The City of Cape Town’s Recreation and Parks Department will start construction of the new Metro South-East Cemetery in Mfuleni in the coming weeks.
A total of R22.2 million is intended to be spent on this project over the next four years, as well as several planned extensions to existing cemeteries.
The City is under continuous pressure to provide burial space as it remains the preferred option over cremation (a 60/40 split) for many, based on cultural and religious beliefs.
In 2016, there were 26 446 deaths recorded in Cape Town, resulting in approximately 13 500 burials in City-owned cemeteries. The rest were buried outside Cape Town or in private cemeteries, or cremated.
"We are in the difficult position of jockeying for land with other departments who are facing service delivery demands of their own, like provision of housing and community facilities, "said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security; and Social Services, Alderman JP Smith."
"Ongoing provision of burial space in response to need remains a priority for the City, however we do ask that residents strongly consider cremation where cultural and religious beliefs do not preclude this.
"When loved ones have not specified how they would like to be interred, burial is often the default option. This choice needs to be more openly talked about among loved ones and preferences around how one would like to be laid to rest need to be recorded and communicated."
The City currently manages 40 cemeteries.
The City, in accordance with the Organisational Development and Transformation Plan, is working to ensure that it meets the needs of bereaved families.
This includes:
- availing nearly 70 000 graves in the last 12 years through infill development and extensions at existing cemeteries, but also new cemetery developments
- the installation of two new cremators at Maitland Cemetery in February this year
- pilot projects testing the feasibility of above-ground burial systems including a mausoleum in Maitland and modular grave units at Rusthof Cemetery
The planned Metro South-East Cemetery will make available 24 800 graves and the Vaalfontein Outspan Cemetery development will have capacity for just over 26 000 graves, alongside ongoing development of existing regional cemeteries like Atlantis and Welmoed.
"Burial space is a challenge in most cities in the world and Cape Town is no exception. We are continually reassessing our approach and how we can improve, but ultimately we will have to start considering and implementing alternatives," added Smith.
"Cremation is a simpler and more cost-effective alternative to burial. There’s evidence to suggest that more people are opting for it, but it’s not yet at a level to take pressure off the demand for burial space."