Msunduzi says no decision on possible demolition of historic graveyard
The Democratic Alliance says it strongly objects to Msunduzi
Municipality's rumoured plans to demolish the Chief Albert Luthuli Road
Heritage Cemetery in Pietemaritzburg.
The party says it received information that the site, which contains the 180-year-old graves from the Voortrekkers and veterans of the Second World War, is to be developed for other purposes.
The DA's Veronica van Dyk says they've asked the SA Heritage Resources Agency to investigate these reports.
She says the cemetery should be preserved for its historical importance.
"The SA Heritage Resources Agency needs to safeguard this heritage cemetery. All heritage is unique and precious and cannot be removed and should be protected for future generations."
The Msunduzi Municipality has rubbished the allegations that it plans to demolish the heritage cemetery.
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Spokesperson Ntobeko Mkhize says no decision on the topic of recycling the grave site has been taken as the municipality's still looking to consult.
"The municipality wished to place on record that there is no decision that has been reached by the municipality, relating to the destroying of the grave or development at that graveyard.
“The executive committee considered a report with accommodations from the relevant portfolio committee, which was supported by the executive committee and is still going to a council meeting for consideration and approval. So this report may or may not be approved."
