Twenty-five years into democracy, the residents of Difateng Section in Ward Nine, near Limindlela Train Station, are still waiting for their title deeds.
Residents of 27 households in this section received their houses in 1995, but upon moving in no title deeds were ever issued for these houses.
The visibly frustrated and angry residents told this newspaper they have knocked on almost every governmental doors, but with no success at all.
“There isn’t a single thing we haven’t tried. We have exhausted every means possible, but we are still in limbo, without title deeds.
“I have been here for the past 24 years and I live in fear that someone may come here at any time and claim to have bought the house. I wouldn’t really be in a position to contest because I don’t have legal papers to prove this is my home,” said a visibly angry Paulina Shaku. “I have been here since 1996, living with my parents who have since died. I am now the sole beneficiary, but I don’t have a title deed to protect me.”
“We have tried everywhere for help, but coming to a dead end. We don’t know what to do now,” said another resident, Teboho Moloto.
The Democratic Alliance’s (DA) Ward Nine PR councillor, Kade Guerreiro, who brought the matter in the open, said his party will fight for these residents until they get justice.
“The DA in Ekurhuleni will continue to probe this matter to ensure the residents of Difateng get their title deeds. We will also ensure title deeds are given to their rightful beneficiaries, not those who were fraudulently allocated stands by corrupt officials,” he said.
“Although they reside in these houses, the residents cannot call these houses their own, as they do not have any proof of ownership.
“The slow and sluggish roll-out of title deeds is depriving Ekurhuleni residents of home ownership.
“The community has received no assistance from the City of Ekurhuleni and their cries have been falling on deaf ears since 1995,” he continued.
Responding to the saga, Ward 9 councillor Joyce Dimakatso Dlamini said they are aware of the matter and they are giving it the attention it deserves.
“I want to put it on record that I am the one who brought this matter up with the residents after noticing they don’t have title deeds.
“I have arranged a meeting with the housing department, who sent their officials to come down and assist. They came and explained to the home owners all the procedures and processes. They were advised to formally apply for title deeds,” she explained.
She went on saying that besides trying to assist them get their title deeds, she has also tried relocating them to a more suitable and inhabitable environment.
“Their houses are literally built in water. We want to make their case a special project and move them to an alternative place. I would like to advise them to be patient,” Dlamini said.
Investigations proved both the developers who built the houses and the law firm handling legal matters in this regard have since shut down.
