Phiri residents receive title deeds
After 15 long years, Ward 15 residents have finally received a special delivery that will change their lives forever.
The residents of Ward 15 in Phiri, Soweto were pleased to receive their long-awaited title deeds, issued by the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) Department of Human Settlement at Phiri Hall, on February 14.
This follows the official handover of 50 title deeds to the qualifying residents by the CoJ MMC for Human Settlement, Mlungisi Mabaso and mayor Dada Morero.
In attendance were Ward Clr Vusi Ngema, chairperson of human settlement Mpho Lobosho and Maubi Pekane from the Region G office.
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Morero said the programme intended to roll out the title deeds to 50 families who, for the longest of time, had to share one.
He said some have relocated to Lufereng while others remained, and those who have remained have now been given their title deeds, restoring their dignity.
“We are quite excited that the programme, started some years ago, is now beginning to yield results,” said Morero.
He said the handover is continuing in Braamfischer and other areas to ensure that they give out as many title deeds as possible.
Mabaso said the title deed confirms the ownership of the house and if recipients lose that document, they lose the house.
“It is imperative that they protect these documents and store them safely to ensure that they do not land in the wrong hands; and plan for the future so that at least they avoid the family disputes when the original beneficiaries are deceased,” said Mabaso.
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He encouraged beneficiaries to write a wills and decide among the family members who will take the ownership of the property when they depart.
A thrilled elderly couple, Meshack Kgamyago (75) and Joyce Sehume (70), had their titled deeds personally delivered by the officials.
Kgamyago said they are having a wonderful day having received the title deed after 20 years.
“We had many challenges having to share the yard. We could not go to the toilet or do anything.
“But after they cleared the space 15 years ago, they promised to give us title deeds but they did not.”
According to him, one of the contributing factors to long waiting periods is the abuse of the system by individuals who obtain a title deed only to transfer it to their children, enabling them to apply for another deed elsewhere.
Ngema said on February 26 they will meet with attorneys to assist the residents to draft wills.
Beneficiaries were encouraged to register for the Expanded Social Package (ESP) to get 15 kilolitres of free water.
To apply for the ESP visit the city’s website: www.joburg.org.za.
