Restoring dignity through Title Deeds in Ward 6
Story: Relebohile Mxhosana | Photo: Relebohile Mxhosana
The Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements, in collaboration with the Walter Sisulu Local Municipality (WSLM), successfully conducted a title deed handover ceremony for RDP house beneficiaries in Area 13, Ward 6, marking a significant milestone in government’s ongoing efforts to promote secure homeownership and improve the quality of life for communities.
The programme brought together provincial and local government leadership, community representatives, and beneficiaries, all united in celebrating the restoration of dignity and legal ownership to deserving families. The handover forms part of a broader government programme aimed at ensuring that qualifying beneficiaries not only receive housing but also obtain the legal documentation that confirms their rightful ownership.
Mayor of Walter Sisulu Local Municipality, Cllr Vania Davids, welcomed beneficiaries and stakeholders and highlighted the importance of the occasion as a turning point for many families. “Today we are not only handing over documents, but we are handing over dignity, security, and peace of mind. A title deed means that this house is truly yours, legally and permanently. It gives families confidence, stability, and an asset that can be passed on to future generations,” said Mayor Davids.
The Mayor further commended the strong working relationship between the Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements and WSLM, noting that collaboration remains key in accelerating housing delivery and addressing historical challenges related to title deeds.
“We are grateful for the partnership with the provincial department, which continues to support our municipality in resolving long-standing issues around housing and ownership. Together, we are building sustainable human settlements and improving the living conditions of our communities,” she added.
The ceremony was led by the MEC for the Department of Public Works and Human Settlements, Ms Siphokazi Luthuli, who officially handed over title deeds to the rightful beneficiaries, thereby granting them legal ownership of their homes. In her address, MEC Luthuli emphasised the importance of safeguarding the houses and the title deeds, while assuring beneficiaries that the department remains committed to issuing more title deeds to qualifying residents across the province.
As part of the programme, MEC Luthuli also extended support to elderly beneficiaries through the distribution of R1 000 food vouchers, demonstrating government’s continued commitment to social protection and care for vulnerable members of society.
Ward 6 Councillor, Cllr Wesizwe Moeti, expressed appreciation for the handover, describing it as a long-awaited moment for residents of Area 13. “This is a proud day for our ward. Many of these families have been living in their houses for years without title deeds, and that uncertainty has been painful. Today we can confidently say that their wait is over,” said Cllr Moeti.
He further encouraged beneficiaries to take care of their properties and use the opportunity to build better futures for their families. “A house with a title deed is a valuable asset. I urge beneficiaries to protect their homes, avoid illegal selling, and use this opportunity to create stability and growth for their households,” he added.
The title deed handover marked a significant milestone in WSLM’s housing programme, reinforcing the shared objective of ensuring that residents not only have access to housing but also benefit from legal ownership and sustainable human settlements.
The event represented a meaningful step towards restoring dignity, security of ownership, and socio-economic stability for beneficiaries. Through continued collaboration between the Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements and WSLM, government reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating housing delivery, resolving title deed backlogs, and improving the overall quality of life for communities.