As South Africa wraps up Heritage Month, The City of Johannesburg’s City Parks and Zoo hosted a 50th Anniversary Celebration of Avalon Cemetery.
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The celebratory event which was held on Monday at the cemetery was attended by City officials, representatives from local funeral undertaker businesses and the Executive Mayor, Cllr Mpho Phalatse.
Avalon which means an island where kings and heroes go after death was open on 1972 during the height of apartheid.
It is the place of rest for many local heroes and heroines who contributed to Mzansi’s development through politics, sports, entertainment and the struggle against apartheid.
The 50th anniversary celebration was also dedicated in honour of all those heroes and heroines as part of Heritage Month.
“In this cemetery lays the remains of heroes and heroines, the famous and less famous, anti-apartheid activists, and stalwarts,” said Phalatse.
“This place allows us to remember forever, not only them, but also the lives they lived and the sacrifices they made for us all.”
Victims of apartheid police brutality during the 1976 Soweto Uprising were also laid to rest at Avalon Cemetery with Zolile Hector Pieterson being one of them.
It is a 172-hectare piece of land with 350000 graves .It is also is the final resting place for the likes of Zephania Mothopeng, James Sofasonke Mpanza, Mandla Hlatswayo, Tsietsi Mashinini, Jabu Khanyile and Christopher ‘Gunman’ Kubheka to mention just a few.
“Today, as never before, we must pledge to remember the historical significance of Avalon Cemetery and make a pact with those lying here that we will protect and preserve their final resting home,” said the Mayor.
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While Avalon remains an important place in terms of heritage and preserving the history of Soweto and the country, security at the facility remains a concern.
The fence that was put up a few years ago on the side of the N12 Highway has all been stolen.
Phalatse said they have tried various fencing options but vandalism and theft continues to be a major challenge.
“We are working to ensure that mourners and visitors alike can remember their
Loved ones and icons in a safe and dignified manner,” concluded Phalatse.
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