The Mobeni Heights Crematorium has been officially shut down after months of poor performance, stemming from a malfunctioning control unit.
The closure, announced by the eThekwini Municipality, comes as the facility’s operating licence was not renewed — leaving families across the community in distress and without access to vital funeral services.
Municipality spokesperson, Gugu Sisilana said: “The closure of the crematorium was effective from Monday, 12 May and will be recommissioned once the proposed upgrade is completed and compliant with all legislative requirements. The Air Emissions Licence (AEL) is valid until 31 January 2026. The closure was based on the poor performance of the furnace due to the control unit malfunctioning. This impacted the ability to cremate within the parameters of the AEL.”
She said that the upgrade is funded in the 2025/2026 financial year and will focus on the replacement of the furnace and a building upgrade of the ‘pyramid’ portion of the facility.
“Any changes will require permission from the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) and final approval by other roleplayers. The facility has two furnaces, both of which are not operational. The upgrade will replace the old furnace with a locally manufactured and maintained unit. The new unit will comply with the latest legislation required to operate a crematorium. The second furnace that was commissioned in 2021 will undergo a refurbishment including the control unit to latest industrial standards and norms to be fully compliant with all legislative requirements,” Sisilana said.
Disgruntled resident, Krish Naidoo said: “I am part of a service group in the area and often times we are called out to sing at ceremonies. We see firsthand the kind of struggles that the families face by having to travel all the way to Clare Estate for their loved ones final rites. The financial strain that families incur of having to travel that far despite having facilities in Chatsworth is extremely upsetting. We hurt for them in their times of mourning and this announcement actually borders on being meaningless since the crematorium was barely even functioning. As ratepayers, we are drastically sidelined and we are denied our basic services.”
Reverend Cyril Pillay, community activist and leader said: “This is a crying shame on the Mayor, the councillors and the administration of the City. This is totally unacceptable. I call for mass mobilisation of our people to rise up against the Municipality. Let’s take the City leaders to the Human Rights Commission.”
Dhayalan Moodley of Moodley’s Funeral Service said: “The Mobeni Crematorium issue seems to be a long-standing problem with no solution in sight. The lack of transparency in the decision-making process is absolutely shameful. The poor deserve dignity and respect, not indifference. It’s time for the Municipality to prioritise the needs of all citizens. It is not fair and unacceptable that those who need help the most are completely ignored. It is time for action.”
Lenny Reddy Wyebank Funerals said: “The indefinite closure of the Mobeni Heights Crematorium has sparked concern among funeral directors. With the new budget not expected until July, families are facing significant delays and uncertainty, which is causing emotional distress and financial hardship for those affected. I urge the relevant authorities to provide interim solutions or emergency funds to address the crematorium’s closure. This is very worrying.”
As the Mobeni Heights Crematorium remains indefinitely closed, frustration continues to mount among grieving families, community leaders, and funeral service providers who feel abandoned by the city. While promises of upgrades and compliance loom on the horizon, residents are demanding immediate, transparent action
