From Ashes To Ashes – Braamfontein Cemetery and Crematorium

ABOUT

The Friends of Johannesburg Cemeteries is a volunteer group that cares for the graves in many of the city’s oldest burial grounds. In 2023, however, FOJC discovered that nearly 5000 niches and plaques in Braamfontein Cemetery had been heartlessly vandalised.

From these ashes rose a community, led by FOJC, that came together to repair the Crematorium Memorial Walls, niches and plaques. It was a mammoth task that was made possible by the generosity of helpers, supporters and donors alike. And over the last year, FOJC has worked tirelessly to restore the vandalised Ash Plaques and bring some dignity back to those that have gone before.

We now invite you to join us as we visit the newly repaired ash walls to celebrate the pioneers, renowned personalities, and other characters interred at the Crematorium. Along the way, we will meet people like: Frederick George Harris Slade (one of the first cremations in Joburg), Albert Victor Lindbergh (founder of CNA), Sonja Schlesin (Mohandas Gandhi’s secretary) and Esme Euvrard (beloved announcer on Springbok Radio).

Led by Nici Noble, Liz Haines, Antoinette Morgan and Sarah Welham - all of whom have given many hours of their time to repairing the Ash Walls - this will be a fascinating tour that bears testament to some of the famous and infamous people who contributed to the beautiful tapestry of our city.

A portion of the proceeds from this tour will be donated to the FOJC for their ongoing restoration work.

Please note: this is a walking tour so please wear comfortable shoes and bring along a sun hat and water. Toilet facilities are available.

DIRECTIONS