Last week Councillor Monwabisi, Raymond Nongxaza, portfolio chair of Human Settlements at Theewaterskloof Municipality, together with the Director of Economic Development and Planning, Honey Gxoyiya, and other members of the Human Settlements Department handed title deeds over to 45 excited residents in Riviersonderend.
Many had waited for years for this moment and now were finally legitimate owners of their homes.
Councillor Nongxaza congratulated residents and asked them to hold onto their homes. “Please don’t sell your house,” he said. “You can’t come from the squatter area to the house and then sell your house to go back. That isn’t moving forward, that is taking a step back. We know the market is high and people will come to you, but please don’t do it. Today you will have a house that belongs to you, keep the home for your kids.
“We are quick to give people death certificates, but not title deeds. This is a big issue and it must be a priority to ensure that people don’t die before getting tittle deeds. As the coalition government we are committed to helping our communities and to ensure that as many people as possible receive their title deeds.
“We need to speed this process up, but this is just the start. I’m very proud to stand here today and be part of this. I hope you all enjoy your homes and hold on to them.”
He also encouraged recipients to draw up a testament as soon as possible, so the home will not drive a wedge between families. “The handing over of title deeds is an important process, but it can also tear families apart. We’ve all seen how siblings get divided when testaments are not in place. Don’t let the thing that brought you good news today, tear your family apart tomorrow.”