Residents of Seeisoville, a neighbourhood in Kroonstad, have voiced their deep dissatisfaction with the neglected state of their local cemetery, which they say is overgrown and dilapidated.
As families struggle to honour their departed loved ones amid broken fences and unkempt graves, local councillor Dennis Khasudi of the Democratic Alliance (DA) is taking action to address the glaring disparity in cemetery maintenance across the region.
The Seeisoville Cemetery, according to residents, has not received the same level of attention and care as Wespark Cemetery, which is consistently maintained and properly fenced by the municipality.
Cllr. Khasudi says the neglect of these burial sites shows an apparent disregard for the dignity of the deceased and their grieving families.
“We will be tabling a motion in Council to compel the municipality to provide equal maintenance, proper fencing, and regular cleaning of all graves in Seeisoville. This is a basic expectation for any community, and it is time the municipality prioritises these areas fairly.”
Residents say they clean the graves of their loved ones themselves, which places an additional financial burden on them when they already pay for these services.
Khasudi added that it is unacceptable that the municipality charges a premium rate for gravesites in one area, yet refuses to extend the same basic, dignified maintenance services to residents in Seeisoville.
“We demand that the Moqhaka Municipality immediately cease this unjust and discriminatory practice,” he said.
