Maitland Crematorium - a beacon of modernity amid stigma

Cape Town - Cremation has been a topic of discussion for quite some time, often influenced by various cultural and religious perspectives.

At the centre of this discussion is the Maitland Crematorium, which has recently completed an impressive R18 million upgrade, enhancing its reputation as one of the top facilities in the nation.

This has transformed the Maitland Crematorium into what has been described as a benchmark for modern efficiency and environmental stewardship.

The addition of two new cremators that comply with strict Air Emission Standards highlights “a dedication to both effective operation and sustainable practices”.

Susan Brice, the City of Cape Town's head of Cemetery Management, noted that upgrading was a necessary step.

“It was outdated and the technology couldn't match. We agreed as a City after importing two new cremators in 2016 we would need to replace all of the old with modern equipment,” she explained.

“In this last financial year, we completed the installation and commissioning of additional cremators. Both the new cremators are up and running, we are alternating their use.”

Additionally, the expansion of the cold room has greatly increased storage capacity, improving the management of remains during peak times.

With these advancements, Maitland Crematorium not only addresses current needs but also paves the way for a more eco-friendly future, she said.

Among the cutting-edge features is a sophisticated Scada (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) electronic logging system. This allows for precise tracking of essential data, including temperature, gas consumption, coffin types, and cremation times.

Brice said that all cremation-related data is logged and reported to the proivincial government. “We are linked to a licence that links us to a maximum number of cremations to be done and the current licence allows us to do 42 bodies in 24 hours, we have to recognise the licence that is linked to the emission impact,” she said.

By adhering to strict emission measures, it ensures that the cremators operate cleanly and efficiently.

The installation of a hydraulic coffin lift streamlines the process, making it more dignified for families during an emotionally challenging time.

Cremations take place 24 hours a day, five days a week, ensuring that families can rely on the crematorium's services even during peak times.

“This facility attempts to meet the criteria of cremation within 72 hours, that is the commitment to the customer [undertaker],” Brice said.

There is no backlog at the moment, but spikes now and then as the cremators run on alternative use.

Brice added:“If there is a need and another pandemic , we can respond much easier now and switch on all four on and manage any influx.”

However, while it serves communities from Springbok to the West Coast District, the challenge of stigma surrounding cremation remain firmly in place, she said.

“The question is whether the body get cremated in a coffin or not? How do I know that is my mothers ashes? All of those questions are deterring people in choosing cremation,” Brice said.

“We don’t swop or take bodies out of a coffin, we have no licence to containerise them.This facility receives coffins closed and we don’t open them, we wait for the paperwork.”

Funeral practitioners echo these sentiments, emphasising the importance of community education on the benefits and options available regarding cremation.

Chairperson of the Funeral Practitioners Association of South Africa (Fupasa), Raglan Isaacs says that cremations cost a bit more and are more convenient.

“Earth burials are much more work to do and cheaper if you stick to a public grave. I see with all the water logs we are seeing a trend where people move towards cremations,” Isaacs said.

Undertaker Jano van de Berg of Van Der Berg's Funeral Services claims that not all denominations believe in cremations.

“There is no scripture in the Bible that say you need to be cremated. Aquamation (a form of cremation that uses a liquid solution to create ashes, rather than a heat-based process) is also the new thing that they have launched now,” he said.

Isaacs said that Fupasa has something planned where they will do community engagement on cremations.

“The community has no clue what cremation entails, we will do community indabas to inform people about that,” he said.

byron.lukas@inl.co.za

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