South Africa's title deeds backlog at 1 million 

Over 1 million people do not have the title deeds for their RDP homes, a reply to a DA parliamentary question has revealed.

This is based on an analysis of South Africa's title deeds backlog in 2010. Three years later, the figure could very well be higher.

Title deeds protect property rights, allow owners to secure loans and pass the property on to family members when they die. Without title deeds, none of this can happen. The backlog is therefore prohibiting poor households from fully benefitting from property ownership and participating in the economy.

Earlier this year I wrote to the Public Protector, Thuli Madonsela, requesting an investigation into the current title deed backlog and rampant reports of irregular transfers and fraudulent alteration of title deeds registries. I will forward this new information to her.

I will also request that the new Minister of Human Settlements, Connie September, be summoned to Parliament to present a title deeds registration backlog eradication plan. 

In 2011 the DA-led Western Cape initiated a study to determine the extent of its title deed backlog and address it through a Title Deeds Programme - the first and only province to do so. Since then, the province has made significant strides to reduce its backlog and has issued over 20 000 title deeds in the process.

As a result, the Western Cape's title deeds backlog is actually 28%; 6% less than the National Department of Human Settlement's estimate, and a figure that will continue to decrease through the province's Title Deeds Programme.

A title deed is much more than a piece of paper. It provides people with dignity, economic benefits and security of tenure. We must ensure that every South African enjoys this dignity.

The empowerment of individuals through land ownership and official title deed transfers is crucial if we want to redress the consequences of the 1913 Natives Land Act.

Statement issued by Patty Duncan MP, DA Shadow Deputy Minister of Human Settlements, September 15 2013

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION 2237

Mrs P C Duncan (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

In respect of each province , what is the:

(a)  current title deed registration backlog and

(b)   average waiting time for beneficiaries wanting to have their title deeds registered?

REPLY

(a)  The National Department of Human Settlements does not have up-to-date data and information on title deeds that have been registered within the jurisdi ction of the nine provinces and their respective municipalities, and therefore only estimate of the current backlog based on available information can be made to respond to the question.

The estimate of the current title deed registration backlog is based on analysis that had been conducted in 2010. The analysis indicated then that nationally , 54.5% of approved beneficiaries registered on the Housing Subsidy System (HSS) had a title deed registered in their name. This figure excludes other beneficiaries that have been approved in terms of the Discount Benefit Scheme (currently around 346 922).

Based on the percentage of title deeds registered by 2010, the current (June 2013) estimated  backlog  in  title  deed  registrations  is  reflected  below.  Based  on  the percentage  of title deeds  registered  by 2010, the  current  (June 2013) estimated backlog  in title deed registrations  is reflected  below.  The  calculations  reflect the total beneficiaries of 2 590 489 in 2013, of which 2 288 876 are deemed to be eligible for the registration of title deeds .

Note: The estimates for rural provinces take into account the rural beneficiaries, using the share of tribal/trust and communal land in these provinces, with the assumption that no formal title deed will be registered in the name of individual beneficiaries in the tribal/trust areas on the Deeds Register

(b)  The data required to determine the average waiting period for a beneficiary want ing to register a house is not readily available within the National Department of Humans Settlements . However, the waiting period will be influenced by the progress made with the relevant township development and establishment , and opening of the township register so that title registration can proceed. The waiting time will also be influenced by a range of factors, including the capacity and business processes being followed from one province and municipality, to the next.

Issued by Parliament, September 13 2013

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