Mr. Loon Mackay (73), from Ravensmead Cape Town, became the latest beneficiary to receive the title deed for his home and security of tenure. The Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers made a surprise visit to the elderly gentleman’s home and personally delivered the title deed.
The Title Deed Restoration programme is one of the priorities of Minister Simmers’ portfolio and the handover during Human Rights month made this event particularly poignant too. The Title Deed Restoration programme serves to emancipate citizens with the security of tenure and redress the injustices of the past. Mr. Mackay has been a resident of the property for nearly 38 years.
Shedding tears, Mr. Lackay said: “I am grateful for the privilege you have afforded to my family. With the years and health no longer on my side, this has now lessened the burden on my shoulders, and for the future of my grandchildren.”
Echoing the beneficiary’s sentiments Minister Simmers said: “It gives me great joy, to know that our services have helped ease the burdens of our elderly residents. He is one of many citizens whose hopes we are trying to restore through our service delivery. The urgent delivery of these title deeds ensures that they become the legal homeowners of their properties.”
Through the Asset Finance Reserve (AFR), the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements found innovative ways of generating income and appropriate funds for addressing the issue of title deeds. As of 8 February 2023, the Department has collected R237,747 million, which resulted in an over-collection of R227,340 million. R11.378 million was allocated towards the Title Deed Restoration programme during the 2022/23 financial year.
“Today is a perfect example of what can be delivered when innovation is placed at the forefront of service delivery. Through the AFR and Title Deed Restoration programme many more lives will be urgently changed for the better” concluded Minister Simmers.
