Minister Madikizela to Hand Over Title Deeds in Belhar, Cape Town

This morning 29 July 2015, Western Cape Human Settlements Minister Bonginkosi Madikizela will be handing over title deeds to beneficiaries in Belhar, Cape Town as part of the Department’s strategic objective to empower vulnerable citizens through ensuring security of tenure and to inculcate a sense of ownership and responsibility in housing beneficiaries. The handover is part of the government’s EEDBS (Enhanced Extended Discount Benefit Scheme) policy that allows for the transfer of pre-1994 public housing into the beneficiaries’ names.

With security of tenure, beneficiaries are freed from the fear of eviction or removal. Many of the beneficiaries would have been victims of unfair removals or evictions in the past, and with a title deed, no one will be able to move them again. The beneficiaries will also be able to use their property as an asset on which they can leverage finance, raise families and bequeath something of value to future generations.

The houses were originally sold to beneficiaries under a loan agreement. However, the title deeds were not transferred from the government to the beneficiaries until the loans were paid off. Using the current housing subsidy, the government pays an amount towards the outstanding loan, and if the loan is cleared using the subsidy contribution, then the house is transferred to the beneficiary. The Department has spent an amount of approximately R1, 5 Million on the application of the EEDBS (Enhanced Extended Discount Benefit Scheme)

Among the beneficiaries is 74 year old, Ms Matilda George who has been residing in Belhar Section 12 for 39 years. “Before I moved to Belhar I stayed in Mannenberg, then I later moved to Philippi, where I stayed in a farm house with my 4 children. The living conditions at the farm house were really unbearable” said Matilda. Moving to Belhar was an exciting experience for Matilda, because it meant a better environment and a house with a big space for her family.

Venue: Huguenot Square Hall in Belhar Drive, Belhar.

Time: 11:00 – 13:00