Despite the deafening outcry from residents of Temong Section in Tembisa, Government is still beating about the bush with regards to the issuing of title deeds to service stand owners.
This is according to DA PR councillor in Ekurhuleni, Clr Bongani Nkosi.
“Numerous meetings have been held by government officials, where residents have been promised their title deeds, but nothing has materialised. Residents were promised they would receive their title deeds before August 2016.
“To date, not even a single resident has received his or her title deed. It is clear the promises were only vote garnering exercises for the governing party, as these title deed meetings often take place around the time of local government elections.
Why is it so difficult for Government to issue tittle deeds to people they gave service stands to as far back as 1996? he asked. “Is it because some of the stands were sold to people who were not even on the waiting list of beneficiaries?”
“Subsequently, residents do not trust the credibility of the RDP housing allocation,” Nkosi added.
“People’s houses, which should be in the possession of families for generations, were sold by government officials. They have papers that prove their houses were built in certain areas but other people are staying in those houses.
“Our people in the community who registered for housing over 20 years ago are still on the waiting list. The very same people have lost hope – that is why we have constant service delivery marches. Money has corrupted our nation.”
“On the ground, residents are incredibly frustrated as many of them registered for housing as far back as 1991 but hundreds and thousands of them are still without proper housing and have been forced to resort to shack dwelling. When attempting to get a response from the Department of Human Settlements about their application, residents continue being sent from pillar to post,” said Nkosi.
