Avalon Cemetery turned 50  in true Sowetan style. Celebrations were held and the dead were in for a treat. Praise singer Jessica Mbangeni gave tribute to the struggle icons buried at the cemetery while drummers entertained through music. Johannesburg Mayor Mpho Phalatse , joined by the MMC for Community Development, Councillor Ronald Harris marked #50YearsofAvalon.

FREEDOM FIGHTERS

The cemetery is the final resting place of some of the country's greatest freedom fighters including Helen Joseph and Hector Peterson. Phalatse emphasised the importance of preserving the 172-hectare facility which was opened in 1972 and houses more than 350 000 deceased. She explained that  the cemetery was opened exclusively for black people during the apartheid era.
"During Women's Month in August 2010, the City of Johannesburg declared the graves of struggle heroines Charlotte Maxeke, Helen Joseph and Lillian Ngoyi heritage sites signifying our commitment to preserving our history."

PLAYGROUND FOR NYAOPE ADDICTS 

However the fencing on the N12 is nowhere to be found and the dignity of the dead has been compromised. People of Soweto have complained that their family members no longer have tombstones because they were stolen or vandalised. It has become a known fact in Soweto that the cemetery is playground for nyaope addicts who scavenge around the area scouting for anything of value that they can sell.
Phalatse said,"Security around Avalon Cemetery has been a burning issue for many years. We have many times attempted to address this by reinstating the fencing with newer options from mesh to metal palisade to concrete palisade and then Clear-Vu Unfortunately these options have also not been able to withstand continued theft and vandalism."

A HISTORICAL MILESTONE

She  applauded the Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo for the work they do at  cemeteries and crematoria. Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo spokeswoman Jenny Moodley said the celebration was a historical milestone. She said it was 50 years since the first burial took place at the cemetery therefore it has to be commemorated.
Phalatse said they are working to ensure that mourners and visitors, alike, can remember their loved ones and icons in a safe and dignified manner.