By REGINALD KANYANE
2 October 2025- Handing over title deeds to residents of Mothutlung in the Madibeng Local Municipality as part of the ongoing title deeds restoration programme, Human Settlements Minister Thembisile Simelane, has appealed with the beneficiaries to value their properties and safeguard them for future generations. The programme started off with a door-to-door delivery of title deeds to three beneficiaries at Mothutlung Extension 1 & 2, and continued with a handover of 397 Title Deeds to beneficiaries at a community engagement.
This is part of the provincial government’s target for this financial year to deliver 6718 title deeds across the province, contributing to the national goal of 80 000 deeds by 2029.
Speaking to the beneficiaries, Simelane said that a title deed is not just a piece of paper, but rather an assurance of security, economic empowerment, restoration of dignity, and a promise for a better future.
“This house and title deed is the ultimate security for you and your grandkids. Love it and take care of it to the best of your ability. The department has made a commitment to eliminate the nationwide title deed backlog, by doing so, we will be able to unlock over R200 billion in asset value for fully subsidised government houses across the country,” she said.
The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi, urged residents to look after their title deeds as they do not only define proof of ownership to property or piece of land but also means restoration of dignity, human rights and self-esteem. Molapisi said these are not just any documents, they are testament that the house you have lived in for years is officially yours.
“Please take care of them, they are proof of security for your descendants. The title deed restoration programme is part of a broader effort to promote social justice, stability, and economic development by restoring homeownership rights to citizens. The initiative is supported by the title deeds Friday’s campaign, a nationwide drive to raise awareness and mobilize stakeholders to deliver title deeds to rightful owners,” he said.
One of the beneficiaries was 64-year-old Pauline Maleka. Maleka has three children and lives on grants.
In response to finally receiving her title deed she said: “I feel so happy, I could jump on top of my roof and scream in excitement. I’m very thankful to our government”.
The second beneficiary was Joseph Donoro Thipe, 63, he lives on grants and lives with his three children. Thipe expressed feeling “happy and thankful” to be receiving his title deed.
The last beneficiary was Catherine Monareng (65) who is blind and survives on grants. Monareng lives with her son and they have been living in their house since 2010.
“I am happy that today I get to receive my title deed handed over by the minister herself. This is proof that the house is truly mine. Thank you for my title deed and thank you for being here today,” she said.
The Guardian 