ABSTRACT
South Africa faces a critical shortage of burial space due to rapid urbanisation and cultural resistance to alternative burial practices. This paper explores how digitalisation and decentralisation can improve cemetery management to promote resilience and sustainability. A narrative literature review examines the historical development of cemeteries, societal values, land use conflicts, and record-keeping challenges. The review synthesises academic literature and regional case studies, highlighting the potential of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and geo-tagging to enhance planning efficiency. Decentralisation is proposed to improve community access and cultural sensitivity. Findings suggest integrating digital tools with stakeholder engagement can address burial space shortages while respecting African traditions. Practical recommendations include policy frameworks and capacity building for municipalities. The paper contributes to urban planning by offering context-specific solutions for sustainable cemetery infrastructure in the Global South.
