By Lungile Ntimba
Around 300 title deeds were handed over in Ekurhuleni on Thursday, providing qualifying beneficiaries with guaranteed land ownership.
The initiative is in line with the 7th administration’s commitment to both restore the dignity of the people by providing security of tenure and fast track service delivery, according to Gauteng Human Settlements MEC Tasneem Motara, who presided over the ceremony at Winnie Mandela in Tembisa Ext 23 and Tembisa Ext 24.
She was joined by Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, Human Settlements MMC Kgopelo Hollo, and Acting Head of Department (HOD) Puleng Gadebe-Mabaso.
“We gather to restore the dignity of our people. This signifies a commitment to ensure home ownership for Gauteng residents awaiting formal recognition of their property rights,” Motara said.
“We will be back soon not only to allocate title deeds but to also allocate houses in the developments in the area. We have Clayville which has to absorb those in informal settlements and other people approved in the subsidy system.”
Motara congratulated all the 300 recipients of title deeds and urged them to protect their title deeds.
“Do not write with a pen on your title deed, do not give it to anyone and please have a will. Tell us what you want to happen to your house when you are no longer alive so that your family does not have to fight, and the government does not have to decide for you,” she said.
Motara assured residents of Tembisa that the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements and the City of Ekurhuleni will work together to unbottle legal issues that have led to a delay in issuing title deeds for houses built in 1996.
Xhakaza, the executive mayor of the City of Ekurhuleni, said the municipality is expected to issue more title deeds in the area.
“We want to assure the greater community of Tembisa that there is a lot of work being done to ensure that every house has a title deed. We are busy processing 400 title deeds,” he said.
Xhakaza said that residents can also approach the municipality to check for their title deeds.
Residents were thrilled to receive their title deeds confirming their home ownership status.
For Mpho Rathelele, 52, receiving the title deed was a befitting birthday present.
“I have been waiting for it for a long time. I am happy to receive my title deed on my birthday, it reaffirms that I am a homeowner, and my children will benefit from my house,” he said.
Rathelele, also said that he was grateful that the City of Ekurhuleni was working for the people of Tembisa again after being absent for some time.
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