Online Reporter
Vusumuzi Dube, Deputy Radar Editor
THE Bulawayo City Council (BCC) is intensifying efforts to enforce a longstanding ban on tombstones in all new cemeteries, with plans to forcibly remove illegal structures that have been erected despite clear directives.
Since a 2018 council resolution, the BCC has prohibited the installation of tombstones at Athlone West Cemetery and other newly established burial sites, in accordance with the Cemeteries Act and Bulawayo Regulations of 1967.
However, many families have continued to ignore this ban, prompting the council to prepare for decisive enforcement actions.
The original resolution was introduced to address ongoing maintenance challenges. Tombstones have been identified as obstacles to routine cemetery activities such as grass cutting and general upkeep—particularly as some sites have become overgrown and difficult to manage.
By restricting tombstones to headstones, the council aims to simplify maintenance and improve the overall appearance and safety of these burial grounds.
Despite repeated warnings and notices, a number of families have persisted in erecting tombstones on graves within the affected cemeteries with council issuing formal notices urging compliance and requesting the removal of these illegal structures voluntarily.
Failure to do so will result in the council taking action to demolish and remove the non-compliant tombstones.
According to the latest report, the council has issued removal notices to 107 families — 65 at Umvutcha Cemetery and 42 at Athlone Cemetery.
“Owners of non-compliant tombstones will be formally notified to remove their structures. Many families have also erected tombstones that cover the entire grave, rather than just headstones, which is against policy,” the report states.
“Residents should be educated on the new policy that only headstones are permitted at these cemeteries. This applies specifically to Athlone West, Umvutsha and other new cemeteries in the city.”
The council emphasises that the tombstone restriction applies solely to new cemeteries, specifically Athlone West and Umvutsha. To raise awareness, the council plans to conduct informational campaigns, including radio programs.
The notice further clarifies the policy, “In accordance with the Cemeteries Act, the Bulawayo (Cemeteries) Regulations of 1967 and the 2018 council resolution, only headstones shall be erected at Athlone West Cemetery, Umvutsha Cemetery and other new cemeteries. The dimensions of headstones should not exceed 1,2 metres by 2,2 metres, with a maximum length of one metre”
Financially, the city has generated US$19,456 through tombstone installations across its cemeteries. Families are charged US$38 per tombstone and the breakdown of tombstone installations and revenue generated is as follows:
Old Luveve Cemetery: 152 tombstones (US$5,776)
West Park Cemetery: 153 tombstones (US$5,814)
Hyde Park Cemetery: 53 tombstones (US$2,014)
Athlone Cemetery: 72 tombstones (US$2,736)
Umvutcha Cemetery: 45 tombstones (US$1,710)
The council says it will continue to enforce its policies to maintain the integrity and manageability of city cemeteries
