In a declaration issued by Zwelethemba Ward Councillors it has been officially verified that the graveyards in Zwelethemba had reached their maximum capacity.
Consequently, a resolution has been reached to halt burials at the Zwelethemba location. The announcement has sparked concerns and emotional responses from the local community, who feel deeply connected to their ancestral burial grounds.
“We are people of colour, we have ancestors, we must consult, we can’t just be told to leave,” expressed an aggrieved community member, reflecting the sentiment among many locals who feel a strong cultural and spiritual attachment to the graveyard.
Ward 8 councillor Mimi Williams voiced her concerns. “In my capacity as a community member, this was short notice,” she said. “I believe there are processes that need to be followed. As the community we need to be given at least a duration of six months to a year as certain processes should be followed.” Williams emphasised the need for proper consultation and adherence to established procedures to ensure a respectful transition.
In response to the situation, the Breede Valley Municipality (BVM) provided insights into the challenges and steps being taken to address the issue. “There isn’t space left for additional graves in Zwelethemba, we have already taken measures in the past to create more space by narrowing internal roads.
“Revised national regulations dictate that existing graveyards may be extended only if adjoining vacant land is available not within 500 metres of an existing residential area.
“The closure decision aligns with these regulations, and the ward councillors were invited to a meeting on 12 April to discuss the matter and chart a way forward.”
The municipality assured that undertakers were aware of the situation and would be notified in writing of the closure date and the way forward once the process with stakeholders in Zwelethemba has been concluded.
“The only alternative graveyard with sufficient capacity for the foreseeable future is the Worcester cemetery,” added BVM, “which is more than 500 metres from the nearest residential area.”
As discussions and preparations continue, both the local community and authorities are focused on ensuring a respectful and orderly transition while addressing the pressing issue of limited graveyard space in Zwelethemba.
