The dream of legal homeownership became reality for several Macassar families as the City of Cape Town’s Human Settlements Directorate brought its “Title Deeds Express” bus to the area.

The mobile office, designed to cut through red tape and bring government services directly to residents’ doorsteps, marks a significant milestone in the City’s mission to provide security of tenure to long-term beneficiaries.

Since launching the service, the City has successfully handed over more than 520 title deeds.

For many in Macassar, the office’s arrival represents the end of a long wait for legal recognition. According to officials, a title deed serves as both legal document and economic empowerment tool.

“Title deeds represent far more than property ownership alone,” said Carl Pophaim, Mayoral Committee member for Human Settlements. “They provide families with security, dignity and a valuable asset for generations.”

Pophaim explained that receiving a title deed gives beneficiaries full legal ownership of their home and accompanying peace of mind.

He emphasised that the City remains “on the ground” and committed to unlocking homeownership opportunities.

The Human Settlements bus is scheduled to visit all areas in coming months. The City is calling on residents in older housing developments who have not yet received their deeds to come forward when the bus arrives in their neighbourhood.

To ensure smooth handover, residents must take along correct documentation – such as identity documents and proof of address for standard verification; both spouses’ IDs and marriage certificate for married couples; death certificate and the deceased’s ID for deceased spouses; parents’ death and marriage certificates; their IDs; and a letter of Executorship or letter of authority for inherited properties – as the City cannot legally transfer deeds without these specific documents.

The City added that housing services are free and residents should never pay anyone claiming to “speed up” the title deed process. Anyone requesting payment for these services should be reported to the Human Settlements Centre on 021 444 0333.

 For questions about title deeds or mobile bus schedules, call the centre on 021 444 0333 or visit your nearest City housing office.