Good morning, goeiedag, molweni, as-salaam aikum, shalom.
It really is wonderful to be with all of you on this happy occasion. Today we celebrate the moment that you have been waiting for so long.
Many residents have been living in houses here in Retreat, St Montague Village, Seawinds, and Steenberg for decades, but you could never call the place your own.
Under apartheid, the government took away people’s rights to dignity and ownership as people of colour were not allowed to own property.
When we were elected into government we made a commitment to change that, and to undo the wrongs of the past through redress and reconciliation.
We are aware that many of you have waited and might have given up hope, but today we are handing over the proof that you now own the house in which you have been living. We are proud to share this moment with you, and to restore your dignity by giving you ownership of what could be your biggest asset.
We share in the joy of Mr Richard Bazil Rhode and Mrs Joan Rhode from Chopin Street in Retreat who have been living here for more than 48 years.
Ms Ghairoeniesa Oliver, a single parent living in the area for more than 40 years, now finally has the security that the roof over her and her children’s heads is theirs.
The title deed is more than just a piece of paper: it is a symbol of our triumph over apartheid, and gives you a place to call your own. Legally the house is yours, and you can ensure that it stays in your family for generations to come.
You can invest in it and turn it into something that you and your family can be proud of. We encourage you to be responsible property owners and to take care of your house as the City will not be responsible for repairs and maintenance any longer.
Today we are handing over 53 title deeds to residents in Retreat and surrounding areas, and we will continue this work across Cape Town.
We have been in numerous areas in recent months including Athlone, Wesbank, and Goodwood. In December last year we also celebrated with 197 residents from Eastridge, Beacon Valley, and Tafelsig who received their title deeds.
This is a continuation of the work we started during the 2011 – 2016 term of office when more than 11 000 title deeds were issued to residents.
The handover of title deeds aligns with our Organisational Development and Transformation Plan which is aimed at turning the City into a more customer-centric administration where excellence in service delivery and security of tenure are key priorities.
We wish the official home owners all of the best. We will be celebrating this milestone with many more residents across Cape Town as we give them their right to ownership.
Thank you, baie dankie, shukran, enkosi and God Bless.