In a concerning development, the National Minister of Public Works, Mr. Sihle Zikalala, is found to have been sitting on 4,221 title deeds designated for distribution in Western Cape municipalities. These land parcels, complete with constructed houses, are in a state of limbo as they await transfer to municipalities for allocation to deserving beneficiaries.

Regrettably, the transfer of these title deeds has faced significant delays, spanning the years 2019 to 2022, as they linger in the National Department of Public Works rather than reaching their intended destinations.

These title deeds fall into two crucial categories: the Title Restoration Project, covering the years 1994 to 2014, and pre-1994 developments.

The prolonged delay in land transfer ranges from 4 to 10 years, impacting households with an average size of 3.3 individuals. An estimated 13,929 individuals stand to benefit if the backlog is promptly addressed.

Municipalities affected by this delay include Drakenstein Municipality, George Municipality, Theewaterskloof Municipality, and Saldanha Bay Municipality.

The Democratic Alliance in the Western Cape is demanding urgent attention to this title deed backlog, insisting on the swift transfer of land. They call on the ANC National Government to expedite the process, enabling capable municipalities to provide much-needed housing opportunities for our communities.