On Monday 11 February 2019 some of the residents of Johannesburg will have yet another reason to celebrate when they receive title deeds for the properties that have been handed over to them by the City of Johannesburg. This is the second time that a celebration is led by the Executive Mayor in Diepkloof over the last nine months.   The first 22 recipients that received title deeds from the Executive Mayor became owners of business premises that had been leased to them for approximately 30 years in Soweto. Today is yet another celebration as churches in the community and business owners receive the ownership to their premises.

The residents have expressed how receiving this valuable document is a catalyst for the improvement of their lives, as this property opens more opportunities to them. This title deed provides them the security to use when growing their businesses. This gives longevity knowing that future plans can be made beyond the lease period. It is a real chance to participate in the City’s economic growth.

The event will be held at the Diepkloof Multipurpose Centre, on 7644 Eben Cuyler Drive in Diepkloof, Soweto.

The Executive Mayor stated that the handover of these title deeds addresses two points on the City’s Ten Point Plan this speaks to priorities 3 and 8; the goal of promoting economic development and investment activity as well as title deeds delivery being fast tracked.

This will be done through the Land Regularisation Programme, a Joburg Property Company initiative that addresses the issue of ownership in the City. “Most shop owners have been using these facilities without any form of ownership, which could be disenfranchising. Land ownership is managed by the JPC as custodians of municipal owned land in the City of Johannesburg, part of our agenda is to address this issue” says Helen Botes, CEO of JPC.

This year JPC has extended its scope to reach shop owners as well as churches in areas such as Meadowlands, Mapetla, Phiri, Pimville, Orlando, Mofolo, Naledi, Dobsonville and Riverlea. Councillors in the region welcomed the move “It’s good for people to have title deeds as a token of ownership”, says Councillor Brenda Dammie of Ward 29.

The three churches that are receiving title deeds are the Presbyterian Church of Africa, Carr Street, Orlando West, the Methodist Church of South Africa, Mokalane Street in Naledi and the Biblical Reformed Church in Riverlea

The handing over title deeds follows the land regularisation process where the City of Johannesburg regularises individuals who are allocated land that is a historical issue. It works in areas that need a past injustice rectified, addressing legacy issues.

This ceremony is a culmination of a process that has come to fruition after a long journey.