Johannesburg residents have expressed mixed views on exploring alternative burial options. This as 39 of the 42 cemeteries managed by the Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) reach full capacity.

#JoburgUpdates

Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) would like to inform residents, traditional leaders and funeral homes that Westpark Cemetery, a significant part of our community’s burial services since 1956, will reach full capacity in four months.#JoburgServices ^GZ pic.twitter.com/dOsVH8Mvwy

— City of Joburg (@CityofJoburgZA) January 31, 2025

Westpark cemetery is expected to reach capacity in May this year. The cemetery is currently limiting burials to 15 interments per week.

JCPZ has encouraged the public to consider alternative burial options including cremation or re-opening of graves.

“No, I don’t believe in that because this is not our culture and I don’t think any black person can do this unless if it is dominated by white people, this is not good,” says one of the residents regarding cremation.

Another person says, “Burying relatives on top of each other, I’m not against it because we’ll be able to save  money that we pay on the site.”