Yesterday, Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers ensured that 18 Wesbank residents in Vredenburg became legal homeowners by handing over their Title Deeds, while 10 residents in Noordhoek, Velddrif entered their brand-new homes for the first time.
The Vredenburg Title Deed handover forms part of the Wesbank Revitalisation Project, where 25 houses have already been registered in the names of the beneficiaries. The housing handover in Velddrif is part of the Noordhoek Housing Project, which is valued at over R14,3 million and where 107 top structures had to be built.
Minister Simmers said: “Seeing the joy and excitement on the faces of our deserving and qualifying beneficiaries is priceless. This is true redress and through this process our only aim is to significantly improve the lives of our people, so that their today is better than yesterday and their tomorrow better than today.
Ensuring that more people could obtain full ownership of their homes is one of the best mechanisms to empower our residents with, as this document can open an array of doors and further opportunities for the beneficiaries.
Handing over a house ensures that our people have a safe, decent and dignified dwelling which they can completely turn into a home. These events once again reinforced why our focus is to assist the elderly, persons with a certified medical disability, those 15 years and longer on the Housing Demand Database and backyard dwellers. We remain committed to make a lifelong change in the lives of our people, particularly those who are in desperate need of a housing opportunity.
It was particularly pleasing to handover these houses and to also engage some of the residents who have recently moved in. The Noordhoek project was plagued by a variety of issues, but we’ve been able to amicably resolve all the matters through the Task Team that was set-up to investigate the concerns. Among others, 11 beneficiaries have been removed for a host of reasons which includes being dishonest in their applications, earning above R3 500 and voluntarily withdrawing their applications. The Bergrivier Municipality would now have to find qualifying and deserving replacements.”
One of the Title Deed recipients, 59-year old Mr Isak Bester said: “Not only is this an early Christmas gift, it is also a few months away from my 60th birthday, and I am so happy. I am struggling to express my gratitude, but would like to thank the Minister, Mayor and Municipality for making it possible.”
A couple, Mr and Mrs Wilfred and Christine Syster who received their home in Noordhoek, Velddrif said: “This moment seems so unreal. From living in the informal settlement to moving into the transitional area to now having our own brand-new house is a true blessing. We are forever grateful for this, as we’ve been waiting for over 12 years and finally our moment arrived.”
“As the Western Cape Government, we remain committed to accelerating human settlement delivery, while promoting social inclusion through the development of integrated, safe, resilient and sustainable human settlements in an open opportunity and safe society,” said Simmers.
