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TITLE DEEDS: Papers that mean Peace of Mind and a Place to Call Home
In celebration of his first 100 days in office, Overstrand Executive Mayor Archie Klaas, hit the ground in Zwelihle to hand over 35 long-awaited title deeds to proud beneficiaries - some who’ve waited years for the moment.
The handover may have been small in numbers, but the energy was big. There were real smiles, heartfelt thanks, and that shared sense of, “finally, it’s mine.”
He was joined by Mayoral Committee Member (MMC) for Community Services Ronald Nutt, and MMC for Municipal Public Safety Andrew Komani, Ward 12 Councillor Masibongwe Sihlahla, Ward 6 Councillor Vuyisani Bandeza and Ward 5 Councillor Bongiwe Nombula as well as the Manager for Integrated Human Settlements and Development, Aron Gcotyelwa.
These 35 title deeds come from various housing projects rolled out and completed over the years These include the Swartdam Road Site C1 Housing Project, part of the Integrated Residential Development Programme (IRDP) aimed at upgrading informal settlements. Other projects covered in this handover are Site C2, the Still Street Housing Admin Site, and the transfer of hostel units to long-term tenants, at Peach House, where ownership was made possible following final subdivision and housing subsidy approvals from the provincial department.
The Mayor acknowledged the many hurdles in the title deed process - from delays in subsidy approvals and historical land issues, to difficulty in contacting beneficiaries who have changed phone numbers or addresses without updating municipal records.
“This is a complex and often lengthy task,” said Mayor Klaas. “It involves tracing original deeds, verifying ownership, and ensuring proper registration. But we remain committed to addressing the backlog and finalising outstanding transfers.”
The Overstrand Municipality continues to prioritise the issuing of title deeds to qualifying beneficiaries, recognising it as more than a legal transaction, it is the restoration of dignity and the promise of generational security.
Residents who are unsure about the status of their title deeds are encouraged to visit their nearest municipal housing office for assistance. Keep your details up to date. Help us help you.
Issued by:
Overstrand Municipal Manager, Dean O’Neill
