Date: 2021-10-03 16:44:22
EThekwini Municipality Restores Women’s Dignity Through Home Ownership
ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
31 August 2021
Just over two years ago, life was dire for Sibongile Mhlongo who lived in a shack and had no decent home for herself, her three children and grandchild.
The blind 64-year-old’s life has been changed for the better as she not only received a house in Cornubia in 2018, but also became the proud owner of her home yesterday, 30 August, when she received a title deed.
Mhlongo is one of seventy women from Cornubia, Kingsburgh and Tshelimnyama who became proud property owners when they received their title deeds at an event held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.
The event aimed to honour women as part of the City’s Women’s Month celebrations and to address imbalances of the past.
Mhlongo said receiving the title deed gave her peace as it means her three children and grandchild will always have a place to call home.
“I am grateful to receive the title deed so soon after moving into my house. One of my biggest fears was what would happen to my children when I am gone. I feel so relieved now knowing that they will always have shelter,” she said.
Through the Title Deeds Restoration Programme, a national project which commenced in the 2015/16 financial year, eThekwini Municipality is moving with speed to address backlogs in the issuing of title deeds.
Great strides have been made as to date; more than 10 000 properties have been transferred to their rightful owners.
Delivering the keynote address at the title deeds handover event, Chairperson of the Finance Committee Councillor Diana Hoorzuk said home ownership brings renewed hope to those requiring shelter.
“The beneficiaries will not only be proud title deed holders, but they will also be able to pass property ownership onto future generations, thus breaking the cycle of poverty,” she said.
Councillor Hoorzuk said the title deeds handover event, held particularly for women, was in line with the National Development Plan which is a roadmap to socio-economic transformation that aims to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality by 2030.
Chairperson of the Human Settlements, and Infrastructure Committee Councillor Thanduxolo Sabelo urged beneficiaries to safeguard the title deeds.
“A house legally becomes yours when you receive a title deed. These houses are now yours because of the title deed you hold. Keep it safe,” said Councillor Sabelo.
ENDS
Issued by the eThekwini Municipality’s Communications Unit. For more information, contact Municipal Spokesman Msawakhe Mayisela on 060 966 4220
