Region A, Zone 4
Diepsloot Cemetery was constructed in 2007. Located between Diepsloot informal settlement and Dainfern, this area highlights the issues of urban development in Johannesburg. Here, the poor and the rich lie next to one another, made equal in burial.
In line with Johannesburg City Parks’ philosophy to create “cemeteries for the living”, the cemetery is located on a hillside and looks out over the highveld. Featuring Afrocentric landscaping, it uses all the natural elements of earth, air, metal, wood, wire and fire. Using design principles based on the world heritage site, the Cradle of Humankind, Diepsloot features circular heritage elements similar to the ruins of Molokwane. A gabion tower provides a distinctive landmark. Throughout the cemetery are beds of indigenous flowers, natural rock outcrops, ponds and large-scale landscaping. Contemplation corners are in place for mourners. The effect of this landscaping is to create a park-like feeling, allowing those who visit a sense of nature in the city.
Trees such as White Stinkwood, Red Currant, Wild Peach, Wild Olive, River Bushwillow and Karree dot the landscape, and are planted to assist people in negotiating their way through the cemetery, forming circular networks leading to the graves. As they grow, Diepsloot Memorial Park will become part of Johannesburg’s biodiversity and landscape.
Diepsloot Cemetery was constructed in 2007. Located between Diepsloot informal settlement and Dainfern, this area highlights the issues of urban development in Johannesburg. Here, the poor and the rich lie next to one another, made equal in burial.
In line with Johannesburg City Parks’ philosophy to create “cemeteries for the living”, the cemetery is located on a hillside and looks out over the highveld. Featuring Afrocentric landscaping, it uses all the natural elements of earth, air, metal, wood, wire and fire. Using design principles based on the world heritage site, the Cradle of Humankind, Diepsloot features circular heritage elements similar to the ruins of Molokwane. A gabion tower provides a distinctive landmark. Throughout the cemetery are beds of indigenous flowers, natural rock outcrops, ponds and large-scale landscaping. Contemplation corners are in place for mourners. The effect of this landscaping is to create a park-like feeling, allowing those who visit a sense of nature in the city.
Trees such as White Stinkwood, Red Currant, Wild Peach, Wild Olive, River Bushwillow and Karree dot the landscape, and are planted to assist people in negotiating their way through the cemetery, forming circular networks leading to the graves. As they grow, Diepsloot Memorial Park will become part of Johannesburg’s biodiversity and landscape.
Area Manager
Oupa Legodi
olegodi@jhbcityparks.com
082 861 8303
