The City of Johannesburg has asked residents currently awaiting title deeds to be patient, as the process is being accelerated step by step.
The announcement was made during the transfer of 370 title documents to eligible recipients in Drieziek, Orange Farm Region G.
During a ceremony this week, Executive Mayor of Johannesburg Sello Dada Morero and Member of the Mayoral Committee for Human Settlements Anthea Leitch handed out the title deeds.
This event is part of the city’s initiative to provide citizens with legal proof of ownership.
The improved township of Drieziek, which was formerly an informal village, was built in 2003, and allocations were made in 2004.
The project was created in accordance with the Less Formal Township Establishment Act, which permitted house construction to commence prior to the construction of roads and storm water infrastructure.
The project has produced 807 homes, and the ceremony marking the transfer of title deeds is part of a journey that began in 2003.
Morero stated that with the transfer of title deeds, beneficiaries can now boldly claim ownership.
“The title deed is the only legal proof that you are the owner, and if you have it, no one can take your property away. Moreno stated, “Let’s continue to collaborate and build stronger communities.”
Many residents have historically been denied the right to home ownership, according to Leitch, who described property ownership as an emotional milestone for citizens.
“There is a significant distinction between having shelter or refuge and residing in a home and owning that home. A title deed makes you a homeowner, which is a moment of pride for you.
“Your name is now documented at the Deeds Office as the owner of a property,” Leitch said. “Owning a home is a critical first step for many people on the path to creating stability and riches for their families.”
Leitch stated that the city remains committed to the Growth and Development Strategy 2040, which envisions a “better, more livable, safe, prosperous, diverse, sustainable, resilient, and adaptive city – a truly world-class African city where everyone, including the most vulnerable, is treated with dignity and is proud to call this city home.”
The department warned beneficiaries of title deeds not to sell their properties, as doing so could lead to family disputes and homelessness.