The Stellenbosch Municipality has been working since 2016 to address the backlog of 2700 homes for its residents; now they have given out over 1000 title deeds.
Stellenbosch, Western Cape – It is a human right to have a roof over your head, protecting you from the elements. One hundred sixty people who have been living in their homes since 2016 can finally call it theirs!
The Stellenbosch Municipality used Human Rights Day to hand over 160 title deeds to residents in Jamestown. It was a massive celebration for those that received the deeds.
A title deed gives a person the ownership of a property and acts as a passport to participation in the economy. The Stellenbosch Municipality understands that people have a fundamental right to own property. During the handover, one of the residents was acknowledged.
Mr Gert Bowers sadly passed away last year and would have been the oldest deed recipient. He would have turned 97 years old this year. Ms Hester Bowers was, however, present to receive the deed to the house in which she and her late husband lived. Executive Mayor Gesie van Deventer joined Ms Bowers in a candle lighting ceremony in memory of the late Oom Bowers.
After Mr Bowers, the oldest beneficiary to become a homeowner was Mr Johannes Williams, who turns 94 years old this year.
Since 2016 nearly 1000 deeds have been transferred to residents of Kayamandi, Klapmuts, Kylemore, Mooiwater (Groendal) and Jamestown.
‘The Mayor emphasised the important role that title deeds play in redressing the injustices of the past and empowering families for generations to come. The Mayor urged all new home owners and their families to take good care of their new assets as it has the potential to unlock many economic opportunities for them and their children.’
This is excellent news for people waiting on the list. Another handover is already being planned so those still waiting, may soon get their own homes.
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