More than a hundred Bitou residents received their long-awaited title deeds at the Simunye Community Hall this week. 

This Title Deed Outreach is part of Bitou’s accelerated plan to ensure that residents get their title deeds timeously.

By 2026 the Bitou hopes to hand over 5000 title deeds to property owners.

On Tuesday, Bitou Executive Mayor, Cllr. Dave Swart even went as far as visiting 42-year-old disabled Kwanokuthula resident, Ntomboxolo Kanzana, at her home to hand deliver the title deed. 

Cllr. Swart says while the residents have been living in their properties for a while the official documentation is also important. 

“Now that they have their title deeds, they now have enhanced dignity because they are now part of property owners. 

“They now have access to further funding, if they need, because they have title deeds. They have their dignity restored as they have a sense of belonging,” Cllr. Swart added. 

The Mayor’s words were echoed by ward 5 councillor, Samkele Mangxaba, and ward 6 councillor, Nokuthula Seti. 

Cllr. Mangxaba and Seti both cautioned the beaming crowd against selling their houses because of the title deeds.

“Our job is to make sure that our residents are happy, today is one of those days where we put a smile on their faces,” Cllr. Seti said. 

“I am overjoyed,” she added. 

Meanwhile, couple Ncedani Mda and Sophia Steenberg, said they were happy to have gotten their house after living in a shack in various areas around Bitou. 

Mda encouraged other to not despair. 

“People who are still waiting should not be despondent, they will get their houses and their title deeds. 

“I want to thank Bitou Municipality,” he added.