The Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation, Lindiwe Sisulu, has called on the three spheres of government to prioritize and fast track the issuing of title deeds to the beneficiaries of the government subsidized houses.

Minister Sisulu was speaking at an event in the Cornubia Integrated Human Settlements Project to hand over title deeds to over 480 beneficiaries, among them military veterans, elderly and people living with disabilities.

Whilst celebrating progress made at the project which she launched in 2009, she underscored the importance of title deeds and further called on provinces and municipalities to prioritize their issuing to the beneficiaries.

“When we launched the project, this was still a sugarcane farm. Our objective was that this development would be a catalyst for the spatial integration of all people, rich and poor and of all races. This was and should be a project where we provide for both social and economic amenities for all who will reside here; our people must work and play here,” said Sisulu.

“When we introduced the Breaking New Ground Policy we identified key areas for integration and development. These included the N2 Gateway in the Western Cape, Zanemvula in the Eastern Cape, Cosmo City in Gauteng as well as Cornubia here in eThekwini; we are very happy with progress” added Sisulu.

The Minister welcomed the partnership with the private sector in the development which has resulted in the creation of inclusive modern settlements made of decent housing units, malls, industrial factories, retail parks and office spaces for various businesses.

“l want to send a message to the companies who have already settled here in our industrial area, building a mall and industrial centers, thank you for believing in our vision of an integrated Community close to places of work; together we can change the lives of our people” Sisulu underscored.

She also called on title deeds holders not to sell their houses saying: “To our beneficiaries today and those who have received their title deeds, this is a lifetime gift from the people of South Africa; cherish it and hand it over to your children and your grandchildren. Resist all the temptations of selling your house”.

The Minister congratulated the KwaZulu Natal Provincial Government, Ethekwini Municipality, Tongaat Hulett and all other stakeholders for the good work they have done in restoring the dignity of the people through human settlements.

The Minister was on a two-day visit to KwaZulu Natal to engage various stakeholders in preparation for the upcoming budget votes.

At Cornubia the Minister was joined by Kwazulu Natal Premier, Sihle Zikalala, Human Settlements and Public Works MEC, Ms Peggy Nkonyeni, MEC of CoGTA Mr Hlomuka, Education MEC Mr Kwazi Mshengu, Acting Mayor of Ethekwini, Cllr Fawzia Peer.


Enquiries: Mr Ndivhuwo Mabaya, 083 645 7838 or ndivhuwo.mabaya@dhs.gov.za


Issued by the Ministry of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation
Govan Mbeki House
240 Justice Mahomed Street, Sunnyside, Pretoria
0001