The State of the Province Address (Sopa) in Velddrif on Tuesday 15 February was followed by a handover of 10 title deeds to residents who are part of the Noordhoek 107 Housing Project.
This was performed by the Premier of the Western Cape, Alan Winde, along with the Provincial Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers, and the Bergrivier Executive Mayor, Alderman Ray van Rooy.
This means 43 out of the 107 beneficiaries who received homes when this project was concluded in 2020 are now fully-fledged, legal homeowners. The balance is expected to be handed over before the end of March.
Winde said: “It always warms my heart to be able to hand a title deed over to a beneficiary of one of our province’s many housing projects. Among those today was tannie Eva Daniels, who is 84-years-old and whom I was personally able to hand the deed to. When handing it to her, she smiled, and I could really see the joy this deed brought to her – as it does for every beneficiary.
“This is because a title deed is more than simply just a piece of paper. It shows you are a homeowner, it guarantees a safe roof over your head, it ensures you have an asset which you can rent or sell or leverage for a further loan, and it allows you to pass something on to your children or grandchildren, creating inter-generational wealth.
“As outlined in my State of the Province Address today, our housing projects are instrumental in empowering those who have for generations been disadvantaged and suffered the consequences of apartheid spatial planning. I’m proud to lead a government which is committed to ensuring that we leave no person behind.”
Simmers said: “The opportunity we have to empower our people in such a manner always warms my heart. This is one of the greatest gifts we as a government can share with our beneficiaries, as this document places the power squarely in the hands of our people.
“We’ve been able to ensure swiftly that not long after residents moved in they could also receive their title deeds. This is true redress in action and demonstrates our commitment to restoring our people’s dignity.”
Bergrivier Mayor Van Rooy added: “It is always a memorable moment for someone to receive the keys and title deed to a new home. I am so honoured to be able to share in this moment with all the beneficiaries, as I understand how long it can take to get to this point.
“I’d therefore like to encourage all beneficiaries to look after their property, keep their title deeds safe, and allow this life changing experience to build a much better future and a more prosperous life ahead.”
Daniels shared her excitement: “I am overjoyed and so grateful today. This is a true blessing. First the house and now this very important document. I thank God and everyone else who made all of this possible.”
Simmers concluded: “As the Western Cape Government, we will continue striving towards establishing an enabling environment, so that we are better placed to grant beneficiaries security of tenure and make more residents legal homeowners by handing over these title deeds.”
