eThekwini councillor raises alarm over burial space crisis

Durban's eThekwini municipality is facing a grave crisis with its burial spaces rapidly running out, according to councillor Daniel Mea. The DA Community Services Whip attributed this issue to a lack of adequate long-term planning to accommodate the city's population growth. From May 2026, Mea sought information from the municipality regarding available burial spaces. He expressed deep concern over the dwindling burial spaces across the municipality.

Statistics SA reported that between 2022 and 2026, Durban witnessed 5.4 million births and 2.7 million deaths. The municipality operates 65 cemeteries, many of which are nearing or have already reached full capacity due to heightened demand. While Newlands Cemetery and Ottawa Cemetery are undergoing expansion and improvement, the municipality has no plans to reshape cemetery landscapes.

Additionally, the municipality has no clear estimate of its monthly burial demand, only stating that demand remains high and continues to strain existing infrastructure.

Mea argued that the municipality should provide a clear timeline for delivering additional burial infrastructure. He emphasized that every resident has the right to be laid to rest according to their religious beliefs, cultural traditions, and family wishes. At the upcoming local government elections in November 2026, residents will have the chance to vote for a government prioritizing proper planning, dignified public services, and ensuring every resident is treated with the respect they deserve.

If the DA wins, they pledge to conduct a comprehensive audit of all cemeteries, publish accurate burial capacity statistics, prioritize long-term planning for burial infrastructure, and allocate funding to develop new cemetery spaces.