The recent visit by Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi and Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements, Tasneem Motara, brought a wave of joy to the Lesedi Local Municipality as more than 1,900 residents received their title deeds during a ceremony held on Tuesday.
Accompanied by the mayor, Mluleki Nkosi, the officials celebrated a significant milestone that marked the fruition of aspirations held by many in the community for over 15 years.
As Lesufi addressed the crowd at Obed Nkosi in Ratanda and Devon Impumelelo townships, he underscored the importance of land ownership.
“This is a document that’s bringing dignity to you. You are part of the economic activity of our country. The title deeds give you permission to participate in the economy, and we as the provincial government want to congratulate you on your security of tenure,” he declared enthusiastically, eliciting cheers and applause from the audience.
In her address, MEC Motara highlighted the broader significance of the title deeds, stating that the ceremony was “more than just an event; it is a celebration of hope and dignity for our communities.
“ Every title deed represents a dream realized and an opportunity for families to invest in their futures.”
She emphasised that this initiative falls in line with the 7th administration’s commitment to restore dignity and fast-track service delivery through land ownership.
The title deeds handover was complemented by an informative session wherein residents were educated on various essential topics, including protecting their title deeds, registering for indigency with the municipality, drafting wills, and applying for social grants. This added an additional layer of support, empowering the community to not only receive their deeds but to understand how to manage their newly gained assets effectively.
During the event, Nkosi expressed his gratitude towards Premier Lesufi and MEC Motara for ensuring that the dream of land ownership materialised for the residents under the Ikageleng Land Release Programme. He stated, “We are grateful to the efforts made by the government, and this commitment demonstrates the government’s dedication to improving the lives of our residents.”
In a breakdown of the distributions, more than 951 title deeds were awarded to the community of Mpumelelo Ext 4, alongside 943 title deeds presented to residents of Obed Mthombeni Nkosi X3, bringing the total to 1,894 handed out during the ceremony.
This significant act of granting title deeds is not only a testament to the government’s continued efforts in land reform but also a beacon of hope for future generations.
The Star