Concerns raised over Tongaat Crematorium's operational defects post-refurbishment

An inspection of the Tongaat Crematorium in Durban has revealed issues with the facility despite significant investment in refurbishment. The crematorium, which had been closed for three years due to faulty furnaces, reopened in June following a R6 million repair bill. DA councillor Yogis Govender expressed concerns over the quality of the project, specifically mentioning that the smokestack has been patched haphazardly to seal large holes, and the new furnace only reaches temperatures of 700°C to 800°C, a considerable drop from the previous 1,000°C furnace.

This has led to incomplete cremations requiring staff intervention. The furnace demands a one-hour preheating cycle, extending each cremation to about two hours and cutting the facility's daily capacity. Only three cremations have reportedly been conducted since reopening, despite weeks of operation. Additional concerns include debris and fragments in the facility, suggesting structural integrity problems.

The DA also questioned the absence of proper firebrick insulation. Govender has written to city officials requesting an independent investigation, engineering audit, and comprehensive report on the recommissioning of the Tongaat Crematorium. The municipality's Community Services Committee noted the facility's low utilisation, partly due to a lack of awareness that it was operational and the inability to comply with environmental regulations.

Only five cremations have occurred since reopening, compared to 17 pre-refurbishment. The committee is investigating whether private crematoria are violating regulations by cremating with caskets.