Online Reporter
Robin Muchetu, Health and Gender Editor
UNSCRUPULOUS individuals are allegedly exploiting the high volume of mourners at Bulawayo’s cemeteries by selling alcohol during burial services.
This troubling trend has raised concerns about the disrespect shown towards grieving families and the potential for disturbances during this solemn time.
The vendors are reportedly taking advantage of the congestion, which is being experienced at the cemeteries largely due to the local authority’s long-standing stipulation that burials are only permitted up to 12pm to allow grave digging for the next day’s burials to take place.
According to the latest Bulawayo City Council report, the local authority has since been called upon to extend burial time at the city cemeteries to 4pm.
The local authority revealed that mourners are now fouling at cemeteries because they are spending prolonged periods, as burials sometimes delay with mourners spending more time than allocated due to congestion, leading to them buying alcohol and foodstuffs from illegal vendors.
“Vending activities should be prohibited at the cemetery. It is now disturbing to note that alcohol is sold at the cemetery.
“Some burials are delayed by Funeral Parlours, who come late to collect the body,” read the minutes.
Councillor Khalazani Ndlovu, from Ward 10 proposed that council’s policy on cemeteries be reviewed to allow burials up to 4pm, saying this would also assist in reducing congestion being experienced at cemeteries.
“Councillor Sandra Sibindi observed that delays during burials contributed to the establishment of illegal vending activities. Some burials are delayed by more than an hour, resulting in mourners needing food items, hence an opportunity seen by vendors to provide vending services at the cemetery.
“Councillor Suzan Sithole concurred. She called on Council to enforce relevant by-laws at cemeteries.
“She encouraged councillors to engage residents in upholding the spirit of Ubuntu during burials. Vending activities should not be allowed.
“Residents were also being advised to stop buying food from these illegal vendors at the cemetery,” reads the report.
Councillors further noted the deplorable state of the graves at Luveve Cemetery, saying some had been washed away by the recently ended rains, exposing coffins.
“Councillor Ashton Mhlanga, noted that residents were raising concerns about the grave status, especially at Luveve Cemetery. Some graves had been washed away by the recently ended rains exposing the coffins.
“He also requested that the Council send out information through fliers and social media, advising residents to stop illegal vending activities at the cemeteries.
“The flyer should also explain how important it is to keep time at the cemetery during a burial,” reads the report.
In responding to the concerns raised by the councillors, the city’s chamber secretary, Mrs Sikhangele Zhou noted that in general, residents should uphold dignity and respect at the cemeteries.
She said vending activities, buying food, eating at the cemetery and fouling were against cultural beliefs, hence residents should be encouraged to uphold the spirit of ubuntu at all the cemeteries.
“The Assistant Director of Health Services (Environmental) explained that the issue of graves washed away was being attended to. Decomposed gravel had been delivered to Luveve Cemetery and washed away graves were being covered.
“Washing away of graves exposing coffins was very common, especially after heavy rains at Luveve Cemetery.
“The issue of extending cemetery operational times would be looked into.
“Residents should be encouraged not to spend more than 45 minutes at the cemetery during a burial. If this was followed, it would help in the decongesting of a cemetery during burials.
“Vending by-laws would be enforced accordingly at all council cemeteries. Councillors should discourage residents from buying food, drinks and alcohol at cemeteries,” reads the report.
