MORE than 1 500 residents have received ownership of their homes to date – including those who received their title deeds at Pellsrus in Jeffreys Bay last week Tuesday.
A total of 141 title deeds were handed over at the Pellsrus Community Hall to beneficiaries of government houses.
Kouga Mayor Horatio Hendricks said some of the beneficiaries had been waiting for more than 15 years to receive the title deeds to their houses.
As has become customary, Hendricks first visited the homes of three of the oldest beneficiaries to hand-deliver their title deeds.
Jacob (81) and Sophie de Waal (80) were delighted to receive the Mayor and his team at their home.
“Receiving the title deed to our house is a weight off our shoulders. We have put a lot of work into the house and it is a comfort knowing that the house will remain in our family once we are no longer here,” said the De Waals, who had been waiting for their title deed for 17 years.
Addressing the gathering at the Pellsrus Hall, the Mayor highlighted the benefits of having a title deed, while cautioning the beneficiaries not to be reckless with the precious document.
“A title deed proves that you are the owner of your home and you can use it to qualify for a loan.
“Should you choose to go this route, please make sure that the loan is for something that will strengthen you economically, be it for a study programme or to start a small business.
“Avoid taking out loans to buy more furniture or luxuries,, because you run the risk of losing your house if you cannot repay the loan.”
