MEDIA STATEMENT
Thursday, 24 April 2025
For Immediate Release
Prioritisation of Westpark Cemetery amid seasonal challenges.
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) acknowledges concerns raised regarding the current state of Westpark Cemetery, particularly following social media images posted by a resident during the Easter holidays. We wish to assure residents that cemeteries, including Westpark, remain a top priority in our maintenance efforts.
Westpark Cemetery, a significant and active flagship facility spanning 122 hectares, holds deep historical and cultural importance, serving diverse communities including Chinese, Muslim, Jewish, Christian and SANDF burial sections. Upholding the dignity of this sacred space is paramount.
The recent surge in rainfall has led to rapid vegetation growth, temporarily impeding regular maintenance schedules and giving the impression of neglect. It is important to note that JCPZ has proactively exceeded its standard service levels by deploying grass-cutting service providers monthly, as opposed to the quarterly cycle outlined in the Service Delivery Agreement.
Despite the adverse weather conditions, ongoing maintenance has been taking place, as evidenced by our documented grass-cutting activities in February, March,
and April 2025. Additional teams have now been deployed to support the existing cemetery-based crew in accelerating clean-up operations during this peak season. These efforts are expected to be completed, weather permitting, by 3rd May 2025.
We urge residents to support these efforts by maintaining the cleanliness of their family gravesites where possible, especially during this rainy season. JCPZ remains
committed to ensuring that our cemeteries reflect the respect and care they deserve.
We thank the community for their patience and cooperation as we navigate this season together.
ENDS
Issued on behalf of Thanduxolo Mendrew, Managing Director
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo
For media enquiries, please contact:
Jenny Moodley: Spokesperson, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo
Contact: 082 8030 748
Email: jmoodley@jhbcityparks.com
For more information and updates, please visit the JCPZ website at www.jhbcityparksandzoo.com and follow our social media platforms:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JoburgParks
Twitter: @JoburgParksZoo;
Instagram: @JoburgParksZoo
Thursday, 24 April 2025
For Immediate Release
Prioritisation of Westpark Cemetery amid seasonal challenges.
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) acknowledges concerns raised regarding the current state of Westpark Cemetery, particularly following social media images posted by a resident during the Easter holidays. We wish to assure residents that cemeteries, including Westpark, remain a top priority in our maintenance efforts.
Westpark Cemetery, a significant and active flagship facility spanning 122 hectares, holds deep historical and cultural importance, serving diverse communities including Chinese, Muslim, Jewish, Christian and SANDF burial sections. Upholding the dignity of this sacred space is paramount.
The recent surge in rainfall has led to rapid vegetation growth, temporarily impeding regular maintenance schedules and giving the impression of neglect. It is important to note that JCPZ has proactively exceeded its standard service levels by deploying grass-cutting service providers monthly, as opposed to the quarterly cycle outlined in the Service Delivery Agreement.
Despite the adverse weather conditions, ongoing maintenance has been taking place, as evidenced by our documented grass-cutting activities in February, March,
and April 2025. Additional teams have now been deployed to support the existing cemetery-based crew in accelerating clean-up operations during this peak season. These efforts are expected to be completed, weather permitting, by 3rd May 2025.
We urge residents to support these efforts by maintaining the cleanliness of their family gravesites where possible, especially during this rainy season. JCPZ remains
committed to ensuring that our cemeteries reflect the respect and care they deserve.
We thank the community for their patience and cooperation as we navigate this season together.
ENDS
Issued on behalf of Thanduxolo Mendrew, Managing Director
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo
For media enquiries, please contact:
Jenny Moodley: Spokesperson, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo
Contact: 082 8030 748
Email: jmoodley@jhbcityparks.com
For more information and updates, please visit the JCPZ website at www.jhbcityparksandzoo.com and follow our social media platforms:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JoburgParks
Twitter: @JoburgParksZoo;
Instagram: @JoburgParksZoo
