Abstract
M.Sc.
In a country such as South Africa, there is a rich diversity of cultural, social, traditional and
religious practices. The issue of death takes on a similar diversity, as such responding to death
through a burial practice differs to varying degrees with regard to burial containment, burial
material and burial procedure.
The last few decades have seen an increasing recognition of the impact of human activity on the
environment and the critical need to transform our approach on how we plan, lead, manage and
monitor our activities. The subject of death has always been sensitive, resulting in the impact of
burial remains outside the mainstream environmental critique. A sustainable development
approach need to be applied to the issue of burial, and best environmental options should be
adopted with sensitivity to social, religious and cultural practices.
As the need for land urban development increases, the available space for cemeteries is
decreasing. Of the twenty-eight cemeteries in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality,
thirteen are filled up. Therefore, more space is required to bury the dead. It is also recognized that
significant increases in the number of deaths due to the HIV/AIDS pandemic is causing problems
for already stretched cemetery facilities throughout many parts of South Africa.
Research by Fisher (2002) has shown that cemeteries have a fairly severe pollution potential,
especially if situated incorrectly. Leachate produced in a cemetery is of a pathogenic nature and
can pollute surface and groundwater if located too closely. In black rural areas, most cemeteries
were sited by the chiefs and kings of the area, since no legislation existed to govern the cemetery
sites. As a result most cemeteries were poorly sited and now possess potential health hazards for
our groundwater. Groundwater is a hidden treasure for sustainable development and it plays a
vital role in the community, especially in the rural areas.
Groundwater is a vital resource in South Africa and sufficient measures should be taken to
prevent such additional pollution. This study was undertaken to establish whether poorly sited
cemeteries have an impact on groundwater quality, and how can this impact be minimized or
eliminated. Therefore, the groundwater quality of Ditengteng village was analyzed chemically
and microbiologically.
Chemical sampling indicated that the turbidity and the colour of the water do not comply with the
South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) for drinking water and the concentration of iron and
manganese, which are colouring the water and may cause health hazards if consumed over a long
period. Microbiological sampling results indicated that even a once-off consumption of water
could cause serious health hazards. The samples collected recorded poor water quality. Despite
this fact the community at Ditengteng still use this water for bathing, drinking and cooking. Since
piped domestic water supplies are not available, the community depend on that water for
survival. This study also indicates that an incorrectly sited cemetery can lead to the contamination
of groundwater due to leachate.