Title deed joy for 90 in Ivory Park
I can die in peace now – pensioner
“I can die in peace now knowing my children have secured documents for their rightful home.”
These were the words of 64year-old Aaron Phakathi, who feared he was going to die before he could get a tittle deed to his house. Phakathi was among 90 beneficiaries who were handed title deeds to their homes by the City of Johannesburg in Ivory Park near Tembisa on Friday. He had waited for the moment for nearly three decades. He feared that once he died, someone would come and claim the house because he did not have legal papers to it. He said the house had been a home for his family for 28 years now.
“I live with my wife, three children and my two grandchildren and this place is my beehive,” he said. Phakathi, a mechanic, worked from the house to support his family but he has not been able to work after he suffered a stroke five years ago. “My death wish was to have the title deed matter resolved before I die.” Phakathi said getting the title deed will help him to be able to benefit from the indigent programme because his utility bill can now be reduced as a pensioner.
“I was told to bring my title deed and other personal documents to be able to benefit from the programme so I’m happy my services won’t be cut because I will be considered,” he said.
His wife Smangele Shongwe said: “All my children were born here and my worst fear was staying in a house we were not able to prove was ours.”
Another beneficiary, Lindiwe Nkosi, 58, said she waited since 1992 to get the documents for her house.
She said getting her title deed has given her dignity because now she is the rightful owner of her home.
“I am overjoyed and I want to say thank you to the government for resolving this. Now we can move on with our lives.” Johannesburg MMC for housing Meshack van Wyk said the delivery of the title deeds forms part of the city’s commitment to provide safe and affordable housing for the residents.