The Clare Estate community has raised serious concerns over the terrible state of the century-old Clare Cemetery, located at the corner of Clare and Kennedy roads, which has been left in severe neglect and is now marred by vandalism and crime. The cemetery is unrecognisable and appears as an overgrown jungle-resembling plot, except for two or three visible tombstones with at least one dating back to 1907.
Residents said what was once a recognised monumental gravesite has deteriorated into a place of disrespect for the dead, with tombstones vandalised, graves desecrated, and criminal elements using the site as a hideout.
Community activist Devan Row said that he was “deeply disturbed” when he learned that some graves were being dug up, a violation he described as “deeply undignified.” He expressed concern that such acts suggest people may be searching for valuables in coffins or even attempting to reuse the burial space. “This is appalling,” Row said. “Our loved ones, no matter how long ago they were laid to rest, deserve dignity. The least we can do for the departed souls is to respect and protect their resting place.”
Adding to the concern, the cemetery has also become a hotspot for illicit activities, including crime, illegal dumping, a latrine and even assaults. During a recent visit by The Springfield Weekly Gazette and oversight with Ward 25 PR councillor Mohammed Ismail, evidence of criminal activity and shocking neglect was glaring, with discarded clothes strewn across the site and signs of the cemetery being misused as a public toilet and burning ground for stolen copper cables.
The cemetery carries significant historical value, with some headstones dating back to 1906 indicating that it may have been established as far back as the late 1800s. Residents believe this makes it more than just a resting place — it is a site of heritage, marking over a century of history within the Clare Estate community.
According to the City, the cemetery is privately owned and was initiated by the Clare family who were among the earliest residents of Clare Estate, after whom the area was named.
Resident Clifford Joseph, who has lived in Clare Estate for about 35 years, recalled a time when the cemetery was properly maintained. “When I moved here in 1989, the graveyard was still well looked after. But in the years that followed, it became overgrown, tombstones were vandalised or removed, and eventually it was forgotten. A small group of residents once tried to restore it, but the task was simply too big without more support,” he said.
Joseph said reviving the cemetery would require a collaborative effort from both residents and the municipality, and he believes the families of those buried there — some of whom may be descendants still living in Durban — should also take responsibility. “This place should be restored to its former glory and developed into a historical site,” he said.
Residents are now calling on the eThekwini Municipality to urgently intervene by securing cleaning, and maintaining the cemetery, while also urging landowners and descendants of those buried there to come forward. “This is about respect for our heritage and respect for the departed. To leave the way it is, is nothing short of dishonour,” Row added.
Cllr Ismail said that he was shocked at the state of the cemetery. “I have never seen a cemetery in such a condition. This could have well been sanctioned by the municipality as an historical site noting that graves likely date back to the very late 1800s.
“It would be prudent that we make attempts to locate the Clare family and find a way to restore the cemetery in the best way possible. The City should also take cognisance that this cemetery should be a priority to rehabilitate despite it being deemed private. The City cannot use that as an excuse to forget about the place. The dignity of the deceased must be upheld,” said Ismail.
He said that he was presently in contact with the parks and recreation, under which cemeteries fall, to discuss a possible solution. Anyone who might be able to help, or might have contact details of the Clare family should please call or WhatsApp Cllr Ismail on 068 285 6386.
