Maweni graveyard road in crisis

Residents of the communal village of Maweni in the Greater Tzaneen Municipality are struggling to access their local graveyard due to the shocking condition of the only access road, which community leaders say has not been maintained for years.

The road has deteriorated so badly that it has become almost impossible to use safely, particularly during funerals. Deep furrows, some more than a metre deep, cut through the route, undermining the dignity of families trying to bury their loved ones.

For the past five years, no maintenance has been carried out on the busy access road, despite repeated requests for assistance. The village headman, Mr Maweni, has reportedly approached the ward councillor on several occasions, but the appeals have gone unanswered.

Community representatives have criticised what they describe as unequal treatment, saying roads are often repaired quickly when politicians or dignitaries are buried, while poorer and vulnerable communities are left with unsafe and undignified conditions.

The Democratic Alliance in the municipality has now called for urgent action, saying it will submit formal questions to the council to demand accountability and immediate repairs.

Councillor Ngwako Mohonone said the situation reflects a broader failure in service delivery and called on the municipality to prioritise the dignity, safety and basic needs of residents in neglected communities.

Residents of Maweni say they are hopeful that the issue will finally receive attention, as the road remains a daily reminder of neglect and unequal service delivery in the area.