Mlungisi Cemetery Falls Into Neglect, Distressing Families

Komani — What should be a place of dignity and remembrance has become a source of concern and distress for many families in Komani.

Komani News journalist Tembile Sgqolana visited the Mlungisi Cemetery and found sections of the site in a concerning condition, with visible signs of neglect affecting several areas.

Graves Surrounded by Water and Overgrowth

During the visit, some graves were found partially surrounded by standing water, while long, overgrown grass made access difficult for visitors trying to reach the resting places of their loved ones.

In certain areas, pathways were obstructed by vegetation, further limiting access and raising concerns about ongoing maintenance.

Litter and Dumping Raise Concerns

Rubbish and debris were also observed across parts of the cemetery, contributing to the deteriorating condition of the site.

The state of the cemetery has raised concerns among residents, particularly for families who regularly visit to pay their respects.

Municipality Responds

In response to Komani News’ enquiry, Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality spokesperson Lonwabo Kowa said cemeteries in the area are maintained on a monthly basis.

According to the municipality, cleaning efforts focus mainly on vegetation control and the removal of general waste.

However, Kowa acknowledged that Mlungisi Cemetery currently requires more attention than others.

He said the site is being affected by illegal dumping, with some community members using the cemetery as a dumping ground.

The municipality further stated that additional machinery and personnel are often required during clean-up operations due to the presence of rubble, general waste and other forms of waste found on site.

According to Kowa, the last cleaning operation at Mlungisi Cemetery took place on 12 March. However, by the following day, new heaps of rubble and garbage had already been discovered.

Ongoing Challenge

The situation highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining public spaces, particularly where illegal dumping continues to undermine cleaning efforts.

For families, however, the condition of the cemetery remains a deeply emotional issue, as they continue to visit loved ones in an environment affected by water, overgrowth, and waste.