Through a written parliamentary question, the DA in the Western Cape can reveal that the national Department of Human Settlements has effectively eliminated the Title Deeds Restoration Grant programme.
The programme’s primary aim was to finance and expedite the eradication of the backlog in the transfer of ownership of houses in subsidy-built human settlements developments.
MPP Matlhodi Maseko says: “Since the implementation of the Title Deeds Restoration Grant in 2016, the provincial Department of Human Settlements successfully delivered approximately 27,500 title deeds to a value of just over R221-million. This was done in collaboration with municipalities through their respective Title Deed Restoration Business Plans.
The removal of this over R67-million conditional grant jeopardises the province’s consistent efforts to overcome the backlog, which currently stands at about 58,500 title deeds.”
Title deeds are more than just a document of property ownership. They provide a security of tenure and a strong symbol of redress for so many who were deprived of property ownership, given the injustices of the past and the economic challenges still felt today.
MPP Maseko comments: “Although the provincial MEC has raised the significance of ending the Title Deeds Restoration Grant Programme with Minister Lindiwe Sisulu, national government is firm in its decision to end the programme.
What this means is that funding for restoration of title deeds will have to come from the province’s Human Settlements Development Grant (HSDG). In the special adjustment budget passed last week, the HSDG was itself reduced by over R200-million. As with the fight against Covid-19, the Western Cape is effectively alone in restoration of title deeds.
As Chairperson of the Human Settlements Committee in the province, I remain committed to stringent oversight of the province’s housing expenditure and attainment of targets. Though we have once again been left in the lurch by Pretoria, we must deliver value for money to our residents.”
The DA in the Western Cape remains committed to continual oversight of all human settlements developments in the province, so that we progressively work towards realising dignified, quality housing for all.
