The City of Cape Town’s cemeteries have experienced incremental increases in the number of burials in recent weeks.
From just over 300 in a week towards the end of June, the number of burials last week was 483.
During the last week, Klip Road cemetery in Grassy Park had 151 burials, Maitland 126 and Welmoed cemetery 76.
The Maitland crematorium facilitated 89 cremations, and 48 cremations were transferred to the private crematorium in Durbanville, as one of the cremators at Maitland is closed for maintenance.
“The increase in burials underscores the increase in Covid-19 infections and fatalities since the start of the third wave,” said the City’s Mayco Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
Badroodien said that at the moment City cemeteries are able to cope with the increased demand, but the City has appealed to residents to consider burials on weekdays and where possible, to consider alternatives to burial.
The City also indicated that cemetery visits are not allowed at this time: “While memorial work can still continue if the relevant permits have been secured, unveiling ceremonies cannot be accommodated until further notice,” said Badroodien.