In an effort to empower its residents, the City of Cape Town has embarked on a journey of providing dignity through property ownership.
The city’s unique home-ownership transfer programme at no cost is changing lives. The most recent beneficiary, Mrs. Patricia Fortune, a 62-year-old resident of Beacon Valley, is just one example of the lives touched by the initiative.
City Mayoral Member for Human Settlements, Councillor Carl Pophaim, celebrated the programme’s ongoing success with a visit to Mrs. Fortune. Bearing flowers and a small gift, he joined Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis in marking the launch of the programme’s next chapter.
Together, they are determined to expand the programme, ensuring that more qualifying beneficiaries receive their title deeds at no cost. Their goal is to provide thousands of City residents with a life-changing opportunity: the chance to own a property.
Cape {town} Etc discount: Looking for things to do in the city at half the price? Get exclusive offers here.
Councillor Pophaim highlighted the unique nature of this initiative, making Cape Town the only metro in South Africa to offer such an opportunity. The programme targets approximately 22 000 City-owned units, including rental units, delayed transfer units and service sites.
Beneficiaries who qualify for this programme can take ownership of these units at no cost. This programme, which falls under the Mayoral Priority Programme, was launched about a year ago and has already made a significant impact.
The City of Cape Town has allocated almost R40 million for these ‘no-cost transfers’ over the next three years. This financial commitment demonstrates the city’s dedication to providing its residents with a path to homeownership.
The programme even covers attorney transfer fees and insurance costs for the units from the date of sale until the property registration is complete.
Also read: City warns motorists of top five smash-and-grab hotspots in Cape Town
In addition to transferring ownership, the programme aims to provide essential education and support. There are plans to offer advanced programmes to assist beneficiaries in managing their newfound properties, drafting wills and understanding property maintenance.
The city’s formal housing programmes already offer extensive consumer education services, which will be extended to programme participants.
Owning a property represents a life-changing opportunity, especially for those who were previously denied due to racially-based legislation. It brings dignity and ensures that there is a family asset for generations to come.
Explore Cape Town and surrounds with these incredible car deals, all priced under 100k. Find car listings here.
Councillor Pophaim expressed his commitment to this programme by mentioning plans to visit more beneficiaries in the weeks and months to come.
The Mayoral Priority Programme for transfer at no cost encompasses the ownership transfer of various categories of properties and is available to a range of beneficiaries, including legal City tenants in good standing currently occupying various types of housing.
For those interested in this opportunity or seeking more information, the Human Settlements Directorate’s Call Centre and WhatsApp contact are readily available. The Call Centre can be reached at 021 444 0333 and WhatsApp inquiries can be made to 063 299 9927.
Also read:
City to start beach-levelling project at Camps Bay Tidal Pool next week
Picture: City of Cape Town