A Broken Crematorium Is a Broken Promise: Chatsworth Community Demands Action as Mobeni Remains Shut

Letter to the editor

Frustratingly, the Mobeni Crematorium has been a major concern for the community of Chatsworth and surrounding areas, especially after the eThekwini Municipality's promise to have it operational by  end September 2025..

As of June 2025 the Municipality's allocated R14 million for repairs, including replacing the furnace and upgrading the facility.

To date, sadly, nothing has been done.

The crematorium has two non-functional furnaces shut down due to an expired Air Emission Licence, and environmental health risks for a number of years.

Chatsworth residents are outraged, demanding accountability and have accused the municipality of mismanagement and neglect, suggesting privatisation as an alternative.

What has become a matter of great concern within the funeral industry is the evidence of an  lack of respect by the municipality for the rights and feelings of people mourning the death of loved ones.

Does The Municipality Even Care?

This, to me, shows a total lack of respect for both living and the dead by the municipality.

In light of the repeated delays and current inaction, I respectfully, yet urgently, request that the municipality consider privatising the Mobeni Crematorium.  A suggestion is that the crematorium should be given to a non-profit organisation, such as the Clare Estate Crematorium run by Chairman Pradeep Ramlall and his efficient board members.

Without doubt, with their expertise, they will have the crematorium operational within a matter of a few days. 

I trust the municipality will prioritise this critical issue, and, hopefully, a formal response will be forthcoming. The community cannot afford further neglect in this regard.

It is time for action.

"Remember, a broken crematorium is a broken promise to the departed, and to us as well"

Dhayalan Moodley Mobeni Heights

DAILY NEWS