The residents of Soshanguve, in ward 88, took matters into their own hands in a cemetery cleaning and grass-cutting campaign on Friday, the 27th of February at Block P.
This initiative was to maintain the condition of the cemetery, restore the dignity to the final resting place of their loved ones after concerns of overgrown grass, poor maintenance, and safety issues.
Different political parties such as the African National Congress, Economic Freedom Fighters, Democratic Alliance, UMkhonto weSizwe, etc came in numbers to participate in this campaign.
One of the organisers of this initiative expressed how she felt about the cemeteries, “I went to visit the grave of my loved one at the Soshanguve Crossing Cemetery when I was met with long grass all over the graves, and that’s when I decided to organise this campaign,” said Busi Mabelane.
The programme was also supported by various sponsors such as Assupol, Royal Funeral Services, Diphiri Dotcom, Soshanguve Taxi Owners Association, Soshanguve School Transport Association, Botshilu Private Hospital, etc, who provided water, shades, and other materials.
One of the residents of Soshanguve Block TT, told Makopo News how she felt about the conditions of the cemetery, “I have been looking for my family member’s grave and I can’t find it because of this long grass, and I am scared to go to the other side to look for it because it is not safe here,” said Grace Moeletsi.
There was also a heavy presence of the South African Police Service, Tshwane Metro Police Department, and Community Policing Forum to ensure the safety of those who took part.
“As the residents, we must be the eyes of the municipality and work together to ensure that our communities end up where we want them to be,” said one of the residents.
While some residents had mixed emotions about how the municipality is failing them, the organisers expressed their sincere gratitude to the City of Tshwane for supporting the community-led initiative and acknowledged the residents’ effort. They also thanked all the stakeholders, local structures, and community members for their dedication, noting that in a week, they will be at the Soshanguve Crossing Cemetery to continue this programme.
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