It appears that South Africans will have to start sharing tombstones and graves as land for graveyards rapidly runs out, according to Daniel Schubert, founder and CEO of burials provider the Avalon Group.

Meanwhile people, especially in Durban, are facing the prospect of having loved ones share their graves with others - many others, Schubert adds.

If some authorities have their way corpses more than 10 years old will be removed and buried in a communal pit on the cemetery grounds, making way for "newer" corpses.

"This is an extreme measure" says Schubert. "But it is what is going to happen in this country as we face a severe land shortage - and as the country battles to cope with the cost of burying its dead."

He adds that, besides the severe land shortage, cost is also an issue - one that authorities are battling.

"If you look at Durban, it is estimated that there are about 20 000 deaths a year. This means that Durban would have to build several new cemeteries to keep pace, each costing about R20-million rand. One key question is: does the city have the money?"

According to recent press reports, a beleaguered Durban has launched a pilot project at one graveyard, which will eventually expand to all 60 in the city. Remains more than 10 years old will be removed and re-buried to make way for the grave to be "recycled".

Schubert says he is sure there is going to be an "ongoing outcry" from residents.

Meanwhile, Schubert's company has constructed a crematory monument project in Bloemfontein that can accommodate 48 000 niches in various walls of remembrance.

The company is planning a similar development in Durban and Cape Town, each to house 55 000 niches.

"It takes 38 hectares to accommodate 55 000 graves, meaning that, with these three developments alone, we have effectively saved SA more than 100 hectares of land at a time when there is literally no land left for urban graveyards - an issue the South African government is taking very seriously."

While this concept is based on cremation it goes far beyond that, Schubert notes.

"The entire concept revolves around land resource management, environmental control, community upliftment and beautification of the country."