is so neglected and it is so sad that we, as tax payers and municipal rate payers, have to witness this neglect on such a grand scale.

I have visited cemeteries in other countries and they are kept immaculately.

Where is the respect for the dead here in our country?

Editor’s note: The following response was received from the City of Ekurhuleni’s Communications and Brand Management Department:

“From September 1, all cemetery gates are opened at 6am and closed at 6pm.

“The cemetery was cut in August and the second cut started on September 21.

“We had experienced a problem with sourcing of contractors, but fortunately we have since appointed contractors.”

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