A young woman has shared an unconventional way she supports her education – by cleaning graves. Sulandri Kotzé, aspiring to be a nurse, decided to take on this unique job to cover her future expenses, rather than relying on her parents’ financial support.
The 17-year-old from Free State, South Africa, turned her idea into a thriving business of restoring neglected graves, which has now become a family endeavor. Working alongside her parents, Dirk and Andri, Sulandri humorously mentioned how they enjoy their time together while working at the cemetery.
The concept of cleaning graves struck Sulandri two years ago when she realized the deteriorating condition of many burial sites. Witnessing weeds and dirt overshadowing gravestones, she felt compelled to restore dignity to these final resting places. Subsequently, her parents helped promote the business on social media, leading to a swift acquisition of five clients.
Presently, Sulandri maintains approximately 75 graves, meticulously cleaning each one twice a month. She customizes her pricing based on factors like grave size, condition, and the client’s preferences for additional materials. Moreover, she ensures to update clients with monthly photos or brief videos showcasing the cleaned graves.
The heartwarming feedback from clients, who appreciate the monthly updates, further motivates Sulandri and her family. Often facing challenges in locating graves due to the changing landscape of the cemetery, they tackle each restoration project with care and dedication.
Beyond the financial aspect, Sulandri’s business has become a personal journey of exploring her family history. While tending to graves, her mother, Andri, serendipitously discovered the resting place of her great-grandparents, fostering a deeper connection to their past.
With each family member contributing to the business, Sulandri’s boyfriend also lends a hand whenever possible. Despite the hard work involved, Sulandri finds fulfillment in providing solace to grieving families and enabling distant relatives to care for their loved ones’ graves.
As Sulandri pursues her dream of becoming a nurse, her unique business not only supports her aspirations but also serves as a meaningful way to honor the memories of those who have passed away.
