Restored war veterans’ graves bring dignity, safer access for all

THE KIMBERLEY branch of AfriForum undertook a major clean-up project at West End Cemetery this week, focusing on the graves of war veterans. The initiative forms part of the civil rights group’s ongoing campaign to protect South Africa’s heritage and address the growing neglect of cemeteries across the country. 

This initiative will also benefit the wider Kimberley community, as graves surrounding those of the veterans have been cleared and pathways restored, improving access for all visitors.

Local residents say West End Cemetery has deteriorated significantly over the years. Overgrown grass, scattered litter, and crumbling infrastructure not only pose a safety risk to visitors but also disrespect the dignity of those laid to rest. 

Many community members have voiced concern about their personal safety, citing minimal security and poor visibility at the cemetery.

Working together with the neighbourhood team, AfriForum members cleared the graves, trimmed the grass, opened pathways, and removed rubbish. The organisation emphasised that this clean-up is part of a broader campaign that will include other cemeteries in the region in the near future. 

“Cemeteries are places of remembrance, respect, and history. As a community, we cannot allow the graves of our war veterans, who made immense sacrifices, to fall into neglect and be forgotten. This project is not just about maintenance, it’s about heritage protection and dignity,” said Werner Strauss, AfriForum’s district co-ordinator for the Kalahari.

AfriForum also appealed to the Sol Plaatje Municipality to take its responsibilities seriously by allocating sufficient resources to maintain cemeteries. 

The organisation further urged that security measures at these sites be improved, as community members are often exposed to crime while visiting the graves of their loved ones.

“We have respect for both the deceased and the living who visit their graves. That is why AfriForum will continue to push for cemeteries nationwide to be restored from symbols of neglect to places of peace and dignity,” Strauss concluded.