Over the course of the last decade, technological development has revolutionised every sector and industry, and emanated in many shifts in socio-cultural evolution. For instance, people are able to work from anywhere, anytime, using almost any device and platform because of technological trends.
However, one area that has seemingly escaped the reforming waves of cultural evolution is the act of burying our loved ones. The majority of people still opt for private graves for burial, which is unsustainable within cities such as Johannesburg – which has one of the highest amount of burials in Gauteng because of migration patterns.
All major cities within South Africa have to find new ways of burying, in order to be in a position to continue fulfilling their obligation of providing sufficient burial space for coming generations.
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) is the custodian of Cemeteries and Crematoria in the City of Johannesburg. Consequently, JCPZ has the responsibility of ensuring that it can provide burial space for the immortal remains of Johannesburg’s residents. Only 4 of the 38 cemeteries managed by JCPZ are available for new burials, with burial space for the next 50-60 years.
According to Cllr Nonhlanhla Sifumba, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development in the City of Johannesburg, there are various alternative burial options available to people, especially for families with existing burial locations. These include reduction burials, which involve using a smaller coffin for remains in order for more room to be created for additional burial space in the same location.
Another option which the City is seeing greater interest in, ideal for couples and families, is second burials in the same grave. According to City bylaws, people may opt to bury additional family members in the same grave. In fact, up to three family members may use the same grave, allowing family members to be laid to rest in one burial location. This ensures that they are together, even in death, making it easier for those left behind to visit them all at the same time.
“This option is much more affordable, is environmental friendly, and affords the family the opportunity to pay their respects to loved ones at the same gravesite”, stated MMC Sifumba.
Ultimately, the adoption of the second burial method isn’t against the many African cultures and the practice thereof is already being adopted more and more by South Africans. In fact, numerous residents in Tshwane and Johannesburg are adopting the second burial method, which has seen an increase in recent years, due to cemeteries such as Avalon and cemeteries in Alexandra reaching full capacity for primary burials.
For instance, 2379 second burials were considered in the 2014/15 financial year, and this number has now grown to more than 4 000 during the 2017/18 financial year. It is estimated that an average of 20% of all burials in Johannesburg are reopening’s.
People may also opt for mausoleum burials, which are above ground burials in a tomb or chamber that allows for families to be buried together within the structure. Moreover, there is the option of cremation, which some cultures have adopted as a preferred option – opting to scatter or place the ashes in a memorial wall to commemorate the life of the deceased.
Ultimately, there are many options available to people for the dignified resting place of their loved ones, while maximising space allotted to burials.
MMC Sifumba reinforced that “There is currently adequate burial space in the City of Joburg, however, we need to start considering alternatives now, to cater for a future where there will not be enough cemeteries for the anticipated growth in urban centres around the world”.
Religious leaders and funeral directors are requested to continuously engage bereaved families about alternatives to enable the City of Joburg to provide dignified burial options for loved ones.
Residents wanting to know more about alternative burial options may visit www.jhbcityparks.com or call 011 712-6600.
Issued by Councillor Nonhlanhla Sifumba
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development
City of Joburg
For more information or media queries, please contact:
Jenny Moodley, Spokesperson: Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo
Tel: 011 712-6600 or 082 8030 748/082 906 1515
Email: jmoodley@jhbcityparks.com
Website: www.jhbcityparks.com
