The City of Johannesburg, through Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), has activated its operational teams at Westpark Cemetery ahead of the Special Provincial Official Funeral of the late Mzikayifane Elias “Mzi” Khumalo, scheduled for Saturday, 15 August 2026.

JCPZ has worked closely with the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Office of the Premier and the appointed undertaker to ensure that the cemetery is appropriately prepared to host the official funeral.

Following a joint site engagement on 13 August, the grave site was formally identified and confirmed within the Area of High Profile, Block B, Grave 220 at Westpark Cemetery.

Following confirmation of the site, the JCPZ Cemetery Team immediately commenced with the required preparations, including the digging, trimming and tidying of the grave and its immediate surroundings.

The JCPZ Regional Maintenance Team is also on site undertaking general housekeeping and ensuring that the surrounding cemetery environment is clean, orderly and suitably presented for the occasion.

The grass in the area is currently in good condition, with the focus now on final tidying and addressing any visible maintenance requirements.

JCPZ is further coordinating the provision and positioning of greenery and plants to support the presentation of the stage and surrounding areas.

The City has mobilised the relevant teams and continues to coordinate closely with all stakeholders to ensure that outstanding preparations are completed ahead of the funeral.

Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo remain committed to maintaining public spaces and cemeteries to appropriate standards, particularly when they are called upon to host significant occasions that honour the lives and legacies of South Africans.

The City extends its condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of the late Mzi Khumalo and wishes to assure all stakeholders that preparations at Westpark Cemetery remain on track.

Issued by the City of Johannesburg