The Democratic Alliance in Emfuleni is seriously concerned over the ongoing neglect of the Vanderbijlpark Cemetery, despite significant resources allocated for its upkeep.
In September 2025, the municipality received extensive maintenance equipment, including mowers, slashers, blowers, bush cutters, and chainsaws specifically to maintain parks and cemeteries.
Yet today, the cemetery remains overgrown and unsafe. Grass has reached extreme heights, posing risks to residents visiting or burying loved ones.
Since January, we have been conducting oversights and reporting the state of the cemetery to the municipality. Most recently, on the 28th of March 2026, we found dangerous conditions and no visible security at the entrance. These concerns were again reported, but the municipality has denied the issues and failed to act yet again.
This is especially alarming given that approximately R1.16 million was allocated for cemetery maintenance in the last financial year. This money, however, was not fully spent – despite the need for it being evident.
The DA will continue to hold the municipality accountable and demand that public funds and equipment are used properly to restore dignity and safety to all cemeteries and public spaces.