Grootfontein cattle graze on the graves

Residents at Grootfontein this week raised concerns after cattle were seen grazing in a cemetery.

It is unclear whether the animals wandered onto the grounds on their own or with a herder.

Residents and family members are worried that the animals could damage the graves of their loved ones.

Animals such as cattle, horses, goats and donkeys have been damaging gardens and crops in residential areas.

Grootfontein community activist Pablo Benjamin says allowing cattle to roam freely in areas where graves are located shows a lack of respect for the deceased and their families.

He says cemeteries are sacred spaces meant for remembrance, dignity and peace.
“I am deeply concerned and disappointed.

When livestock enter these areas, there is a real risk of tombstones being damaged, graves being disturbed and the emotional well-being of grieving families being affected,” he says.

“This is not just an inconvenience but a serious community issue that reflects gaps in municipal responsibility and enforcement.”

Benjamin says the municipality has the duty to protect public spaces, especially cemeteries, and must ensure proper fencing around burial grounds to prevent animals from entering.

He calls for prioritised regular inspections, maintenance and the immediate repair of broken fences.

Additionally, he says by-laws regarding stray livestock need to be strictly enforced.

“Cattle owners must be held accountable and penalised when their animals cause damage. The municipality could also work with local farmers and residents to raise awareness about responsible livestock management.

“Ultimately, preserving the dignity of our loved ones should be non-negotiable.

Immediate and firm action is needed to restore respect, protect infrastructure and uphold community values,” Benjamin says.

Annie Nel has complained on Facebook that allowing animals to graze in the cemetery shows disrespect for the dead, while Maureen van Rensburg calls it heartbreaking.

Albertina Araes says: “Our place has become a village, there is no municipality, just drive out for overtime.”

Grootfontein’s acting chief executive, Indileni Lungameni, yesterday said the municipality is aware of the complaints.

The environmental health department had been urgently asked to submit an action plan to the council for the impounding of stray livestock, he added.

Complaints were indeed received and acknowledged from residents.

Animals will be impounded in line with the recently gazetted Grootfontein Pounding Regulation,” he said.

Last year, the town council announced that it would begin impounding stray livestock roaming freely at the town from this year to improve road safety and protect residents’ property.

The decision followed repeated complaints from residents about livestock entering their yards.

Town spokesperson Luke Salomo last year said impounded animals would only be released once owners pay the required fees, while unclaimed animals would be auctioned.

“This is the only way to address environmental and safety concerns in the town,” Salomo said.

He added that keeping livestock within town boundaries is illegal under existing regulations.

The Local Authorities Act allows municipalities to impound animals found trespassing on town property.

Grootfontein’s local authority has previously acknowledged that enforcement has been challenging, as some livestock owners put pressure on the council to allocate land for farming within the town.

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