A sense of property ownership is priceless as it redefines socio-economic status whilst bolstering one’s dignity. This sentiment was echoed by receipts of title deeds recently during the Title Deeds Friday Campaign at Rockdale, Middelburg in Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, Mpumalanga. The occasion which was graced by Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, accompanied by the MEC for Human Settlements, Mr Speed Mashilo and Local Executive Mayor, Cllr. Mhlonishwa Masilela also involved the visit to elderly beneficiaries. Nearly 1000 title deeds were issued to deserving and rightful government subsidised housing beneficiaries.
The Rockdale integrated human settlements situated along the N4 has transformed the lives of many locals for the better. “Coming here to Rockdale greatly changed my life and I can’t explain it. I have been staying here for about seven years now. As I receive my title deed, I am honoured and grateful”, explained 67-yaer old Mr Faruk-Adbul Majit. He moved from Nazareth, a nearby township, where they were crammed in a small house due to overcrowding. His plight was no different from that of Ms. Diana Tau (62), who said her life had been nomadic; thus, coming to Rockdale and having a title deed gave her a sense of belonging.
Addressing the beneficiaries, Premier Mtshweni-Tsipane reiterated the government’s commitment to restore dignity and afford security of tenure. “We strive to address the indignity brought by the injustices of the past where our people in general and women in particular could not own a piece of land. This campaign aims to accelerate land release and equal access to economic opportunities”, she stated. She further called on beneficiaries to safely keep their legal documents to prevent fraud associated with changing titles.
MEC Mashilo explained that the Title Deeds Friday Campaign is a resolution of a forum for Human Settlement Minister and all portfolio MEC’s (MinMEC) which is aimed at reducing the title deeds backlog across the country. “The Minister, through the MinMEC, called for an expedited rollout of title deeds and the launch happened a month ago. We are, therefore, all about that, and the campaign will extend to other parts of the province”, expounded Mashilo. Executive Mayor, Cllr Masilela appreciated and welcomed the visit by the two principals. In the 2023-24 financial year, over R 8 million has been budgeted for the land restoration programme to register 4,054 title deeds and hand them over to rightful housing beneficiaries throughout the province.
ISSUED BY THE COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTORATE
MPUMALANGA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS
CONTACT: FREDDY NGOBE – 013 766 6014 / 082 859 4630/ flngobe@mpg.gov.za