Property owners receive title deeds for Breaking New Ground housing developments

On Thursday, 30 November 2017, 100 property owners from the Heideveld housing development received their title deeds, following Wednesday's handover of 60 title deeds to property owners from Kleinvlei and last week’s 170 title deeds that were handed over to beneficiaries of the Roosendal housing development in Delft.

Among the people who received their title deeds is property owner Mentoor Theron (64) from Kleinvlei, who was on the housing database for 26 years. He previously lived in backyards in areas such as Eerste River, Macassar and Stellenbosch.

"When I received my house, I decided to name it 'Genade dal' because I believe that I received my house by grace. I did not lose hope so I would like to encourage others who are still on the housing database to have faith and keep praying until they get their houses," said Theron.

Last year the City’s Organisational Development and Transformation Plan was adopted by Council to improve how the administration works, with a focus on transit-oriented development. These housing developments are accessible as they are situated along public transport corridors.

"The handing over of title deeds is worth celebrating as some of our most vulnerable residents are being empowered as first-time property owners. These title deeds are also more than just a piece of paper, but an example of the City’s commitment to redressing the inequality of the Apartheid past – a period where people were denied ownership of property.

"We encourage the owners to look after their properties and to make responsible decisions regarding their homes as these houses are valuable financial assets, which will bring them a step closer to economic freedom," said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Transport and Urban Development, Councillor Brett Herron.