The City of Cape Town delivered 65 title deeds to Heideveld families. The handover formed part of the Housing the City Tour: Bringing you home initiative.

The initiative takes housing services directly into communities. The City also visited rental flats where crews continue repairs and upgrades.

‘More than a document’

Mayoral Committee member for human settlements Carl Pophaim says the initiative brings government and delivery to residents.

“In Heideveld, that meant helping residents with housing applications and services, handing 65 families their title deeds and the maintenance work taking place in our community residential units,” says Pophaim.

He says a title deed offers families security and dignity.

“For the 65 residents who received their title deeds, this is much more than receiving a document. A title deed gives you the security of knowing that the home you have lived in and cared for is legally yours,” says Pophaim.

“It gives families an asset they can pass from one generation to the next. It restores dignity through homeownership.”

Services under one roof

Human settlements teams helped residents with affordable housing applications, consumer education and rental housing matters.

They also offered other housing-related services, all under one roof and in the community.

Upgrades underway

The City visited community residential units where repair and upgrade work continues.

Workers replaced external doors and fixed plumbing and carpentry. They also maintained roofs and ceilings, and repaired walls and plaster.

R1,2 billion investment

Pophaim says Cape Town’s ageing public housing portfolio needs significant work.

“That is why the City is budgeting almost R1,2 billion over the next three financial years for the upgrade and maintenance of our Council flats. We are investing, repairing and progressively improving these homes, community by community,” he says.

‘Not simply a tour’

Pophaim says Housing the City goes beyond a tour.

“It is about showing up, getting the work done and bringing delivery closer to residents. We will continue taking this initiative across Cape Town, listening to communities, resolving housing matters and ensuring residents see and experience the work in their neighbourhoods,” says Pophaim.

For more information, contact the Housing Needs Register on 021 444 0333 or email housing.db@capetown.gov.za.