North West Province Human Settlements Department Unblocks Housing Projects, Delivers Title Deeds

The promise by the Department of Human Settlements in the North West province to unblock housing projects is materializing, following a commitment made during the Thuntsha Lerole accelerated service delivery program. Acting Premier and MEC for the Department of Human Settlements, Nono Maloyi, announced the initiative during the second quarter of the 2023/24 financial year.

One of the communities benefitting from this initiative is Ventersdorp, where housing projects are progressing steadily. Contractors, who faced challenges during the Covid-19 era, are now on the ground completing projects. The Ventersdorp housing project, which consists of 360 units, began in 2019 but faced delays due to wetland and construction challenges.

Abel Jonkers, a 90-year-old grandfather of two, expressed his emotions upon receiving the keys to his new home. He, along with three other beneficiaries, couldn’t contain his happiness. Jonkers, residing with his unemployed grandchildren, thanked the Department for fulfilling his dream of owning a home. Another beneficiary, Mmamokete Molusi, aged 71, echoed her gratitude for finally receiving the house she had been waiting for.

MEC Maloyi also handed over 8 Title Deeds to the community of Ikageng Township in Potchefstroom, with the remaining 801 to be collected by residents at municipality offices. This initiative is part of a broader title deeds restoration project aimed at eradicating the backlog in property transfers pre-1994.

The symbolic handover of title deeds saw Morageng Seleka, a 72-year-old widower, become the first beneficiary. Seleka, living with his family in Ikageng for over 20 years, expressed his joy at having a home for his children.

The handover ceremonies were part of the Thuntsha Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery Programme held in Ventersdorp, attended by various government officials including Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Thembisile Nkadimeng, Minister of Unemployment and Labour, Thulas Nxesi, and Minister of Health, Joe