Most Tongaat residents are outraged about the possibility of their loved ones’ graves being recycled by the Ethekwini municipality to make space for new burials.
Zulu traditional healer, Nontombi Magwaza, from Hambanathi said she would never allow any
of her family members to be buried in a recycled grave.
“This would interfere with our rituals and probably disturb our ancestors’ peace,” said Magwaza.
However she is not against the graves being reused by members of the same family.
The intent by the Ethekwini municipality to recycle graves and lease others was highlighted in last week’s Courier. This came to light after local councillor, Brian Jayanathan enquired about old
graves that had been dug out at Desainagar Cemetery.
Tongaat Civic Association president, Jeeva Pillay said the problem of graves had been ongoing
for the past four years and his association had written to the municipality encouraging them to fast pace the search for the new cemetery.
“This problem was placed on the back burner for far to long,” said Pillay.
He said there were enough graves on the Old Cemetery on Plein Street to be recycled for new burials until Tongaat and Verulam get a new cemetery. However those who do not want to use recycled graves would have to travel over 40 kilometres to KwaMashu and Inanda.
Pillay said a site for a new cemetery has been identified but they were still waiting for the environmental assessment to be completed before opening it.
Ghandi’s Hill resident, Melissa Govender said being buried in someone else’s former grave made her uncomfortable.
The Ethekwini municipality has asked that people with relatives buried in Old Cemetery come
forward and identify their graves and take out a lease on them if they want to reuse them. Failing
this they will be recycled.
According to the statement on their website, any person, who does not intend to lease the grave
where a family member has been buried and objects to it being reused, should raise their objection
in writing by no later than September 30.
For more information on the leasing of graves contact the municipality on 031-311 4479.
