Media Statement
Tuesday, 29 October 2024
For Immediate Release
Braamfontein cemetery ash walls restored.
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), the custodians of green open spaces including cemeteries in the City of Joburg, has been working tirelessly in collaboration with the Friends of Johannesburg Cemeteries, more than forty volunteers and contractors, in the restoration of the ash walls at the Braamfontein cemetery.
Last year, the City of Joburg, residents, and families of loved ones buried there, discovered with shock and dismay, the extensive vandalism that took place at the cemetery. On investigation, it was found that over 4000 ash walls, some over 50 years old, were either damaged due to fallen branches or deliberately desecrated and ransacked. This degree of damage and vandalism was by far the largest form of damage in a single cemetery.
The team investigating found large storm-damaged branches had fallen on the memorial walls and knocked several to the ground.
The collaboration was laborious, but with the team's passion, a series of steps were taken to ensure the ash walls were placed in the correct place. Teams initially assessed the damage and recorded every niche of each ash wall.
These lists were corroborated against registers and digitized versions to ensure that each name had a niche number.
Restoration and ongoing maintenance and preservation efforts remain, with additional 24-hour security officers and a canine unit, installation of solar lighting, repair of broken windows, tree pruning for additional visibility, ongoing maintenance of the crematorium, the administration building was refurbished inside, the parking section was upgraded but to name a few.
With weeks and months of dedication, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo and the Friends of Johannesburg Cemeteries are proud of the progress in restoring these ash walls to its former glory at the historic Braamfontein cemetery.
The event is significant in cementing the impact of partnerships, not only in preserving the final resting places for loved ones but also in restoring heritage grounds in the City of Joburg.
Follow our social media platforms for more information or visit our website at www.jhbcityparksandzoo.com.
ENDS
Issued on behalf of
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo
Media inquiries can be directed to: Jenny Moodley, Spokesperson, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo: 082 803 0748, E: jmoodley@jhbcityparks.com or to Noeleen Mattera, Media Relations 079 994 6345; E: nmattera@jhbcityparks.com, www.jhbcityparks.com. Follow us on Twitter @JoburgParksZoo or Facebook.
