Middleburg, Mpumalanga – The Steve Tshwete Local Municipality has announced the closure of its largest cemetery, Fontein Cemetery, effective 1 July 2025, after reaching full capacity. This marks the fourth cemetery in the area to shut down due to a lack of burial space.
Limited Burials Allowed, Alternatives Offered
Municipal officials confirmed that the cemetery will only remain open for families who have reserved spots for second burials (reopening existing graves) or for child burials where space is still available.
To address the shortage, the municipality has identified three alternative burial sites:
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Rondebosch cemetery
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Sikhululiwe Village Cemetery
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Hendrina / Kwazamokuhle Cemeteries
However, some community members have raised concerns over the distance to these new sites, arguing that the municipality should have consulted residents before making the decision.
Community Reactions Mixed
While some residents understand the necessity of the closure, others feel excluded from the decision-making process.
One resident shared emotional ties to the cemetery, saying:
“My grandparents, my mother, my father, my son, my husband—everybody is in this graveyard. I understand it’s full, but they should have engaged us properly.”
Another resident pointed out long-standing issues with the cemetery:
“From the start, burying people here was never a good idea. The area is waterlogged, even without rain. There’s always water underneath.”
New Cemetery Faces Water Challenges
The municipality is working to establish a new burial site, but underground water remains a problem in Middleburg. Officials have identified an area near Middleburg Dam with fewer water issues, but concerns persist.
Municipal spokesperson acknowledged the challenges, stating:
“We have groundwater issues in many areas, but the proposed site near the N4 has less water. We must direct burials there to avoid future problems.”
Encouraging Alternative Burials
For now, the municipality is urging residents to use the alternative cemeteries while long-term solutions are explored.