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The Mbhashe Local Municipality has launched an urgent intervention after both public cemeteries in Dutywa reached full capacity, raising concerns for residents and funeral service providers.
What Happened
According to Mbhashe’s Community Services Department, both cemetery sites located below Govan Mbeki are now full. These two spaces — one above the road to Auckland Location (Site 1) and another near the Temperance Waste Water Treatment Works (Site 2) — have served the community for generations.
To address the crisis:
- Site 1 has been extended by 141m × 15m, adding 225 new grave spaces
- Security fencing has been completed
- General clearing, grass cutting and cleaning have taken place
The municipality says the upgrades aim to preserve dignity, improve safety, and maintain accessibility.
Official Response
The municipality’s goal is to ensure continued burial services while honouring the cultural and historical importance of the sites.
Planned improvements include:
- Upgraded internal roads and visitor pathways
- Better signage and grave registration systems
- A digital record-keeping system for improved grave management
Residents have been asked to respect cemetery rules, report vandalism, and support maintenance efforts.
Community Impact
Dutywa residents expressed concern over overcrowding and long-term burial space. The new extensions provide a short-term solution, but long-term plans may require identifying a new cemetery location.
The municipality has encouraged families to participate in consultations and share feedback on how to improve cemetery management.
Key Facts:
- Both Dutywa cemeteries are at full capacity
- 225 new graves added to Site 1
- Modern record-keeping system to be introduced
- Fencing, cleaning, and grass cutting already completed
- More upgrades planned for roads, signs, and navigation
