The economic and social injustices of the Apartheid system has led to many people in South Africa having limited access to opportunities which included legally-validated access to land with title deeds. It is currently estimated that there are between 5 and 7 million properties (especially in townships) without title deeds, with almost 20 million South Africans living insecurely in these homes.
Two private institutions making a difference by empowering underprivileged households with title deeds are Free Market Foundation through the Khaya Lam Land Reform Project, in partnership with Private Property.
The handover of 30 title deeds will take place on the 11th of July at 10AM at the Master Nakedi Sports Centre in Tumahole (Parys).
Since 2010, the Khaya Lam project has handed over more than 6000 title deeds to deserving households. The mayor of Ngwathe Municipality, Ms Joey Mochela will be the guest of honour, there to witness this historic handover. Elderly beneficiaries accompanied by younger relatives will all gather to receive title deeds and bear witness to the power of a private sector charity driven initiative.Why does a title deed matter?
Importance of a title deed
- A title deed defines proof of ownership and details of the property.
- If the owner of the property decides to sell their property, the original title deed is required when registering a property.
- A title deed can be used as collateral to secure a loan with a bank for home improvement or even business purposes.
- Households with secure tenure of the land can easily make improvements and develop their households knowing fully well they won’t be displaced.
- Title deeds contribute towards the asset increase of neighbourhoods which in turn attracts developers and investors who monitor growth of areas.
For recipients of these title deeds, including mostly the elderly, pensioners, single parent families and the unemployed, this is a giant leap towards attaining economic freedom, social and economic dignity, security and the ability to improve and maintain one’s property.
For future purposes and in the event that the original title deed is lost or destroyed, or the registered holder is deceased, mentally incapable or insolvent, the registered holder’s legally recognised representative may lodge an application to the registrar of deeds to obtain a certified copy of the deed. The written application must be accompanied by an affidavit which must contain:
- Description of the deed.
- A description of the circumstances under which the deed was lost or destroyed.
- A statement that the deed has not been pledged and is not being detained by anyone as security of debt or otherwise.
The Free Market Foundation through the Khaya Lam Land Reform Project, in partnership with Private Property can be credited for going the extra mile in correcting past injustices and empowering the underprivileged with sought after title deeds. If you want more information on this project please visit the Free Market Foundation website.
