Media release: 100 full title deeds presented to Nomzano residents by Dr Christo Wiese in CTC ceremony with Mayor Patricia de Lille

Today, 20 June 2016, at a Khaya Lam (My Home) Land Reform Project ceremony hosted by Cape Town Mayor Ms Patricia de Lille to present full freehold titles sponsored by Dr Christo Wiese in the Nomzamo, Strand municipal area, 100 registered residents saw the fulfilment of a lifetime’s ambition of owning the homes that, for generations, they were prohibited by law from owning. 

Accompanied by his son, Mr Jacob Wiese, Dr Wiese personally presented the 100 titles to new home owners who now have a foot on the ladder of true economic freedom. The ceremony took place at the Cape Town Mayoral Banqueting Hall. Also in attendance were FMF executive director, Leon Louw, who addressed the gathering, and Cape Town FMF director, Temba Nolutshungu, master of ceremonies. 

Dr Wiese has sponsored 300 full titles saying, “I don’t know of a more worthwhile project (than Khaya Lam) in South Africa today. What could be more important than this?” 

The ceremony is the culmination of months of hard, detailed work to make possible the presentation of full title deeds to 100 fortunate residents. The aim of the Khaya Lam Land Reform Project is to see the transfer to full freehold title of the thousands of government rental houses in Cape Town and some six million nationally. 

Mayor Patricia de Lille said, “As the Mayor of the City of Cape Town, I am honoured to be afforded this opportunity to share in the joy of the beneficiaries here today. They walked into this hall today as tenants, but they leave as homeowners. This title deed is more than a piece of paper. It is the key which will unlock many more economic opportunities. It is encouraging to find other organisations, like the FMF who share in the vision of transformation through ownership and I commend them for their work in this regard.”

Christo Wiese has spoken passionately about the need for the business community to get involved in the FMF’s Khaya Lam Land Reform Project, as a wonderful opportunity for the private sector to partner with local government and the FMF to bring about real transformation in this country. He said it reminded him of the early days when his fledgling business, Pep Stores, provided low-cost clothing for the poorest black families who could barely dress their children decently. To witness the pride and restoration of dignity mothers felt when they were able to properly clothe their families in clean and presentable clothing, Mr Wiese said, gave him the same feeling as the Khaya Lam project of being able to actively contribute to uplifting and empowering those who have been deprived and suffered, not by hand outs, but by giving them the economic power, a means to take themselves out of poverty and restore individual and community dignity. To be able to help themselves create a better life. 

Temba Nolutshungu said, “Black land deprivation was probably the single worst element of apartheid. Ever since apartheid ended, little has changed. In South Africa today there are still between 5 million and 7 million black families living as tenants or without ownership rights in houses they have lived in for generations. There has been no systematic conversion of these “council owned” and “traditional community” properties to full unrestricted ownership. The FMF is creating a blue print to be replicated throughout the country. The prospects for economic upliftment throughout South Africa through the Khaya Lam property titling project are exciting and immense.

This is the second title deed presentation sponsored by Dr Wiese. The first was in the project pilot area of Ngwathe, Free State, where he presented 100 title deeds to residents at an event in Tumahole, Ngwathe, on 15 April 2015. He is now sponsoring a third batch of 100 title deeds. Dr Wiese added his support to the project in its early days – hear him speak about the importance of the project at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRZuG72GV4c  

The FMF’s Khaya Lam “My Home” Land Reform pilot project kicked off in October 2009, when the Ngwathe Municipal Council, by a unanimous vote of all political parties, took the momentous and far-sighted decision to partner the FMF in its aim to have all Ngwathe municipally-owned rental and self-built housing transferred to registered tenants at no cost to the tenants. Transformation through ownership has had beneficial consequences for the residents of Ngwathe that have far exceeded expectations. As the benefits become increasingly clear, support from private and corporate sponsors for titling projects in different areas of the country has accelerated. 

By the end of 2016, the Khaya Lam Project expects to have converted more than 3,000 properties worth an estimated R300 million to freehold title in various parts of the country.

Perry Feldman, retired Parys farmer and entrepreneur, and project manager of the Khaya Lam Land Reform Project, says this initiative is an essential tool for the development of a peaceful and prosperous South Africa.

The cost of a single title is R1,950. Sponsors are very necessary and very welcome: individuals, companies and organisations. Anyone interested in supporting the project can contact the Free Market Foundation at 011 884 0270 or fmf@mweb.co.za

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