Seven Mamre residents recently became first time, legal and fully-fledged property owners when they received their title deeds Wednesday 2 March.
Tertuis Simmers, Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, was on hand at the event.
Mamre is one of 24 “Act 9 of 1987” rural areas in South Africa, which meant residents could not by law own land within the area. “The handing over of these title deeds is empowerment in action, as it reverses a painful law which is Act 9 of 1987 that sought to keep ownership out of the hands of our people,” Simmers said.
Juliet Adams (67), one of the beneficiaries, said it was a day for which she was thankful.
“This is an immense moment for me which I am truly grateful for,” she said. “We’ve already encountered a few disputes, but this document puts everything to rest and now we can move forward. I thank everyone who made it possible.”
Couple Justin and Bridgette Robertson received their title deed to a vacant property.
“We’ve been waiting for this document, as now we can finally build the home we’ve always wanted,” Justin related. “It is difficult to express how happy and thankful we are, but this is a huge highlight in our lives, and it allows us to fulfil a lifelong dream.”
Simmers said it was pleasing to be part of this historic occasion and heart warming to experience the gratitude of beneficiaries.
“As the Western Cape Government, we’ve now ensured that the yoke of the past is removed and placed our residents in a position where they can build the future they’ve always yearned for,” he said.
“We will continue striving towards establishing an enabling environment, so we are better placed to grant beneficiaries security of tenure and make more residents legal homeowners by handing over these title deeds.”
