Rest in peace, in private

28 May 2015 - 02:10 By Neo Goba and Penwell Dlamini

Property developers have given Johannesburgers a new way to go out in style - a private cemetery in Nasrec for those who appreciate a little exclusive tranquillity. Not far from the country's biggest sports arena, FNB Stadium, the Nasrec Memorial Park, which boasts 20ha of land, has been developed to provide the city's residents with a home hereafter.What's more, "occupants" will enjoy eternal light without disruptions from Eskom.The entire park is powered by solar panels, with underground generators there as a back-up, for security and other systems.Electric fencing, CCTV cameras and 24-hour guards will ensure a final resting place as secure for you as it is for those who come visiting.At the memorial park, where a single plot costs just R10,000, 22,500 coffins can be accommodated immediately and there are plans to expand the park with another 11,000 plots.But not all people are buried equally; your pocket will decide where you end up. The closer your plot is to two man-made dams - linked by a stream - the deeper that pocket will have to be.If you want a plot beside the gurgling stream, you'd better start saving. It will set you back R45,000.The entire site, bought from a private owner, has been reconfigured and greened to provide a pleasant walk for a family as it pays its respects.The cemetery will have four chapels, with the biggest of them accommodating 200 people.There will be no cultural restrictions either - burials with cow skins will be allowed - but Jews and Muslims will have to wait until phase two is completed.Just do not expect to have a mausoleum erected at your site as size restrictions will apply.If you would rather have a plaque, a wall of remembrance has been built in the heart of the park, with an eternal flame...

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