Mutare Cemetery Tax Sparks Fury As Grieving Families Face US$7 Fee
Angry residents have slammed Mutare City Council after a shocking US$7 (approx R130) fee was quietly slipped into the 2026 budget, forcing grieving families to pay just to enter cemeteries to lay flowers or visit the graves of loved ones. The new levy has sparked fury across the eastern border city, with locals branding the move insensitive and un-African.
‘An Act Of Injustice’ – Mayor Blasts Own Council’s Decision
The Manica Post reports that even Mutare’s mayor, Councillor Simon Chabuka, has condemned the fee, calling it a failure of social responsibility. During the council’s 1,335th full meeting last week, the depth of anger became clear.
Ward 10 councillor, Councillor Calvin Matsiya, tore into the decision during the meeting.
“If you have seven relatives buried across the city, that is US$49 (approx R910) just to clean or lay flowers. How many families can afford that? It is an act of injustice.”
Councillor Chabuka has since ordered an investigation. He told The Weekender that he first learned of the charge during the full council meeting.
“There was an outcry from residents. Some wanted to place flowers at graves and were being charged US$7; others wanted to visit a cemetery simply to show a grave to a relative who was absent during the funeral and were also being charged US$7. So I carried out my own investigation.”
He said council management claims graves are protected areas under the law, so entry must be restricted. He is now waiting for a report to clarify whether the fee applies to simple visits or only to grave maintenance such as repairing cracks or installing tombstones.
“Personally, I feel US$7 is too much given that the area falls under social amenities, but if that was agreed during budget consultations our hands are tied.”
‘You Have Gone Berserk’ – Residents Fight Back Online And On The Streets
The backlash has been fierce, with venting on social media, in meeting halls, pubs, and across Mutare’s streets. Critics say the fee was never mentioned during public budget consultation meetings.
Mr Fungai Dombo questioned how the levy was sneaked through.
“In my analysis of the report, it appears the mayor was unaware of the US$7 charge and only learnt of it when it was pointed out during the full council meeting that it was in the 2026 budget. If the mayor did not know, how was the US$7 fee slipped into the budget? It was not mentioned during the budget consultation meetings. Presenters highlighted the re-introduction of the US$1 Education Levy, but were silent on the new US$7 cemetery visit charge. There is no transparency.”
Mr Tenadi Marinda said the fee was simply un-African.
“It is not fair for the council to charge the bereaved.”
Mr Gift Sithole did not hold back.
“I think you people are going berserk! You charged us for the grave to bury our loved ones. Now you charge US$7 to put flowers. Are you people normal? Charging so much to access a deceased relative’s grave? Your love of money should end where we erect a tombstone. Anything beyond that is tantamount to extortion.”
Mr Blessed Bismack offered a simple solution.
“The fee will not stop the rituals that may be performed there, even if they charge US$100 for a visit. A visitor’s log book is enough to keep track of everyone who comes in.”
City housing director, Mrs Emma Mandiziba, defended the fee, claiming it was meant to deter people performing rituals in cemeteries. But critics pointed out that such practices usually happen at night when gates are unmanned.
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