By Lebone Rodah Mosima
Mogale City Local Municipality (MCLM) executive mayor, Lucky Sele, on Wednesday led the official opening of the West Haven Memorial Park in Mindalore, Krugersdorp.
The newly established cemetery is dedicated to serving the community of Mindalore and neighbouring areas.
Sele described West Haven Memorial Park as “a testament to foresight, good governance, and collective responsibility — an achievement the community can be proud of, and a legacy that must be safeguarded for generations to come.”
“This moment carries weight beyond its ceremonial nature. It is a reflection of how we, as a community, choose to honour life, memory, and heritage. Cemeteries are not simply spaces of burial; they are repositories of history. They are where generations before us rest, where their names are carried forward, and where the living find comfort in remembrance,” Sele said.
The cemetery was designed with a structured layout that allows for efficient maintenance using ride-on mowers, walk-behind mowers, and tractor-drawn slashers, ensuring a dignified and well-kept environment.
Sele highlighted the challenges posed by older burial models, where families erected tombstones of varying sizes and styles and were expected to maintain them — a practice that often resulted in neglected and uneven spaces. In response, Mogale City has introduced a uniform burial system at West Haven Memorial Park.
“Here, burials will follow a standard model with vertical headstones only,” Sele explained.
“This approach is not arbitrary. It provides structure and coherence, ensures efficient land use, and allows the municipality to maintain the grounds sustainably. Most importantly, it ensures that every grave — regardless of background, status, or family circumstances — receives the same dignity and visibility. The municipality will take responsibility for keeping the cemetery clean and well-maintained.”
Sele urged residents to respect and protect the cemetery, reiterating its role as a symbol of foresight, good governance, and shared responsibility.
Representing funeral undertakers Anmor Funerals, Mornay Engelbrecht welcomed the development, noting its significance for the community.
“Not many people understand or grasp the complexity of establishing a new cemetery. If this were the case, there would be many more cemeteries around the country and burial space would not be a challenge,” Engelbrecht said.
“We, as undertakers, are in partnership with municipalities. One needs to assist the other to effectively serve members of our communities and the residents of Mogale City. We look forward to assisting families in laying their loved ones to rest in this cemetery.”
Engelbrecht assured residents that Anmor Funerals would continue to support families in making use of West Haven Memorial Park.
Burials at West Haven Memorial Park will follow a uniform model with vertical headstones only.
PHOTO: Mogale City/Facebook
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