Cleaning initiative restores dignity at cemeteries  

Tsakani – Local business owners, ward councillors and community members joined forces in a cleaning initiative at the Rockville Cemetery on March 21.

This was after community members expressed dissatisfaction about how many grave sites are not maintained, especially during rainy seasons. One organiser, Oupa Nkosi, said their initial idea was to clean parks and cemetery sites on Human Rights Day.

“Because of a shortage of resources, we could not move to parks. We also could not finish cleaning the entire graveyard. We intend to go back and complete what we have started.

“The turnout of helpers was amazing.

“It is painful to see such places neglected and not maintained. It impairs the dignity of our loved ones buried there,” explained Nkosi.

Nkosi mentioned he wished to see their initiative grow to reach areas such as Vlakfontein in Dunnottar and graveyards in Kwatsaduza.

“Vlakfontein Cemetery is also a mess. Through unity and collaboration, it would be possible to clean there. We plead with the youth to assist us to make the most of what we have,” added Nkosi.

Ward 84 Clr Phikisile Mthiyane added she was pleased with the support the clean-up project received.

“Although I expected to see young people there, I am glad adults formed a union to embark on this journey together.

“This initiative will yield excellent results and contribute to the decline in the number of rape cases reported from the gravesite.

“Community members, especially school children, were no longer safe at the Tsakane Cemetery. Many rape cases came from that area, as perpetrators could hide in the long grass waiting to prey on an innocent soul,” said Mthiyane.

She urged the community to work together, prevent littering and ensure they also clean their family member’s graves when they visit. Mthiyane said this initiative needs sponsorships of grass-cutting equipment and food for the volunteers.

“Grass cutting is expensive. Apart from this project, I carry out other grass-cutting projects in my ward. My first grass-cutting project this year was in Tsakani Ext 14 near the power station where a body was recently found, hidden in the tall grass. For people’s safety, I decided to ensure the area remains maintained.

“The second place where I carried out this project was at Sizuzile Primary School. The area around and in the schoolyard had long grass, which poses a threat to school children,” added Mthiyane.

She highlighted the community can work together to fight for tidiness, saying it will ensure that their township remains clean.