Khayelitsha residents demand action against cemetery neglect

Residents of Khayelitsha are expressing growing concern over the deteriorating state of the local cemetery, citing repeated vandalism, theft, and illegal dumping.

Families said the site, meant to be a place of peace and reflection, has been left vulnerable, leaving loved ones’ graves exposed and disrespected. 

Khayelitsha resident, Khangelani Vubela, described the heartbreak he felt when he discovered that his father’s grave had been vandalised at the Khayelitsha cemetery.

“I could not believe what I was seeing. The grave had been damaged, flowers and personal items were thrown around, and it looked completely disrespected,” Mr Vubela said. “It was like a punch to the heart. Visiting a grave is supposed to bring peace, not this pain.”

He said that his family had visited regularly, tending to the grave and leaving tokens of remembrance, but the damage left them feeling violated and helpless.

“It’s not just about the loss of flowers or decorations. This is where my father rests, and seeing it treated this way is deeply hurtful,” he said.

Mr Vubela called on both the authorities and the community to take urgent action to protect the cemetery. “We need proper fencing, security, and regular maintenance. Families should not have to fear that the resting places of their loved ones will be desecrated,” he said. “This is a sacred space, and it deserves respect.”

Ward councillor Lonwabo Mqina has echoed these concerns, highlighting what he described as the city’s “sluggish pace” in implementing essential safety measures.

“The cemetery is one of the most important places in any community. It should be highly respected and cared for, as it is the resting place of those who have departed this world,” he said.

Mr Mqina urged residents to take an active role in safeguarding the cemetery, stressing that responsibility does not rest solely with authorities.

“We all have a part to play in ensuring the cemetery remains safe from theft and vandalism,” he said.

Community service and health spokesperson Francine Higham said the City of Cape Town is deeply concerned about the reports of vandalism.

“These acts are both unacceptable and deeply distressing to grieving families, and we strongly condemn any disrespect shown to the final resting places of our residents,” she said.

Ms Higham added that the city’s recreation and parks department has placed the cemetery under 24-hour security supervision to protect the site.

“Plans are also in progress to improve the fencing of the facility. This work is scheduled within the City’s approved budget for the 2026/2027 financial year and will continue into the following financial year,” she said.

Actions already underway include land subdivision approvals, consent applications for a concrete wall, and building plan submissions, with final approval expected by March 2026.

Community leader Athi Nduku expressed dismay at the current state of the cemetery.

“It’s disheartening to see graves damaged and the whole cemetery turning into a dumping site. This is meant to be a sacred place for our families,” she said.

“A proper fence and security should be implemented so that people can visit graves without fear of vandalism. We respect the resting places of our loved ones, but without maintenance or protection, their dignity is being lost.

"It’s disrespectful and painful when people vandalise the resting places of the dead. This cemetery should be a place of peace, not neglect.”