Mayor calls for land expropriation to address city’s graveyard space needs
ETHEKWINI mayor Zandile Gumede has emphasised the call for expropriation of land without compensation in light of the city’s dire need of graveyard space.
At the ANC’S 54th Elective Conference, the party resolved to amend the constitution to achieve land expropriation without compensation.
And president Cyril Ramaphosa, in his State of the Nation address last month, said land expropriation without compensation would be done without damaging the economy, agricultural production or food security.
Gumede was addressing the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL Rights Commission) in Durban, last week, when she spoke about the city’s burial space plans. Currently, the city had 65 burial sites with 55 already filled to capacity and the others filling-up rapidly. But she said the municipality had identified land that could be used as graveyards on the outskirts of the city.
Identified sites included land in Vulamehlo, Cato Ridge and Hammarsdale and those earmarked areas had the capacity to provide burial space for at least 50 years before they became full.
To make their plans a reality, Gumede said the city had set aside about R216 million to procure three sites to be used for cemetery space. Two other sites had also been identified for crematoria in Phoenix and umkhomazi.
“Shortage of burial space is a serious challenge we have been dealing with for years. Urbanisation is the major cause, it has led to overcrowding in most areas,” she said.
Another dynamic for the city to manage, according to Gumede, was respecting the religious and cultural beliefs of residents who would not consider alternative burial methods. Therefore, the city is attempting to identify suitable land that could be used for cemeteries.
Previously, the city had advised residents to consider alternatives like cremation and reusing gravesites.
Chairperson of the CRL Rights Commission, Thoko Mkhwanazi-xaluva, said the policy on the reuse of gravesites was an option, but it was important to always put the rights of citizens first.
The commission’s hearing reconvenes in April, when the city is likely to provide feedback on the burial space issue.