The City distributed 1 000 title deeds to residents from across the City on 1 September with eThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda, MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works Sipho Nkosi, and Chairperson of Human Settlements and Infrastructure Councillor Themba Mvubu.

THE lives of around 1 000 families were changed for the better on 1 September when the City awarded them with the title deeds to their homes. The title deed handover took place at the Cornubia Sports Field. KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works Sipho Nkosi together with eThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda and Chairperson of the Human Settlements and Infrastructure Committee Councillor Themba Mvubu officiated the title deeds handover ceremony. Having a title deed gives housing beneficiaries the right to ownership of their properties.

The title deed handover comes as MEC Nkosi is accelerating the Title Deed Restoration Programme as a priority in his office. Through the programme, the Department hopes to speed up the opening of the formal property market in areas like Cornubia and other townships in eThekwini. Among the recipients was 91-year-old Regina Mthalane from Chesterville who said she was relieved to have the title deed to her home. MEC Nkosi encouraged beneficiaries to not sell their houses. “We are aware that some people after applying for and receiving houses, go on to sell it. We discourage the public from doing so,” he said. He added that it was pleasing to see title deeds being awards to residents from several different areas.

Mayor Kaunda said it was a special occasion to give people rightful ownership. “We are restoring the dignity
of people today through the title deed handover. The Cornubia Housing Project is continuing this year to meet the demand for housing. I encourage you to treat Municipal infrastructure with respect. We congratulate all the titles deeds beneficiaries today,” he said. He said they aimed to build 13 000 houses in Cornubia to bring people closer to work and other opportunities.