Mlungisi Cemetery in Dire State: Visitors Shocked by Neglect and Contamination

Komani, EASTERN CAPE — Residents visiting Mlungisi Cemetery have expressed deep concern over its current condition, describing the site as flooded, damaged, and poorly maintained.

Several visitors shared their experiences. One resident said, “I almost cried seeing graves partially submerged in water. Livestock and pets roam freely, and some gravestones are broken or unstable. This is not the respect our ancestors deserve.”

Other community members echoed similar worries:

• “Some areas are completely flooded, making it difficult to visit graves safely.”

• “The water carries debris across the graves, and some stones are at risk of collapsing. It’s heartbreaking.”

Residents are calling on the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality and Chris Hani District Municipality to take urgent action to restore the cemetery. Suggested measures include:

• Draining excess water and improving drainage

• Repairing and securing damaged gravestones

• Restricting livestock and pets from entering the cemetery

• Implementing regular maintenance schedules

The current state of the cemetery has left the community questioning whether local authorities are aware of the situation and expressing frustration over what they perceive as a lack of oversight.

Community members hope that highlighting these conditions will prompt authorities to act quickly and restore dignity to the resting place of their ancestors.