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Flooding Hits Johannesburg Cemeteries: Families Urged to Inspect Loved Ones’ Graves
Recent torrential rains across Johannesburg have wreaked havoc on local cemeteries, leaving many gravesites flooded, subsided, or damaged. Headstones have collapsed in some areas, prompting the Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) to urge families to assess and report damage to their loved ones’ graves.
Affected Cemeteries
The heavy downpours have impacted several cemeteries, including:
- Avalon Cemetery in Soweto
- Waterval Cemetery in Midrand
- Olifantsvlei Cemetery in the far south
- Westpark Cemetery in Emmarentia
JCPZ is encouraging residents to visit these cemeteries to inspect the graves of their loved ones and to report any damage such as grave erosion, subsidence, or collapsed headstones.
How to Report Damage
Residents who notice any issues can take the following steps:
- Visit the affected cemetery.
- Identify and document signs of damage, including erosion, cave-ins, or fallen tombstones.
- Contact Zolile Mpophoma, Manager of Cemeteries and Crematoria, at 011 712 6600 or via email at [email protected].
When reporting damage, provide the following information:
- Name of the cemetery
- Name of the deceased
- Grave section
- Grave number
JCPZ’s Role
While families are responsible for maintaining gravesites, JCPZ is committed to assisting affected families with grave reinstatements. However, refilling of graves will only be done with the families’ consent to ensure proper care and respect.
A Call for Community Action
JCPZ has assured the community that it is working diligently to address these concerns. Residents are encouraged to act promptly to prevent further damage and to honor the memory of their loved ones.
The torrential rains have brought devastation to Johannesburg’s cemeteries, but with the cooperation of residents and the JCPZ, the damage can be mitigated. Families are urged to inspect gravesites as soon as possible and report any issues to ensure the respectful restoration of these sacred spaces.
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