A recent post shared on a popular Facebook Page in Nelson Mandela Bay got tongues wagging when the admin raised the question of whether or not it was appropriate to make use of someone else's memorial bench to honour a loved one.
Currently, there are 46 memorial benches spread across Nelson Mandela Bay with more than 20 of them situated along the picturesque Sacramento Trail at Schoenmakerskop.
But now it seems that strangers have started placing plaques on other people's benches and even on rocks without asking permission.
Was this the ethical thing to do?
Algoa FM News spoke to Kayleigh Tuck whose sister-in-law Nadia set up a bench for her brother who died in 2019. Nadia has since added two more plaques to honour her late mother and father.
Kayleigh says for people to just put their plaques on other benches is disrespectful.
She says they went through the right channels to get the bench and it has sentimental value to the family.
Others, however, did not see a problem with this practice saying that the benches are enjoyed by many people and that "sharing is caring".
AlgoaFM News approached the Metro to ask them if folk were allowed to "hijack" a bench.
Metro spokesperson Mamela Ndamase says no.
She says the erected bench is maintained by the applicant and permission to do so would have to follow the process in consultation with the person who erected the memorial bench first.
What is the process?
Ndamase says it all starts with a formal written request that needs to be addressed to the Beaches, Resorts and Events Management Sub Directorate.
If the requested area is within the Sub Directorates area of management, permission will be granted or not granted based on the information acquired after a site inspection.
Ndamase says these inspections are conducted with the relevant Municipal officials.
She says if the area does not fall within their jurisdiction of management then they will assist the applicant to request approval in areas within the coastal zone.
What are the rules and the costs involved?
Ndamase says the applicant will be responsible for the cost of the bench as well as maintaining it. However, the Metro does have a requirement that benches are uniformed in their specification such as their size, colour and shape.
Ndamase says on average they deal with six applications per year.
She says plaques being placed on rocks is not permitted at all.
Where do I get a bench?
Almost all of the benches are made by Timbersolutions who is the preferred supplier for the Metro.
Director for Timbersolutions Linda Heymans says they have been using recycled plastic products to make their benches as it requires little to no maintenance and it is used with recycled materials that would have ended up on landfills.
She says a bench, including the slab, frame and installation will cost in the region of R3 500.
Heymans says being part of the process of erecting memorial benches has become a passionate part of their business.
She says, however, that Sacramento has too many benches at the moment and the Metro has suggested that they move more towards the Mandela University.
Heymans reiterated the importance of following the correct procedures as instructed by the Metro.
Residents can contact the Metro on 041 506 - 2764 for more information.
