SELLOANE NTSHONYANE
The reopening of Hamberg cemetery in Roodepoort is underway after being inactive for almost 37 years.
The Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (ZCPZ) is opening the cemetery after finding at least 1 500 new burial sites which will preferably accommodate anyone living 28 to 37 minutes away.
ZCPZ confirmed that burial prices at Hamberg Cemetery will remain the same as the old ones.
This comes after the City reported the official closing of Westpark Cemetery in Randburg at the end of August 2025 after 83 years of operating.
David Maluleke, chief operation officer at Johannesburg City Parks said they will not sit and watch Jhb residents struggle with burial spaces and promised to maintain the standard of the cemeteries to good.
“As JCPZ we are embarking on promoting of alternative burial, like multiple interment where if I pass on my wife can be buried on top of me, and cremation,” said Maluleke.
He said following those alternative burials will help with preserving the land for other needs such as housing.
Herman Oelofse, a resident in Hamberg said this is good for the community as they will no longer have to travel more than 20 minutes to Westpark Cemetery just bury their loved ones.
The JCPZ has promised residents that there is enough burial space for the city for the next 30 to 40 years, even without using future expansions or currently unused cemeteries.
The City is now left with Olifantsvlei Cemetery in the far south of Johannesburg, the Waterval Cemetery in Midrand, the Diepsloot Cemetery in the northern part of Johannesburg, and the reopened Hamberg Cemetery in Roodepoort.
