The City owns only one crematorium, the Maitland Crematorium and can confirm that it is now fully operational and has been granted permission to operate 24 hours seven days a week to assist in this period of high demand. 

While there are several privately owned crematoriums within the Western Cape, the City is not in a position to comment on the operational status of other crematoria.

‘Losing a loved one is a stressful time, especially planning to lay them to rest. We are aware of the backlogs and have worked hard to ensure the second cremator came online again as soon as possible. We are working on expanding our cremator capacity in the future. We will communicate these details once finalised,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.

With both of the City’s cremators fully functional, the cremation capacity has returned to normal.

It is anticipated that the increase in cremations on a daily basis will start having a positive impact and ease the backlog which was starting to build up, as well as alleviate the pressure on the overall system.

It is important to note that while the City has it at full capacity, there is still work to be done to catch up and the City will optimise all options to ensure the backlogs are reduced as speedily as possible. 

The City acknowledges the pressure and impact undertakers are currently experiencing and how important it is for families to finalise final resting arrangements for loved ones. 

The City therefore conducts regular meetings with funeral undertakers and religious fraternities to engage on relevant matters, so to ensure understanding of any challenges within the burial and funeral industry and the services which the City renders in this space.

The City encourages residents to consider the following burial options to help with the current shortage: