25 August 2024
Maitland Crematorium is one of the busiest facilities in the Western Cape and serves communities as far as Springbok and the West Coast District.
The installation and successful commissioning of two new cremators that have met Air Emission Standards, marks a major milestone.
Additionally, the expansion of the cold room has increased storage capacity during peak periods, ensuring that the crematorium operates efficiently even during the busiest times.
Other enhancements include the installation of a hydraulic coffin lift and a state-of-the-art SCADA Electronic Logging System.
This system, directly linked to the cremators, records essential data such as emission measurements, coffin types, cremation durations, temperatures, and gas usage, ensuring transparency and quality service.
Over the last financial year, the City recorded a total of 5 830 cremations, compared to 6 104 the previous year.
‘The slight downturn can be attributed to upgrades that did impact operations somewhat, as well as the repairs that were required to one of our cremators. By investing in both cremation and burial services, the City is ensuring that we can offer dignified and respectful options for every resident, regardless of their preferences or cultural practices. It is however a reality that the availability of suitable land for in-ground burials remains in high demand, and so we encourage residents to consider cremation where it is not prohibited by culture or religion,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross.
The City’s cemeteries too have been active, handling a total of 13 777 in-ground burials during the same period – a slight increase from 13 698 in the previous year.
Public burials were the most common, with 6 393 interments, followed by monumental burials at 3 697 and berm burials at 3 687.
Apart from cremations and in-ground burials, the City is also noting an increased popularity of niche walls, memorial trees, and benches, reflecting a shift towards more personalised and space-conscious memorials.
‘Ensuring that all burial needs are met with dignity and respect remains a core part of the City’s mission. I also want to renew my call to communities at large to help us look after these spaces. Vandalism in our cemeteries remains an ongoing challenge, and it simply cannot be tolerated. The cost of continuous repair and replacement of damaged assets is unsustainable, so I appeal to communities to report any vandalism or theft so that those responsible can be dealt with,’ added Councillor Van der Ross.
Vandalism or theft in progress can be reported to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700 from a cellphone.
Issued by Media Office, City of Cape Town, 25 August 2024
