By Mapaballo Borotho
- Heavy and persistent rainfall has damaged some graves at cemeteries across Johannesburg.
- Affected areas include sections of Olifantsvlei, Westpark, and Avalon Cemeteries, where waterlogging and soil subsidence have occurred.
- Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo is urging families to inspect gravesites and work with cemetery offices before undertaking repairs.
The recent heavy and persistent rainfall has left some graves damaged in parts of Johannesburg.
The bad weather resulted in isolated incidents of graves becoming waterlogged and partially subsiding in sections of Olifantsvlei, Westpark, and Avalon cemeteries.
“At this stage, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo is unable to provide a confirmed number of affected graves as assessments are ongoing across the various cemeteries,” said Thanduxolo Mendrew, Managing Director of Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo.
Mendrew said the impact has not been concentrated in a single section, but rather in isolated low-lying areas where prolonged saturation of the soil has occurred.
The degree of subsidence varies from minor soil settlement to more visible sinking around certain gravesites.
He said it is important to note that these are not widespread structural failures, but isolated cases linked to the excessive rainfall experienced over the past few weeks.
“Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo has proactively placed mounds of soil and sand at affected cemeteries to assist families who may need to refill or compact gravesites due to the rains. Families are encouraged to visit the resting places of their loved ones to inspect graves and reinstate headstones where necessary,” he said.
Families wishing to undertake repairs or reinstate headstones are encouraged to liaise with a qualified stonemason regarding the appropriate timing for such work.
Permission to work on a gravesite must first be obtained through the relevant cemetery administration office, preferably during weekdays.
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