San community in Rundu raises concern over neglected cemetery - nbc

Some San people residing at the Ndama location in Rundu are unhappy about the state of their cemetery.

They say locals have no respect for the place, which is used as a dumping site, among many other activities.

Ndama could easily be one of the fastest-growing locations in Rundu.

Before people started flocking there, it used to be home to a large number of the San community, who lived there for decades.

When their loved ones die, the San community bury them in the local cemetery. The original size of the cemetery started off at 34,000 square meters.

As the years progressed, people started encroaching on the cemetery, bringing the current size to 24,800 square meters.

Not only did the cemetery become smaller, but it also serves as a hangout spot, a dumping site, and a place where people relieve themselves.

People also created numerous footpaths and roads for their vehicles, among many unmarked graves.

The local San community says the people in the surrounding area have no regard for the dead.

A local community activist, Khumalo Kaseta, says those who are responsible for marginalised communities must assist in preserving the resting places of their ancestors.

"These people have a so-called division that supports them, but the burial sites of their ancestors are neglected and look like this. It's unattended. Personally, I find it insulting to the community as a whole. It's an insult to this subtribe itself."

The San community is calling on the Rundu Town Council to treat this cemetery the same as it treats other cemeteries around town.

They are requesting the installation of a fence, a sign indicating that this area is indeed a cemetery, and, if possible, the presence of a security guard.

Fransiska Kupembona, the Strategic Executive in Rundu Town Council's Community Services Department, states that there are plans underway to formalise the Ndama Informal Settlement, which will subsequently include the San cemetery.

Until the formalisation process takes off, Kupembona is asking Ndama residents to stop vandalising the cemetery.

"I urge Ndama residents to cooperate with our San community. Let's also show a sign of respect, that we don't just cross, we don't just step onto the graves. We don't litter; we don't throw anything into that site because for that community, for them, it's an important site."

The Rundu Town Council does not offer any services to the cemetery.

The local San community has made time in the past to debush and to clean the cemetery.

They are planning on organising another cleanup campaign in August and calling on the local San community to assist.

Kupembona says if the community comes up with a date for the clean-up campaign, Rundu Town Council will be able to provide them with cleaning implements.

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