Joburg deploys traffic officers to tackle Olifantsvlei funeral congestion

By Lebone Rodah Mosima

Johannesburg has deployed traffic officers and additional weekend ushers to Olifantsvlei Cemetery after heavy funeral traffic, roadside parking and nearby infrastructure work caused delays for mourners and restricted access for emergency vehicles.

Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) said Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development Thapelo Amad inspected Olifantsvlei, Avalon Cemetery and the Lenasia Crematorium following concerns about congestion and interruptions to cremation services.

Amad found that Olifantsvlei was under severe pressure during peak weekend burial periods, with the high number of funeral processions compounded by roadworks along the Golden Highway and Johannesburg Water upgrades at the Koudkoppies Waterworks.

Vehicles parked on both sides of the cemetery’s internal roads were further restricting the movement of funeral processions and emergency vehicles, JCPZ said.

“Recognising the need for coordinated traffic management, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has implemented a dedicated weekend deployment plan to ensure