MEDIA STATEMENT
Tuesday, 28 January 2025
No embargo
Lenasia Crematorium is currently closed due to Maintenance Work in Progress
Lenasia, JHB, SA—The City of Johannesburg (CoJ) would like to notify residents of Lenasia and surrounding areas of the maintenance of the cremators at the Lenasia Crematorium, resulting in a partial closure. Effective from 28 January 2025, until 11 February 2025, Cremator Machines Nos. 1 and 2 are undergoing refurbishment and will not be available. As a result, Cremator Machine No. 3 will be the only available machine for cremations, which will be limited to two ‘non-attendance cremations’ where families prefer not to be present.
Unfortunately, due to ongoing work and the need to safeguard the site and visitors, mourners will not be able to access the crematorium. Funeral Directors are reminded that cremation bookings will be on a “first come, first serve” basis, provided all mandatory documentation is completed and submitted in advance.
Alternative Cremation Services Available
In the interim, the Braamfontein and Brixton Crematoriums remain fully operational and will accommodate requests. Residents are encouraged to consider using this facility if they require immediate cremation services during the maintenance period at Lenasia Crematorium.
Routine maintenance of cremation equipment is essential to ensure that facilities continue operating safely, efficiently, and fully comply with safety and environmental regulations.
By maintaining the cremators and other equipment, the City ensures that families can carry out cremations without delay and in accordance with their wishes. Cremation provides several benefits, including environmental advantages, dignity in memorialisation, and efficiency in handling final remains. The City is, however, mindful of the needs of various faiths and has adequate burial ground for the next 20-40 years.
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, acknowledges the inconvenience caused by this necessary maintenance and sincerely appreciates the community’s patience and understanding as we work to restore full service by 11 February 2025.
In addition to the ongoing work at the Lenasia Crematorium, the City of Johannesburg is also undertaking a long-overdue review of its cemetery and crematoria bylaws and its public open spaces bylaws for public parks, nature reserves, and undeveloped open spaces. This review is part of the City’s broader efforts to modernise and improve the management of these spaces, to better serve residents now, and in the future.
The draft updated bylaws and policies are available on the City of Johannesburg’s official website at www.joburg.org.za/bylaws. The City encourages all residents to review the draft and share their comments and feedback to help shape the future of these essential services.
Residents can contact Azola Manyati at 011 712 6600 for further information regarding cremation services during this period.
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo thanks all residents for their cooperation and understanding during this time of necessary maintenance.
ENDS
Issued on behalf of Thanduxolo Mendrew
Managing Director of Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo
For Media Enquiries Contact
Jenny Moodley
Spokesperson: Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo
Cell: 082 8030 748 Email: jmoodley@jhbcityparks.com
Website: www.jhbcityparksandzoo.com
