Geduld Cemetery left in Dismal state under EFF/ANC Coalition

by Cllr Lorna Beharie — DA PR Councillor for ward 74 in the City of Ekurhuleni

Date: 14 March 2024

Release: Immediate

Type: Media Statement

A once beautiful and historic cemetery in First Avenue, Geduld, adorned with monuments and gravesites dating back to the early 1900 is now in a dismal state of repair. Vandals and vagrants use the overgrown burial sites for nefarious activities.

Residents who have family members buried in the Cemetery in 1st Avenue have expressed their dismay, sadness and disappointment at the state of the cemetery. For months visiting the graves of loved ones has been a far more distressing experience than it should be.

Overgrown grass and weeds makes it harder to access the burial sites and also poses a serious security risk to the visitors as the Cemetery has become a breeding ground for illegal dumping and a hangout for the local drug addicts.

Despite the numerous complaints and reports to the department made by several stakeholders there has been absolutely no response from the Parks Department.

The Democratic Alliance advocates for the dignity of the deceased as well as their family members. A basic service such as cutting and maintaining the grass should not be this arduous.

This EFF and ANC collusion is now impacting the deceased as well. Even in death respite is not found due to the complete lack of empathy by these uncaring parties. We will be writing to the MMC for Environment to ascertain a clear way forward on resolving this matter.

Cllr Lorna Beharie

DA PR Councillor Ward 74

082 745 1976