KwaThema – Residents of KwaThema were given an opportunity on Wednesday to raise their grievances about the problems they encounter with title deeds and houses.
They were speaking at a pro bono title deeds workshop held by the Title Deeds Office, the Department of Housing and the City of Ekurhuleni.
Ward 74 Clr Thulani Simelane says his office saw it fit to invite officials of these offices to educate the residents on some of the issues they encounter with their houses.
“Some of the problems we receive on a daily basis include the concern related to a deceased estate, what is a title deed and the importance of having the document.
“What is credit control, an electricity blocking process, how does one open a municipal account as per the letter of authority and what is an indigent?
“We are hoping that after the workshop residents will know which offices to go to, to seek help,” he says.
Concerned resident Noxolo Ndaba says she was surprised when she started receiving letters at her late parents’ home who are said to be the owners of the house.
“I could not understand this because this is a family house and we don’t know who the person is.
“We have through the years tried to rectify the problem with no success and fear that if all my siblings pass away we might lose the house to this person.
“We still have my parents’ permit to occupy the stand which they were given by the previous government when they moved here.
“The house’s title deed is still registered in my parents’ names,” she says.
Representative from the Title Deeds Office Rorisang Majela urged the residents to avoid selling houses by only signing an affidavit with the police.
“This doesn’t mean anything because the title deed is still registered on the original owner’s name.
“You should also avoid giving the owner of the house the money – do it through a lawyer who will put it into a trust until the ownership of the house is transferred.
“If you suspect any dubious actions by the lawyer, please report him to the legal body, namely the Law Society and they will know how to deal with them,” she says.
Majela urged residents who are facing challenges with the registration of their title deeds, to visit the deeds offices in Johannesburg.
