19/04/2026
SPOEKIESDORP RESIDENTS CLEAN UP HISTORIC CEMETERY IN LรDERITZ
By: A staff member
A group of determined residents from Spoekiesdorp in have taken matters into their own hands on the 18 April 2026, by launching a clean-up campaign at one of the townโs oldest cemeteries once a resting place for thousands, now sadly neglected and misused.
According to community member Lydia Petrus, the initiative was sparked by growing concern over illegal activities at the site. The cemetery had reportedly become a hotspot for drug dealers, exposing children to unsafe and unhealthy environments. In addition, parts of the area were being used as an illegal dumping site.
โWe could no longer stand by while such a historic place is disrespected and turned into a danger zone for our children,โ Petrus said.
The clean-up effort began with only a handful of volunteers who decided to act without prior announcements. After taking the first step, the group shared a video inviting more community members to join the initiative. They now plan to continue the clean-up every Saturday morning for two hours.
Support has already begun to trickle in, with friends donating essentials such as black bags, gloves, and masks to assist the volunteers.
However, the group says the task is far from over. Due to the hazardous and unhygienic conditions including human waste and heavy debris like bricks and stones they are calling on the local council to step in with machinery, such as tractors, to remove waste that cannot be handled manually.
Beyond cleaning, the community is urging authorities to restore and secure the cemetery by painting boundary walls, installing gates, and reinforcing fencing in vulnerable areas to prevent further misuse.
โThis place deserves dignity. Itโs part of our history,โ Petrus added.
So far, only a small section of the cemetery has been cleaned, with much work still ahead. The initiative stands as a powerful reminder of what community action can achieve and a call for broader support to restore the site to its former respect.
Photo: Contributed