The Smit Street graveyard has been given an overhaul by the Community Cleaners
Not many people know about the little cemetery which is being lovingly cared for by committed community members who are working tirelessly to restore and maintain the graveyard.
The small graveyard along Smit Street in Fairland had become overgrown and neglected, something the Community Cleaners have turned around.
Next to the MOTH Cottages, the graveyard with 92 graves was revamped under the careful leadership of Margerith Marais.
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“We have managed to restore 52 graves so far, so this is an ongoing project which is supported by the greater community who has helped us so much. Members have come with succulents and other plants and water to plant them sustainably as there is no water source on site.”
“Many people did not even know it was here. I remember several people from my childhood who are buried there, including the Hill family who lived along Weltevreden Road,” said Marais.
Unfortunately, not all the graves have names or grave numbers. “It would be lovely if people could share with us information about who is buried there so we have a full picture of this part of our history.”
Also read: A grave mistake at Westpark Cemetery
There are 10 children buried there – including a day-old baby and a small boy who was struck by lightning. “We take special care to restore the graves to as close as possible to the condition they were originally in.”
She says the site was overgrown with some trees growing from graves. “We do not want to disturb the graves but will need some help cutting out the trees.”
Drug paraphernalia, needles, and bottles of alcohol were removed during the massive clean-up. “It looks much better now and has some newly planted shrubs along the fence. We hope the area is safer because of this work and it is a pleasure to drive past it now, but the work continues.”
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