Residents tired of degradation and decay are now planning massive restoration projects for Virginia in Matjhabeng.
A non-profit organisation called Hands of Grace is stepping in to save their once-beautiful town from total decay.
They are starting with the Grave Restoration Project.
“In our cemetery are the graves of our pioneers, South African Defense Force boys who died in the line of duty and our deceased residents, old and young, who all lived memorable lives that should be honoured. We want to restore their dignity,” says Chantél van den Berg, one of the three founders of Hands of Grace.
The dedicated team
Together with Kay Strauss and Natasha Pottas, Van den Berg is setting out to reclaim Virginia’s honour.
Through the non-profit organisation, residents can donate R50 per month.
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“The funds collected will be used to get manpower to do the job – job creation in an environment with a high unemployment rate – and material to fix where we can,” says Van den Berg.
“With enough hands and money, we can even fill up the graves that have collapsed.
“After the graveyard, we want to expand the project to encompass the entire Virginia. The potholes in Danie Erasmus Avenue are a danger to people transporting school children.”
Van den Berg says by establishing the non-profit organisation, they are putting words into action.
“We have already been donated three industrial bush cutters by HandinDiy. We are looking to rent chainsaws and getting one of the local motor dealers to sponsor us a bakkie. This is all being done for the love of our town.
Quitly fallen into oblivion
“Many graves in our cemetery have quietly fallen into oblivion over time; not because they were unloved, but because families have moved, grown older, or simply can no longer maintain the graves themselves.
“It is very dangerous for widows and bereaved families to visit the graves.
“We believe: Every resting place deserves dignity, every name deserves to be remembered, and every grave deserves care.”
The Grave Restoration Project will focus on cleaning and restoring graves, maintaining gardens and pathways, bringing beauty and peace back to sacred spaces, and serving the community with love and respect.
Honouring lives
“This is about more than just cleaning a cemetery – it’s about honouring lives, comforting families, and showing that love doesn’t end when we say goodbye.
“We are challenging our community to partner with Hands of Grace by contributing R50 per month. With your support, we will be able to employ three local community members to maintain the cemetery continuously, ensure no unattended grave is ever skipped, and restore dignity to every resting place. Together, small acts of kindness can create lasting change.”
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She is appealing to the public to volunteer, donate plants and tools, or become part of this monthly giving circle.
“Together, we restore more than graves; we restore dignity.”
The Grave Restoration Project will commence in March.
Call Van den Berg on 062 569 9776 for information or to become involved.
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