In the Photo: Mininster Simmers, Mayor Macpherson and Cllr Van Rooyen with Ms Elizabeth Boois
Oudtshoorn, 04 December 2023 – On Wednesday, 29 November 2023, the Western Cape Provincial Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, handed over title deeds to 233 homeowners who have been recipients of new homes over the past two years.
The day’s proceedings were opened by Councillor Christina Muller and Municipal Manager, Walter Hendricks, who expressed the significance of the day for homeowners of the Dysselsdorp Housing Project to finally get the title deeds of their homes.
The Executive Mayor of the Greater Oudtshoorn, Alderman Chris Macpherson, extended a warm welcome to Minister Simmers, highlighting the special opportunity to present these title deeds to those who received homes from the Provincial Government about two years ago. Mayor Macpherson expressed that it’s a privilege to give these title deeds to the new homeowners, saying, ‘Congratulations to all of you on behalf of myself and the council. Your ownership is a sign of our shared commitment to building a better future for our community.'”
Addressing the attendees, Minister Simmers conveyed, “I have made a special effort to be here today to personally hand over these title deeds. The housing project started two years ago, and for all of us, it is about the transformative impact it has on our communities. When we build a home and hand you the title deeds, we are placing a seal on the future we all desire. This title deed changes lives significantly, granting ownership of the land you now call home.”
Minister Simmers urged recipients to value the importance of the document, saying, “Respect the significance of this document; safeguard it. It is now in your hands, and together with the municipality, we can collaborate on building a better future for all of you, your children, and grandchildren.” Congratulations were extended to all recipients, accompanied by a reminder from the minister, “Ownership and responsibility go hand in hand. You are now the proud owners of the land on which your homes stand. As a community, we are partners, and ownership means working together to build the community, fostering a sense of unity, prosperity, and shared responsibility for the well-being of all its residents.”
Remarkably, the oldest recipient of a title deed was an 87-year-old woman, Elizabeth Boois, showcasing how this housing initiative in Dysselsdorp is making a positive impact on people of all ages.
In conclusion, Councillor Van Rooyen shared a closing sentiment, urging them to take pride in their homes and to take of their homes. “It is your home; it belongs to you,” she emphasized, encouraging a sense of ownership and responsibility among the recipients.