Concerns are mounting over the deteriorating condition of Utopia Cemetery in Bethlehem and several other cemeteries across the Dihlabeng Local Municipality, with community members calling for urgent intervention.
The DA has formally raised the matter with the municipality’s Director of Community Services and the Municipal Manager, demanding the implementation of an immediate maintenance plan with clear timelines to restore dignity and proper upkeep to all burial sites.
According to the party, the current state of the cemeteries is deeply troubling. Graves at Utopia Cemetery in Bethlehem are reportedly overgrown with long grass and dense bushes, with some burial sites completely obscured from view. Incidents of vandalism have also continued, allegedly occurring even in areas where security personnel are said to be stationed.
DA councillor Estie Senekal expressed disappointment at what she described as ongoing neglect. She said the condition of the cemeteries reflects a lack of respect for the deceased and adds further distress to grieving families who expect their loved ones’ resting places to be treated with care and dignity.
The issue has been raised repeatedly with the municipality, but the DA claims that no sustainable improvement has followed. During a recent Community Services meeting, municipal representatives indicated that weeds would be treated using drone technology. However, Senekal said only selected sections of the cemeteries appear to have received attention, leaving many graves unattended.
She argued that partial interventions fail to address the broader problem and instead reinforce perceptions of inconsistent and ineffective service delivery.
Community members have echoed concerns that the neglect of burial grounds undermines public trust and erodes confidence in the municipality’s ability to carry out its basic responsibilities. Residents maintain that ratepayers are entitled to properly maintained public spaces that honour those who have passed on.
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