A Tshwane family’s visit to honour their late grandfather turned into a painful and frustrating experience when they were unable to locate his grave at an overgrown cemetery in Mamelodi West.
The incident took place on Good Friday, 3 April 2026, at the B3 Cemetery, where long grass and poor maintenance made it nearly impossible for the family to identify the burial site of their loved one. The visit, which was meant to be a moment of remembrance and respect, instead left them distressed and disappointed.
Nomvula Mthembu (48), the granddaughter of the late Stephens Nzima, had travelled all the way from Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal to clean her grandfather’s grave. However, upon arrival, she was shocked by the state of the cemetery.
According to her, the grass had grown so tall and thick that it covered large portions of the burial ground, making it difficult to navigate. In addition, stones had been scattered across the area, further complicating their search.
The family had last visited and cleaned the grave about six months earlier, and they did not expect conditions to have deteriorated so drastically in such a short period. As they searched through the overgrown site, their concern grew, especially with fears of encountering snakes hiding in the tall grass.
Nomvula expressed deep disappointment, saying she could not believe how neglected the cemetery had become. She questioned why some sections appeared to be maintained while others, including the area where her grandfather was buried, were left unattended.
The emotional toll of the experience was significant. Nomvula shared memories of her grandfather, recalling that she last saw him when she was just six years old. She remembered him as a man who wore a white coat and loved singing Christian songs, and she was told he had been an Apostolic bishop.
For her, the visit was not only about cleaning the grave but also about reconnecting with her roots and paying respects to a man who played an important role in her family’s history.
The family had also been planning to erect a tombstone for their grandfather, but the condition of the cemetery has raised concerns about how they will proceed. Heavy rains in recent months may have contributed to the overgrown grass, but the family believes the municipality should still ensure regular maintenance.
They have since called on local authorities to take responsibility and improve the upkeep of the cemetery, saying that all families deserve to visit their loved ones’ graves in a clean and safe environment.
Despite the challenges, the family remained determined. They vowed to continue searching until they find the exact spot where their grandfather was laid to rest. They also expressed a desire to clean not only his grave but those of other relatives buried nearby.
What was meant to be a simple act of remembrance became a painful reminder of the importance of dignity in burial sites. For this family, the experience highlighted the need for better service delivery and respect for those who have passed on.
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