Hundreds of house owners from across the peninsula could not hold back their happiness when they received their title deeds from the City of Cape Town on Wednesday July 26.
The beneficiaries from areas such as Wallacedene, Wesbank, Mfuleni and Kalkfontein, gathered at the Mfuleni community hall to get their tittle deeds from mayoral committee member for area east, Anda Ntsodo.
According to the City thousands of people have been issued with title deeds over the last six years. These documents, they said, gave some of the most vulnerable and poor people, ownership of their homes.
To date, nearly 4 000 beneficiaries in Wallacedene, Wesbank, Mfuleni and Kalkfontein have already received their title deeds. And about 8 000 title deeds are in the process of being transferred to beneficiaries.
Mr Ntsodo said the City was levelling the playing fields and thanked people for being patient with the City.
“The City will continue to make every effort to ensure that beneficiaries receive their title deeds. We trust that with their title deeds in their hands, our beneficiaries will now have the assurance that they belong and are the rightful owners of their properties,” said Mr Ntsodo.
Former hostel resident Zamayedwa Nxhowa, 72, couldn’t hide his happiness.
“After years trying to have my own house, the time has finally come. I am ecstatic, to say the least. This is more than great news for me and my family,” he said.
Another recipient, Nosimele Dikane, ululated as she received her title deed. “I am the owner of a property now. I now have a place my children could officially call home,” she said.
Samazi Bolani said his life would never be the same again.
“I am now a true man. I am happy for my dignity to be restored. Now my wife will know that I am the real man. All the years I could see my dignity fading away slowly. I am so proud to have the title deed,” he said.