The Member of the Mayoral Committee for Human Settlements in the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Anthea Leitch, accompanied by the Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, Cllr Sello Dada Morero, were in Drieziek, Orange Farm Region G, to hand out 370 title deeds to qualifying beneficiaries, on Wednesday, 19 October 2022.
The event forms part of the City’s efforts to afford citizens the dignity of official proof of ownership. Title deeds bolster the security of homeowners, which they can use to advance their socio-economic status.
Giving the keynote address, Mayor Morero expressed joy in being a part of an event as pivotal as this.
“Now you can proudly say that you are the owner. The title deed is the only legal proof that you are the owner, and with this legal tender, no one can take your property away from you. Let us continue to work together and build stronger communities.
“I also want to thank the Executive Director of Human Settlements, Patrick Phophi and his department for working expediently in ensuring that this community receives their title deeds,” said Mayor Morero.
The upgraded Drieziek township, which was once an informal settlement, was constructed in 2003 and allocations were done in the 2004. The project was constructed under the Less Formal Township Establishment Act, which allowed house construction to proceed before the roads and stormwater construction. The project’s total yield is 807 homes and the title deed event forms part of the journey that began in 2003.
For Cllr Leitch, citizens owning property is an emotional step as many have been historically denied that right in the past.
“There is a big difference between simply having shelter or refuge, and being in a home, and owning that home. A title deed makes you a homeowner. It is a proud moment for you. Your name is now listed at the Deeds Office as the owner of a property, and owning a home is an important first step for many people in the journey to create security and wealth for themselves and their families.”
“As a city, we remain committed to the Growth and Development Strategy 2040, which envisions a better, more liveable, safe, prosperous, diverse, sustainable, resilient and adaptive city – a truly world-class African city, where everyone, including the vulnerable, is treated with dignity and are proud to call this City, their home,” said Cllr Leitch.
The department urges residents who have not received title deeds yet to be patient as the process is being expedited on a phase by phase basis. It further urges the custodians of the title deeds not to sell their home as this may lead to homelessness of family members and fights.
20/10/2022