More than 1 100 title deeds to be delivered to communities

Kouga Municipality is in the process to issue a total of 1 172 title deeds to residents for their RDP houses across the region – a milestone for the municipality.

To date close to 800 notices have been issued, informing residents to collect their title deeds. This includes residents from Hankey (135), Kruisfontein (403), and KwaNomzamo (231) in Humansdorp.

Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, said the municipality was proud of being a catalyst for people’s self-determination and development.

“We are happy that we are able to affirm you as owners of your properties, to bring an end to all the uncertainty and to allow you to use your ownership status to exploit opportunities in business and education and to leave a secured legacy for generations of your families,” he said.

“We have made it our mission, as this leadership, that no title deed must remain with the municipality or any government institution, but must reside with the rightful owner.

Bornman hand-delivered title deeds to several elderly and frail residents who could not make it to the different gatherings due to age and ill-health.

Among them was 78-year-old Martha Kammies from Kruisfontein, who had been bedridden for some years. She was delighted to receive the Mayor and his team at her home.

Also on the beneficiary list were Kruisfontein-residents Annie Kriga (77) and Willie Kriga (75), as well as 69-year-old Mary Esau who is blind.

“Giving people ownership of their properties is an effective means of empowering them and allowing them access to the economy,” said Hattingh.

The title deed porgramme would now move to Jeffreys Bay (131), Thornhill (83), Patensie (144), and St Francis (45).

This is in addition to the 3 056 title deeds issued in 2019 – some of the documents dated back 20 years or more and had never been issued to their rightful owners.

Residents who are unsure of their status are encouraged to inquire with the municipality’s Human Settlements officials at all units.