All Saints' Day Observances in South Africa

01.11.2026

On the occasion of All Saints' Day, the Polish community gathered for Holy Mass at Westpark Cemetery in Johannesburg. The Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Pretoria was represented by Piotr Kruze, Head of the Political and Economic Section. The Mass was celebrated right next to the Polish Memorial Garden, where members of the Polish community joined in prayer for their deceased compatriots.

Westpark Cemetery in Johannesburg; a row of old, richly decorated gravestones, including one on the right that features a Pietà. The gravestones are somewhat neglected and overgrown with grass. In the background, an outdoor altar is visible, with Father Marcin Kędzia celebrating Mass. To the left, a nun sits in deep thought, alongside another priest. To the right is the Polish Memorial Garden. Behind the altar, old jacaranda trees are in purple bloom. On the left, the faithful have gathered, sitting on portable chairs under umbrellas.

In keeping with tradition, Polish Consul Robert Rusiecki laid a wreath at the grave of Polish diplomat Stanisław Łepkowski. Dr. Stanisław Łepkowski served as Consul General in Pretoria from 1941 until May 1946. After the war, he remained in the Union of South Africa, where he eventually passed away. During World War II, Dr. Łepkowski played a pivotal role in securing a safe haven for Polish refugees in the Union of South Africa. Representing the Polish government-in-exile in London, he negotiated with the Union’s Prime Minister, Field Marshal Jan Smuts, resulting in an agreement to provide refuge for Polish children and their guardians. On April 10, 1943, 500 Polish refugee children and their caregivers—survivors of deportation to Siberia by the Soviet NKVD and the subsequent arduous journey—arrived at an orphanage in Oudtshoorn.

During this time, we also remember those who have passed away in 2026.

Photos: Julia Gutierrez-Zygała/Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Pretoria

Photos (5)

Piotr Kruze, Head of the Political and Economic Section at the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Pretoria, paid tribute to the Poles buried at Westpark Cemetery in Johannesburg. In the foreground, there are memorial plaques for the deceased, along with floral arrangements. In the background, the inscription "Polish Memorial Garden" is visible. In the background, parked cars and jacaranda trees

Polish Consul Robert Rusiecki lays flowers at the grave of Stanisław Łepkowski; tombs are visible in the background; the gravestones are neglected and overgrown with grass

All Saints' Day observances at Westpark Cemetery; an outdoor altar is set up in the foreground, where Father Marcin Kędzia is celebrating Mass. To the left, a nun sits in deep thought, accompanied by another priest. In the immediate foreground, there is a vase filled with white and red flowers. To the right lies the Polish Memorial Garden. Behind the altar, old jacaranda trees can be seen in purple bloom.

Westpark Cemetery in Johannesburg; a row of old, richly decorated gravestones—some featuring sculptures of angels, and one on the right depicting a Pietà. The gravestones are somewhat neglected and overgrown with grass.