02. Hindu crematorium

This Hindu crematorium built in 1918 was the first ever brick crematorium on the continent of Africa. It was through efforts of Mohandas K. Gandhi (who later became the Great Mahatma) in his capacity as lawyer, that the Hindu Community obtained suitable land for the crematorium. The money for the crematorium was donated by the Hindu Community. Many small donations were received from many rural and urban areas of the Transvaal. The crematorium, built by Messers Damania and Kiladis, consists of a small barrel vaulted rectangular oven with an attached chimney. It is built with a rough redface-brick and is a fine example of decorative brickwork. The Hindu Crematorium was declared a National Monument on 24 September 1995. (source: https://artefacts.co.za/main/Buildings/bldgframes_mob.php?bldgid=15325)