By Levy Masiteng
The Department of Human Settlements has handed over 300 title deeds to qualifying beneficiaries in Mamelodi, with 18 senior citizens receiving their title deeds during a symbolic ceremony on Monday ahead of Nelson Mandela International Day commemorations.
The handover formed part of the department’s Title Deeds Restoration Programme, led by Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane, Gauteng Human Settlements MEC Tasneem Motara and the City of Tshwane’s MMC for Human Settlements, Aaron Maluleka.
The department said the programme aims to restore legal ownership of homes to qualifying beneficiaries while reaffirming government’s commitment to restoring dignity, security of tenure and homeownership.
“Title deeds are not just pieces of paper. They represent dignity, ownership and security. They provide families with legal proof that the homes they occupy belong to them and can be passed on to future generations,” Simelane said.
Motara said the programme was helping reverse the legacy of apartheid spatial planning by ensuring residents finally receive legal ownership of homes they have occupied for years.
“The restoration of title deeds gives residents certainty and allows them to fully participate in the economy through homeownership,” she said.
The symbolic handover took place in Mamelodi, one of South Africa’s largest townships, established in the 1950s after black residents were forcibly removed from areas including Lady Selbourne and Marabastad under the apartheid government’s racial segregation policies.
The department said restoring title deeds is an important step towards addressing historical injustices and empowering communities through formal property ownership.
The event also formed part of activities leading up to Nelson Mandela International Day on 18 July, which this year is being observed under the theme: “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity.”
The United Nations declared Nelson Mandela International Day in 2009 in recognition of the late statesman’s contribution to peace, freedom and social justice.
The department said the Title Deeds Restoration Programme remains one of government’s key interventions to restore dignity to beneficiaries of state-subsised housing by providing them with legal ownership of their homes.
It said title deeds also enable families to transfer property to future generations, access financial opportunities and enjoy greater security of tenure.
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