Ehlanzeni Cemetery in Thembisa Falls into Disrepair: Illegal Dumping and Hazardous Wiring Threaten Safe
Thembisa Cemetery Neglect: The Ehlanzeni Cemetery in Thembisa has become a dangerous and neglected space, leaving grieving families devastated. Illegal dumping and hazardous electrical connections have turned the graveyard into a site of risk, affecting both mourners and nearby residents. The community is demanding urgent intervention to restore the cemetery’s dignity and safety.
Illegal Dumping and Hazardous Wiring
When visiting the Ehlanzeni Cemetery, one is immediately struck by the dire state of the grounds. Piles of household waste, damaged fencing, and a network of illegally connected electrical wires litter the area. Loose overhead cables and wires buried just beneath the ground pose a severe risk, particularly to children who play nearby and residents who use the cemetery as a walking path.
The hazardous conditions are not just an inconvenience but a life-threatening issue. Ward 11 Councillor Oriel Mathebula expressed grave concern, stating, “A person has already died because of these wires. It’s heartbreaking to see people return home without honouring their loved ones.”
Families Struggling to Pay Their Respects
The Gcaba family recently visited the cemetery to pay tribute to their late mother, only to find the grave buried under mounds of soil and trash. The family left heartbroken and without the chance to honour their loved one. Busisiwe Gcaba expressed her frustration, saying, “We are heartbroken. Our municipality is failing us. We are not able to find the grave, which means we go back without doing what we came here for.”
Calls for Municipal Intervention
Ward 11 Clr Oriel Mathebula has called for urgent action from the City of Ekurhuleni and its waste and energy departments. Despite previous visits from city officials, no meaningful efforts have been made to address the cemetery’s issues. The community remains hopeful that authorities will take responsibility and address the dangerous conditions before more lives are lost.
The Thembisan reached out to CoE spokesperson Zweli Dlamini for comment on the municipality’s plans to restore the cemetery and remove the hazardous wiring, but no response was received at the time of publication.
Community Safety Must Be a Priority
The safety of Thembisa’s residents and the dignity of the departed should never be compromised. The community calls on municipal authorities to act immediately to clean up the cemetery, remove illegal connections, and restore a respectful space for families to mourn in peace.
The neglect of Ehlanzeni Cemetery in Thembisa is a stark reminder of the need for municipal accountability. With grieving families at risk and hazardous conditions unchecked, the call for action is louder than ever. The community deserves a safe and dignified resting place for their loved ones, and it is high time for local authorities to take decisive action.
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