Graaff-Reinet's twenty-five cemeteries in dismal state

GRAAFF-REINET NUUS - Some individuals recently expressed disturbance and disappointment over the dismal state of cemeteries in Graaff-Reinet.

Particular concerns and questions were raised around the Dutch Reformed "Nuwe Kerk" cemetery and who the responsibility for the general upkeep of this cemetery rests with.

Minister Gawie Basson explained that the "Nuwe Kerk" cemetery has never officially been proclaimed a cemetery. As such it does not belong to anyone and, by implication, no one is responsible for its upkeep. He added that the recent mild rains have caused grass and weeds to thrive.

The Dutch Reformed "Groot kerk" takes responsibility for their cemetery but given the recent rains, it does not look any better at present.

In terms of the Good Practices in Cemeteries Management, which was published by the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) in 2016, cemeteries are legislated at different spheres of government but primarily remain the responsibility of municipalities. This means that the day-to-day management, long-term planning and sustainability of cemeteries in Graaff-Reinet should rest on the municipality.

The director of community services was not available to shed some light on the matter but, according to one of the officials at his office, the municipality has been cleaning and maintaining cemeteries in Graaff-Reinet. He is uncertain what the current situation at the "Nuwe Kerk" cemetery is as the late Mr Brummer used to take responsibility for the cleaning and maintenance thereof.

According to Johan Brummer, however, this is not the case. JPS Brummer & Sons have taken the responsibility of cleaning and maintaining the cemetery situated between Stockenstroom and Cradock Streets upon themselves voluntarily but have never been involved in any cleaning or maintenance of the" Nuwe Kerk" cemetery.

According to Anziske Kayster there are 25 cemeteries in Graaff-Reinet, most of which are dilapidated.

Only four of these cemeteries are registered. She believes that the best solution to the problem is to set up a cemetery committee. The Free Protestant cemetery in Stockenstroom Street already has a committee of this nature.

Donations are made by members of the families of those buried there and the funds are used for cleaning and maintaining the cemetery.

Those who an have interest in the cemeteries should follow the lead of people like Paul van der Berg who have also been cleaning and maintaining the cemetery situated between Stockenstroom and Cradock Streets for decades with the assistance of a few volunteers.