Minister Madikizela Handed Over 135 Title Deeds In Mooiwater, Franschhoek | Western Cape Government

News

Minister Madikizela Handed Over 135 Title Deeds In Mooiwater, Franschhoek

1 March 2019

Western Cape Human Settlements Minister Bonginkosi Madikizela together with Stellenbosch Mayor Advocate Gesie van Deventer handed over 135 title deeds in Mooiwater, Franschhoek.

The Mooiwater Housing Project was part of the Stellenbosch Municipal Integrated Development Plan (IDP). Erf 2903 was regarded as the most desirable property for a housing development in Franschhoek and deemed as Phase 2 of the original application that was fully supported by the Council. The project provided housing opportunities for 231 families. Its primary objective was to address the living conditions of the informal area and backyard dwellers located within and around the area.

Mayor van Deventer said the project cost R31.86 million and was initiated to provide safe and dignified living conditions for Groendal residents and backyard dwellers. The oldest beneficiary today is Ms Christina Hoffman, who turns 76 this year.

“Giving residents ownership of their homes is a priority for the municipality because it creates new opportunities for the beneficiaries. A title deed gives a person the ownership of a property and acts as a passport to participation in the economy. As a responsible and caring local government, the Stellenbosch Municipality understands that our people have a fundamental right to own property. A title deed provides a valuable asset to a family and empowers them for generations to come,” said van Deventer.

She said the transfer of title deeds is the continuation of a commitment made she made when she took over office in 2016.

“The handing over of deeds forms part of our commitment as a local government to ensure dignified living conditions for all our residents. I urges all new home owners and their families to take care of their new assets, as it has the potential to unlock many economic opportunities for them and their children,” concluded the Mayor.

Minister Madikizela said since he took over the Department of Human Settlements in 2009 the department issued over 103 title deeds in the Western Cape.

“This document you are receiving today confirms you as home owners. The sad reality is that those who received land through the land restitution programme were not financially supported. This is the reason why many people don’t own land today,” said Minister Madikizela.

The Minister added: “The government is not honest about reasons why many South Africans are not home owners. After 1994 when we started the land reform project, a number of things went wrong. There should be no questions whether people should own land or not. Every South African who was dispossessed of their land must get their land back. There’s no question about that.”

“It makes me sad when I travel across the county and see pieces of land just lying there. Many people who received land in the Western Cape sold the land back. People must own the land and be supported. Those who get residential land  receive title deeds,” said Minister Madikizela.

The Minister concluded that the government should start a process of educating  people to trade and generate venue using their properties to escape poverty.

“When people get houses, they see them as a way of making money and rent them out. This is what we see happening in Du Noon. Rental collection In Du Noon more than that of Sea Point. The next step for us is to teach South Africans on how to escape poverty by using their properties,” said the Minister.

 

Photographs available on request.

Media Enquiries: 

Mrs Ntomboxolo Makoba-Somdaka
Spokesperson for Minister Bonginkosi Madikizela
Tel: 021 483 4798
Cell: 082 953 0026

Mr Nathan Adriaanse
Director: Communication and Stakeholder Relations
Tel: 021 483 2868
Cell: 083 263 1720