DURBAN – Families whose loved ones’ graves were severely damaged by the recent floods in Durban are now demanding that their remains be relocated from Wentworth Cemetery. This request comes after repeated and significant damage caused by the floods, with many families already struggling with similar challenges since the devastating floods of 2022.

The ongoing damage to the graves has left these families in a constant state of distress, leading them to call for a permanent solution to prevent future destruction. For some, the heartbreak is compounded by the fact that this is not the first time their loved ones’ resting places have been affected by severe weather. The 2022 floods wreaked havoc on the cemetery, forcing families to rebuild and repair tombstones, many of which were destroyed or severely damaged by the waters. Now, after facing these emotional and financial burdens, they are pleading with local authorities to relocate their relatives’ graves to safer areas.

One such family member, who traveled from Pietermaritzburg to visit the cemetery, shared their ongoing pain. “It’s incredibly painful because we had to replace a tombstone after the last flood. The thought of going through this again is overwhelming,” they explained. “We’ve asked for our loved ones to be moved to a safer place, but so far, no action has been taken.”

Another affected individual, Nomfundo Dlamini, discovered that her mother’s grave was once again damaged by the recent floods. For Dlamini, the emotional toll was even greater as she learned about the situation through social media. “It’s heartbreaking to find out about the damage in such an impersonal way. To see my mother’s tombstone posted online and have strangers commenting on it only added to the pain,” she said.

These families continue to endure the emotional and psychological toll of repeated flooding, which not only damages the physical graves but also reignites the grief and loss they have been trying to heal from. The constant fear that the graves could be destroyed again has left them feeling powerless and unheard.

With each flood, these families are reminded of their loved ones’ vulnerability even in death. They are now urgently calling for a long-term solution to prevent further damage and to ensure that their loved ones’ remains are safely relocated to a place where they can rest in peace. The emotional toll and trauma caused by the repeated destruction of these graves has left families feeling that enough is enough, and they are now demanding that something be done to protect their loved ones’ final resting places.