Westpark Cemetery expected to reach capacity by May
The Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo has warned that Westpark Cemetery will be at full capacity by May this year.
The cemetery has played a significant part in Johannesburg's community burial services since 1956.
However, city spokesperson Virgil James said the cemetery is currently limiting burials to 15 interments per week.
"This marks an important moment in managing the city’s burial space, and City Parks is addressing it with great care and consideration for the immediate and long-term needs of our residents. JCPZ understands the deep emotional and cultural significance of burials for the families and communities we serve. We are committed to providing support for families during this difficult time and respecting cultural practices to allow for appropriate and respectful burial options.
"As urban populations grow and available cemetery space diminishes, we face significant challenges in maintaining sufficient burial space for future generations. To address the current scarcity and future demand for burial space, JCPZ is exploring additional CoJ land for new cemetery sites.
"We are committed to working with the City of Johannesburg and relevant stakeholders to secure land that can help alleviate pressure on our existing cemeteries and cater for future burial needs in the next four to five decades."
James encourages residents to explore alternative interment options such as reopening graves, cremation or mausoleums to reduce the strain on limited burial spaces.
City Parks will be redirecting requests to three active cemeteries in the city, which currently have sufficient capacity for the next 30-40 years.
These include the Olifantsvlei Cemetery (located in the far south of Johannesburg), Waterval Cemetery in Midrand and the Diepsloot Cemetery.
"Currently, 39 of the 42 cemeteries managed by JCPZ are at full capacity. This reflects a broader challenge facing the city, as dormant burial spaces incur high costs for general maintenance and safety. JCPZ is committed to ensuring that burial services remain available, and we appeal to residents and funeral directors to utilise available cemetery resources efficiently and consider alternative sustainable burial options,” said James.
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