POLOKWANE – The Minister of Human Settlements and former Polokwane Mayor, Thembi Simelane, has warned recipients of 155 title deeds in Ext 127, Seshego, to guard against the reckless keeping of the documents, as they can be used to manipulate processes they have not formally agreed to.

After years of having moved into the RDP houses without the deeds, many had even stayed longer in shacks before then.

“Any person in possession of this document can write an affidavit to say the owner of the house sold it to me at the cost of R20 000 and therefore, please change its details to mine, here is the title deed,” she said.

A moment of relief

The mood was jovial among the recipients, who conceded that it was a relief to know that they fully owned the government-built houses.

They also encouraged people not to give up on applying for RDPs, despite the processes taking longer to approve.

Who attended

Simelane was joined by Polokwane whip of council, Adolph Rapetswa, member of the mayoral committee on housing Fikile Mashalane, and other government members during the event.

During the officiating ceremony, Simelane also warned recipients about the financial risks.

“Your names have appeared exactly as they are on your ID, but also remember, if one goes to the bank today, the value of this house and its land is not less than R450 000. So, anyone can go to the bank and ask for a loan using your house, lying that they want to start a business. When they ask what of value they have, they can present that affidavit and the title deed,” she explained.