Minister Simmers ensures Slangrivier residents are empowered with title deeds | Western Cape Government

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Minister Simmers ensures Slangrivier residents are empowered with title deeds

16 July 2021

Today Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers, helped 41 residents in Slangrivier to become fully-fledged and legal homeowners when he handed over their title deeds. Minister Simmers was accompanied by the Hessequa Executive Mayor, Grant Riddles and the Ward Councillor, Gerald Boezak.

This brings the number of title deeds for this community to 210 after Minister Simmers handed over 169 title deeds on two occasions in 2020. Slangrivier is one of twenty-four ‘Act 9 of 1987’ rural areas in the Republic of South Africa, which meant that residents could not by law own land within the area.

Minister Simmers said: “Today’s handover is quite significant, as it presented us with the opportunity to once again drastically change the lives of our people. This is an empowering moment, particularly since it is redressing the past injustices. It provides our people with a sense of security, dignity and pride, as they have full ownership of their properties. The handover also demonstrates the Western Cape Government’s commitment to improving the lives of our residents.

I implore residents to take care of this important document, as it can open a myriad of opportunities for them. It is also critical to keep in mind that it’ll cost approximately R 3 000 to replace this document.”

One of the recipients, Mr Abraham September (55) said: “This is a great moment in my life and I’m truly grateful for this title deed. I’ve already started to extend my property, but will also use this document so that it can further assist me, as I have a lot of big plans for my property. I want to tell those who are still waiting for their title to be patient and to not consider selling their properties, as it is an asset.”

Another recipient, Mrs Maria Saaiman (59) said: “This is the cherry on top of our love nest. I thank God and the Minister for making this possible. It means the world to us, as it allows us to leave a legacy behind for our children and grandchildren.”

“As the Western Cape Government, we will continue striving towards establishing an enabling environment, so that we are better placed to grant beneficiaries security of tenure and make more residents legal homeowners by handing over these title deeds” added Simmers.

Media Enquiries: 

Marcellino Martin
Spokesperson for Minister Tertuis Simmers
Tel: 021 483 3397
Mobile: 082 721 3362
Email: Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za

or

Nathan Adriaanse
Director Communication & Stakeholder Relations
Tell: 021 483 2868
Mobile: 083 2631720
Email: Nathan.Adriaanse@westerncape.gov.za