Bulawayo councillors have raised concerns over increasing vending activities at cemeteries, poor road conditions leading to burial sites, and shortages of grave-digging equipment.
City fathers warned that these challenges are affecting the dignity and smooth conduct of burials.
The concerns were revealed in the latest council cemetery report, presented by the health services director, Edwin Mzingwane Sibanda, during a recent full council meeting.
According to the report, Umvutcha Cemetery received bodies from outside Bulawayo, including those from South Africa, Filabusi, uMzingwane, Beitbridge, Tsholotsho, Gwanda, Umguza, and Victoria Falls.
South Africa recorded the highest number, with 17 bodies repatriated for burial, followed by Umzingwane with five and Umguza with three. The report also noted that two bodies were cremated during April 2026.
Council recorded the installation of 180 tombstones across various cemeteries, generating revenue of US$6,840. West Park Cemetery had the highest number of tombstones installed at 54, followed by Luveve Old Cemetery with 41 and Athlone Cemetery with 27.
Ten cases of non-compliance regarding headstones were also recorded, mainly at Athlone and Umvutcha cemeteries.
During discussions, Councillor Khalazani Ndlovu expressed concern over vending activities at cemeteries and called for the re-gravelling of the road leading to Umvutcha Cemetery, noting the route was in poor condition. Councillor Suzan Sithole concurred, highlighting shortages of burial equipment—particularly shovels—which she said were causing delays during funerals.
- Revisiting Majaivana’s last show… ‘We made huge losses’
- Edutainment mix: The nexus of music and cultural identity
- ChiTown acting mayor blocks election
- Promoter Mdu 3D defends foreigners 30 minute set
Keep Reading
“Gravesite equipment, especially shovels, is not adequate, resulting in delays during burials,” she said.
Councillor Ntombizodwa Khumalo added that toilets at cemeteries were in poor condition and required urgent attention.
She also stressed the importance of educating residents on time management to avoid clashes during burials.
She felt there was a need for councillors to emphasise the issue of time management to residents so that burials would not clash, enabling the proper use of shovels and other resources.
Councillor Sikhululekile Moyo supported calls to stop vending activities at cemeteries and urged residents to adhere to allocated burial times. Councillor Roy Sekete noted that overcrowding at cemeteries could be reduced if bereaved families observed burial schedules.
“Council needs to inform bereaved families to be time conscious. Once this is adhered to, overcrowding at the city’s cemeteries can be managed,” he said.
The health services director said enforcement measures would be intensified to eliminate vending activities at cemeteries.
“Cemetery supervisors and staff should supervise burials and advise residents to adhere to the time slots,” the director said.
He added that councillors also had a key role in educating communities on observing burial schedules and revealed that the department would follow up with the Procurement Unit regarding the shortage of shovels. Council subsequently resolved to receive and note the report
