Alma title deeds at centre of row between residents and authorities

The hand-over of title deeds to several residents in Alma is at the centre of a row between Modimolle-Mookgophong Mayor Marlene van Staden and provincial authorities.

The Limpopo Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) charged that correct procedures were not followed in the recent awarding of title deeds in Alma.

Out of the 184 title deeds received from the Limpopo provincial government, 61 were awarded at an event which was held in Alma, with two others specially delivered at residential areas of those with physical and other disabilities.

On a sad note, 48 of the title deed owners had unfortunately passed away.

“After we handed out the title deeds in Alma this week, I received a call from CoGHTSA, demanding that these title deeds be returned. They alleged that the right processes were not followed,” Van Staden said.

The Modimolle-Mookgophong mayor said she refused to return the title deeds, and recommended that the Department of CoGHSTA follow the legal route if needs be.

CoGHSTA spokesperson, Paena Galane, said Van Staden had not followed the correct procedures to acquire the title deeds at the department.

He said the mayor called the department and spoke to a junior official, at the time she made a request for the title deeds.

“The correct procedure was for the mayor to communicate with the accounting officer, who is in this case the head of department. All the mayors in South Africa know and understand the processes that need to be followed when dealing with government matters,” he said.

Van Staden further alleged that 776 title deeds which were supposed to be handed out in 2018, have since vanished into thin air.

“It is unacceptable and ridiculous to think that at a cost of at least R2 000 each, more than R1,5 million has potentially been lost,” she said.

— The BEAT