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Sixty-five cemeteries in Durban are reaching their maximum capacity. The municipality plans to expand Newlands cemetery, and improvements are underway at Ottawa cemetery.

A municipal councillor from eThekwini, Daniel Mthethwa, stated that 65 cemeteries in Durban are filling up because long-term planning is failing to keep pace with the increasing population. Mthethwa, who is a DA representative for public services in eThekwini, received a response from the municipality to questions he asked in May 2026 regarding burial sites. He noted that the available space for burials in the municipality is rapidly shrinking, and he is concerned about the growing crisis in burial sites.

According to Statistics SA data on births and deaths from 2022 to 2026, approximately 5.4 million births and 2.7 million deaths were registered. The municipality reported that 65 cemeteries are currently operational, many of which are either nearing full capacity or have already reached it due to increased demand for burial spaces.

The municipality's response also showed that while additional land has been identified for the expansion of Newlands cemetery, and improvements are being made at Ottawa cemetery, the municipality does not intend to re-landscape the cemeteries. Mthethwa emphasized that 'the municipality's inability to provide a clear assessment of its monthly burial demand is even more alarming. Instead of providing the requested statistics, it only acknowledges that demand remains high and continues to put pressure on existing cemetery infrastructure.'

Mthethwa added that although the municipality claims to have identified additional land for future cemetery development and is considering alternative burial methods such as cremation, mausoleums, and vertical burial systems, it has not provided clear timelines for creating additional infrastructure. He stated: 'Every resident deserves the dignity of being buried according to their religious beliefs, cultural traditions, and family wishes.'

Mthethwa also mentioned that in the local elections, residents will have the opportunity to vote for a government that prioritizes proper planning, ensures decent public services, and guarantees that every resident is treated with due respect. He stated that if the DA successfully leads the municipality after the local elections in November 2026, they will conduct a comprehensive audit of all municipal cemeteries, publish accurate statistics on burial capacity, prioritize long-term planning for burial infrastructure, and allocate funds for creating additional space in cemeteries.

Fernando Grande-Marlaska informed journalists at the Government Delegation in Ceuta that there are 5,000 remaining migrants in the city, of whom 1,898 minors have been identified during a process that is nearly complete.

More than half a thousand applications for international asylum were processed among adults, most of which received a negative decision regarding the granting of international protection.

Marlaska also announced a new police reinforcement in Ceuta, supplementing the measures taken by Spanish security forces in the autonomous city in North Africa since the end of July.

He specified that there are currently 880 police officers working in the city, which is 270 more than before the crisis, as well as 714 civilian guards, almost 200 more.

The Spanish National Police will receive additional reinforcement from the Prevention and Response Unit, consisting of 45 new agents, as well as 20 staff members from the Central Brigade Unit for Foreigners and Borders to support the Office of Asylum and Refugee Affairs.

The Spanish government also plans to accelerate the identification and necessary procedures for the return of migrants who illegally entered Morocco after determining their administrative status, explained Marlaska. He emphasized that the initial priority was the identification of minors.

The minister assured that individuals in irregular situations will return 'as soon as possible,' reiterating that those who entered illegally cannot remain in Ceuta.

Furthermore, they will not be transferred to the peninsula or enter the Schengen free movement area, except in exceptional cases of extreme vulnerability provided for by Spanish and international law.

Marlaska noted that those hiding to avoid identification will eventually be found, and once their irregular status is confirmed, the deportation process will begin.

In cases of criminal activity, the procedure will be accelerated, and the Ministry of the Interior has requested the necessary authorizations from the judicial authorities to carry out deportations.

On July 30 and 31, about 72,000 people entered Ceuta in 24 hours, with the majority (70,000) subsequently returning to Morocco, according to data from Spanish authorities. At least 82 people died while trying to reach Ceuta by swimming.

Following this crisis, police control has been strengthened in both Morocco and Spain, where floating barriers have recently been installed in the sea off Ceuta and Melilla.

Despite this strong police presence, calls for another mass entry attempt into Ceuta and Melilla continue to multiply on Moroccan social media on August 15.

The autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla are two Spanish enclaves located off the coast of Morocco and represent the only land borders of the EU with Africa.