Who and what is AfriForum?

AfriForum is an Afrikaans civil rights organisation that protects the rights of minority groups at national as well as provincial level, and anyone who can identify with AfriForum’s principles and objectives may join the organisation. AfriForum’s community plan focuses on mobilising communities to thus take control of their own streets and neighbourhoods again. AfriForum ensures that your constitutional and civil rights are recognised and protected at national level.

Wie en wat is AfriForum?

AfriForum is ’n Afrikaanse burgerregteorganisasie wat die regte van minderheidsgroepe op sowel nasionale as provinsiale vlak beskerm, en enigiemand wat met AfriForum se beginsels en doelstellings kan identifiseer, mag by die organisasie aansluit. AfriForum se gemeenskapsplan fokus daarop om gemeenskappe te mobiliseer om só weer beheer terug te neem oor hul eie strate en woonbuurtes. AfriForum verseker dat jou grondwetlike én burgerregte op nasionale vlak erken en beskerm word.

Community Affairs Media statements | Media statements

AfriForum’s Hessequa branch restores Meurant Historical Cemetery

ByAfriForum 02/07/202602/07/2026

AfriForum’s Hessequa branch successfully completed the first phase of its refurbishment project at the Meurant Historical Cemetery in Riversdale last weekend. The cemetery, where Louis Henri Meurant is among those buried, is an important part of Riversdale’s history.

During the clean-up operation, approximately 1 600 m² of grass was cut, two invasive trees were cut down and removed, overgrown graves were cleared, and weeds were removed. In addition, more than 100 bags of garden refuse and other litter were removed from the site, making a significant difference to the cemetery’s appearance and accessibility.

The project was supported by AfriForum’s Knysna neighbourhood team, as well as members of the local Horticultural Club and other dedicated volunteers who gave their time to help restore the site.

This project is the first of many refurbishment projects that AfriForum’s Hessequa branch will undertake at the historic site. The branch will assist with cleaning projects to preserve the cemetery and its historical value for future generations.

“Louis Henri Meurant, after whom the cemetery is named, was a journalist and writer who helped establish Afrikaans as a written language. His legacy deserves to be preserved as part of our linguistic and cultural heritage. Preserving his final resting place therefore contributes to protecting an important part of South Africa’s history,” says Marthinus Erasmus, AfriForum’s District Coordinator for the Southern Cape.

AfriForum encourages residents to get involved with the branch’s projects and help build a culture of self-reliance, responsibility and community pride. Join the Hessequa branch today. Email marthinus.erasmus@afriforum.co.za or call Erasmus on 081 216 9602 for more information.