Homeowners from Mitchells Plain were overjoyed when they received the title deeds to their homes for the first time. These handovers are a testament to the City of Cape Town’s commitment to empowering some of our most vulnerable residents as rightful property owners.
The City of Cape Town is in the process of handing over historical title deeds to residents to ensure that they are confirmed as rightful property owners.
During special handover ceremonies, 125 property owners from Mitchells Plain have, for the first time, received their title deeds.
Councillor Eddie Andrews, Mayoral Committee Member for Area South, handed over 76 title deeds to property owners who attended the ceremony at Eastridge Community Centre last night, Monday 26 March 2018.
At the ceremony, Maud Muriel Blood, 83, who has been living in Mitchells Plain for 34 years, said she was very happy to receive her title deed.
‘Thank you very much for my title deed. I am proud to say that I own my house,’ said Mrs Blood, who was accompanied by her son Andrew.
Property owner Ebrahim Isaacs became emotional as he paid tribute to his late wife when he received his title deed.
‘I am so glad that I have finally received my title deed, thank you. Finally, the house is officially mine,’ said Mr Isaacs.
Last week on Human Rights Day, Wednesday 21 March, Councillor Andrews also handed over 49 title deeds to property owners during a ceremony at the Woodlands Community Centre.
‘The transfer of ownership and handing over of title deeds is in line with the City’s commitment to redressing the imbalances of the apartheid past where people were denied ownership of property. For this reason, when our residents receive their title deeds, they are not just receiving pieces of paper. They are receiving the evidence and the assurance that they are the rightful owners of their properties and this needs to be celebrated,’ said Councillor Andrews.
The handover of title deeds is in line with the City’s Organisational Development and Transformation Plan’s priority to be a more customer-centric administration which is committed to excellence in service delivery and to ensure that residents have rights of tenure.
‘We will continue to make every effort to ensure that more property owners receive their title deeds as we are committed to building an inclusive city where everyone feels a sense of belonging. We encourage our new property owners to make responsible decisions regarding their homes, as their homes are also their financial assets,’ said Councillor Andrews.