A growing shortage of burial space across eThekwini is raising concerns over the municipality’s long-term planning, with questions being raised about whether enough provision is being made to meet the needs of communities in the years ahead.
DA eThekwini Community Services Whip Councillor Daniel Mea said information obtained through a Section 27 submission by the DA’s Community Services Committee highlighted the dwindling availability of burial space across the municipality.
“Recent information that was obtained through a Section 27 filed by the Democratic Alliance indicates that burial space across the municipality is rapidly diminishing. This is a serious concern because burial services are an essential municipal responsibility and proper planning must take place well in advance,” said Mea.
Mea said the municipality needed to consider solutions before existing cemeteries reached capacity.
“The municipality cannot wait until cemeteries are full before looking for solutions. We need clear plans for a new cemetery site, the expansion of existing facilities where possible, proper maintenance and transparent timelines for addressing shortages.”
eThekwini currently has about 54 cemeteries and two municipal crematoria.
Mea said the issue affects communities across the city and called for greater certainty around future burial provision.
“This issue affects every community regardless of political affiliation. Families deserve dignity and certainty when laying their loved ones to rest.”
The shortage of burial space also brings renewed attention to the prolonged closure of the Mobeni Crematorium, which has been out of operation since 12 May 2025.
The municipality has confirmed that a service provider is finalising the procurement and installation of a new furnace, but has not yet provided a specific reopening date.
Community activist Dhayalan Moodley said he was cautiously optimistic following Deputy Minister Narend Singh’s intervention and subsequent engagement with the municipality.
With burial space becoming increasingly limited and the Mobeni facility still unavailable, the issue highlights the need for clear planning around the city’s future burial and cremation capacity.
