CAPE TOWN MUSLIM CEMETERIES AT CAPACITY

Appeal to consider older graveyards

- GENEVIEVE SERRA

FOUR cemeteries in Cape Town have reached capacity for Muslim burials, with the option of reopening older family graves being considered at the latest site - Constantia Cemetery, also known as Strawberry Lane.

The Klip Road, Delft and Muizenberg cemeteries have also reached capacity for Muslim burials, with the option of reopening under strict conditions, including a police affidavit granting permission already in place.

The Western Cape Muslim Undertaker's Forum said they were working with the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) Burial Committee and the cemetery boards, looking at innovative ways to provide capacity.

The Muslim Cemetery Society of Wynberg announced on August 5 that the Constantia Cemetery had reached its full capacity and is no longer able to accommodate new graves, as they consider reopening so-called family plot/ graves, which is 15 years old and more.

Ebrahim Solomon, Western Cape Muslim Undertaker's Forum chairperson, said they were urging the community to consider older graveyards.

"This situation with Constantia Cemetery, Strawberry Lane, is not a unique situation to the Muslim community," he said.