Thirty-six (36) more Western Cape families secure debt-free homeownership through government-FNB partnership
Media release by Provincial Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers
The Western Cape Government’s Department of Infrastructure, in partnership with First National Bank (FNB), has helped another 36 families secure full ownership of their homes by settling qualifying outstanding mortgage balances and enabling the cancellation of their bonds. At a title deed handover ceremony held in Century City, Cape Town, on 13 October 2026, these families celebrated an important milestone: the security, dignity and peace of mind that come with owning a home free of mortgage debt.
The initiative forms part of an innovative partnership established in 2025, when Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers signed an agreement with FNB to assist qualifying homeowners experiencing financial difficulties. Through this agreement, existing government housing subsidies can be used to settle qualifying outstanding mortgage balances, enabling the cancellation of bonds and the transfer of unencumbered ownership to beneficiaries.
Minister Simmers emphasised that the programme demonstrates how meaningful partnerships can make a tangible difference in people's lives.
“A home is more than bricks and mortar. It represents security, dignity and the foundation upon which families build their futures. For these 36 families, the burden of mortgage debt has been lifted, and they can now look to the future with renewed confidence and peace of mind. This is what we mean when we speak about infrastructure delivery that puts people first. We are not simply handing over documents. We are helping families protect their homes, secure their futures and build a lasting legacy for the next generation,” said Minister Simmers.
The initiative uses two existing provincial housing subsidy programmes: the Individual Housing Subsidy Programme and First Home Finance, formerly known as FLISP. FNB screens customers against prescribed subsidy criteria. Where the requirements are met and subsidies are approved, the funding is applied directly towards settling outstanding mortgage balances.
The human impact of the programme was evident in the experiences shared by beneficiaries.
Wayne and Jean Samuels from Mitchells Plain expressed their gratitude after learning that their mortgage bond had been settled and cancelled.
“We are grateful for the help we received from the Western Cape Government,” said Wayne Samuels. “You give people a reason to carry on hoping, to carry on living, a reason to smile and have peace in your heart knowing that all is not lost.”
For Malengolo and Mkhululi Mtwecu, the intervention brought welcome relief after the financial difficulties experienced following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“After the COVID pandemic everything was so tough, because some of us lost jobs and it was difficult to pay the bond. For us it’s quite a relief to get the title deed because we are now fully aware that the house belongs to us,” they explained.
Minister Simmers said these experiences demonstrate the importance of ensuring that housing interventions respond to the changing circumstances of ordinary households.
“Behind every title deed is a family, a journey and often years of sacrifice. Financial hardship should not automatically mean the loss of the home a family has worked so hard to secure. Through responsible partnerships and targeted assistance, we can help qualifying households move from financial uncertainty towards lasting security.
“Our commitment is not only to create new housing opportunities, but also to protect existing homeowners and strengthen the foundations of stable communities across the Western Cape.”
Assistance through the initiative is available to qualifying South African citizens residing in the Western Cape whose mortgaged property is their first and only home, subject to applicable household income requirements and rigorous departmental assessment processes.
The Department of Infrastructure remains committed to working with financial institutions and other partners to expand opportunities for sustainable homeownership and deliver meaningful improvements in the lives of Western Cape residents.
Media enquiries
Stephen Heyns
Acting Head of Communication
Western Cape Department of Infrastructure
Email: stephen.heyns@westerncape.gov.za
Tel: 021 483 0597
