Humansdorp – The age-old saying that “many hands make light work” proved true during a recent clean-up initiative at the Humansdorp Town Cemetery. This was spearheaded by Kouga Local Municipality in collaboration with various stakeholders.
The Humansdorp Town Cemetery, the primary operational burial ground for the area, spans an impressive 60 square meters and serves the needs of residents from Wards 1, 4, 5, 6, and 15. Despite its significance, the cemetery has faced various challenges, including vandalism.
Parks and Amenities
Rochelle Ludick, Kouga Municipality’s Manager for Parks and Amenities, organised the comprehensive clean-up effort alongside numerous partners.
There was remarkable support from the Parks and Amenities grass-cutting team and management, the Working on Fire team. Also from ward councillors, Kokuga Speaker, Brenton Williams, Kouga Deputy Executive Mayor, Timothy Jantjes, and the Dorp van Drome Working Group.
Together, the teams undertook extensive grass cutting, litter removal, bush clearing, and weeding,. All waste was transported off-site by truck.
Respect and Dignity
Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, commended the efforts of all involved. “The restoration of our cemeteries is not just about cleanliness. It is about respect, dignity, and honouring those who came before us. This initiative demonstrates the power of partnerships and community pride in preserving these sacred spaces,” he said.
The ongoing commitment of community members to maintaining the cemetery is, furthermore, greatly appreciated. Residents Hennie Terblanche and Martin Phillip van der Merwe have played a key role in preserving the grounds. This through regular grass cutting and bush clearing, setting a positive example for others.
“We are incredibly grateful for the dedication of local residents who take it upon themselves to assist with cemetery upkeep. Their hard work contributes to creating a safe and serene space for families to visit their loved ones,” Bornman added.
Additional Clean-up Efforts
Additional clean-up efforts are being planned for cemeteries across the Kouga region. This with a focus on involving community groups, churches, funeral undertakers, and other stakeholders. The goal is to ensure these spaces remain safe, clean, and well-maintained for the dignity of those laid to rest.
Meanwhile, the Parks and Amenities Department is exploring partnerships with other municipal departments to further enhance cemetery projects.
In February 2025, teams from Heritage, Tourism, Waste, Environmental Services, and Events Management, came together to discuss heritage site identification and maintenance planning. Efforts are underway to develop collaborative strategies to preserve and manage these important sites effectively.
“By working together, we can ensure that our cemeteries and heritage sites are well-maintained, as well as respected as places of remembrance,” Bornman said.
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