Twenty-four year wait for title deeds over
Representatives of Shalom Lighthouse Ministries and Living Stones Baptist Church receive their church's title deeds at a handover in Brackenham.
‘FINALLY, after 24 years we can say that the land and the building are ours’.
These were the sentiments of an elated Pastor Nolan Naidoo of Shalom Lighthouse Ministries as the church received its title deeds at a handover in Brackenham on Monday night.
The long drawn-out process to secure the title deeds for Brackenham and Aquadene residents is in its final stages as Department of Human Settlements and Public Works local representative, Leslie Joseph confirmed at the meeting that he is almost complete with the home transfers.
‘I am awaiting the arrival of the deeds documents for 40 more houses and thereafter I am left with 25 other cases to complete. I have received a list of desperate cases from Cllr Beena Simmadri and Cllr AS Dawood that I am busy attending too,’ said Joseph.
‘We are not only concentrating on houses but transferring properties of religious sites as well.
I have completed the two oldest churches in Zululand, Shalom Lighthouse Ministries (AFM) and Living Stones Baptist Church (LSBC). I am still busy with the other churches and have transferred one temple already,’ continued Joseph.
Highlighting several role players in the process, Joseph also thanked his colleagues Cllr. Nellenie Naidoo and Ward 26 Cllr. AS Dawood, for their support and hard work over the years.
Accepting the title deeds on behalf of LSBC was the Acting President of the Baptist Association of South Africa, Jayzel Jayakaram.
In his speech, Jayakaram praised Joseph for doing everything in his power to fast track the process and thanked him for his hard work and perseverance.
Hailing the historic moment, LSBC treasurer Sagra Simmadri attributed the achievement to the perseverance of pioneers who had contributed tremendously towards securing the transfer of homes and asked that a moment of silence be observed in memory of those that have laboured but passed on.
Urging residents to exercise patience, Joseph added that the process was underway and would hopefully be completed soon.
‘The next church and Hindu organisation in Brackenham to receive their title deeds are Good Tidings Fellowship and The Divine Life Society.
These will be handed over once the documents arrive,’ confirmed Joseph.
