​​​​​​The office of the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development, Johannesburg City Parks, and Zoo (JCPZ) and the Johannesburg Muslim Cemetery Association had a meeting recently to welcome the association’s newly elected members. ​The purpose of the meeting was to outline and close the gaps within Muslim communities in the City of Johannesburg in terms of cemeteries, burials, and administrative issues.​

Community Development MMC Cllr Ronald Harris explained the structure of the Department of Community Development and its role in the promotion and preservation of heritage sites. He added that cemeteries, heritage and culture formed a big part of the department’s responsibilities.

“We cannot say we have any culture and heritage in Johannesburg if we do not embrace the Muslim faith, religion and culture,” he said.

The association expressed concern about the indigent burials. It said Muslim dynamics were different because burials were concluded within 24 hours after the passing of a member and they also helped disadvantaged foreigners.

The members asked the MMC’s office to look into how it can help them when a member needs a grave waiver.

​

Joburg City Parks and Zoo’s spokesperson, Jenny Moodley, said the entity was sensitive to the needs of different cultures.

“Joburg currently has adequate burial space. However, we do not want future generations to inherit the burden of dormant cemeteries. Once no one uses the cemetery, it becomes a burden for the City and for future rates and taxpayers. JCPZ wants to be innovative and look at alternative burials. We also go to the dormant cemeteries to find spaces that haven’t been used,” she clarified.