ANC-EFF Ekurhuleni govt. leaves Geduld Cemetery to decay

by Cllr. Lorna Beharie — DA City of Ekurhuleni PR Councillor

Date: 09 January 2025

Release: Immediate

The once-beautiful Geduld Cemetery in Springs has fallen into a state of neglect and disrepair under the ANC-EFF coalition.

This sacred site has become an eyesore, with overgrown grass and weeds obstructing access to graves.

Additionally, the cemetery has turned into a hotspot for criminal activities, including illegal dumping and drug abuse.

Residents with loved ones buried there have expressed their disgust and frustration, reporting that visiting the cemetery has become a distressing and unsafe experience.

Despite numerous complaints and reports to the Parks Department, the ANC-EFF coalition has failed to respond, clearly demonstrating its utter disregard for the people it claims to serve.

At the upcoming council meeting, the DA will hold MMC for Environmental Resources and Waste Management, Cllr. Leshaka Manemela, accountable for his department’s failure to maintain this essential service.

We demand answers as to why the cemetery has been allowed to deteriorate to this point and what steps will be taken to restore it.

After numerous failed attempts to get the department to fulfil its mandate, residents were forced to take matters into their own hands and attempted to clean up the cemetery. However, these efforts are unsustainable and cannot continue without immediate and substantial support from the city.

A basic service such as regular grass-cutting and maintenance is not too much to ask.

We will continue to hold the ANC-EFF coalition accountable for their failures and ensure that no stone is left unturned in bringing about the necessary improvements.

We will continue to advocate for the dignity of the deceased as well as their family members.

Media Enquiries:

Cllr. Lorna Beharie
DA City of Ekurhuleni PR Councillor
082 745 1976