NMBM MAYOR HANDS OVER TITLE DEEDS TO RESTORE PROPERTY OWNERSHIP RIGHTS
Published: November 02, 2026<< BACK TO NEWS
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is accelerating efforts to reverse the legacy of land and property deprivation through its intensified title deeds handover programme.
As part of this initiative, the Executive Mayor, Councillor Babalwa Lobishe, handed over title deeds to beneficiaries from across the Metro on Friday, 30 October 2026, at Wells Estate in Ward 60.
The handover marked a significant milestone for many beneficiaries, predominantly elderly residents, who received formal proof of property ownership for the first time in their lives. The title deeds formally affirm their ownership rights, which were systematically denied to many people under the apartheid regime.
The Executive Mayor handed over 100 title deeds from more than 1,000 that were available for collection. Addressing beneficiaries at the event, Mayor Lobishe said she was deeply moved to see elderly residents overcome with emotion as they received their title deeds.
"It is an emotional day when elderly people, who have never legally owned property simply because of the colour of their skin, receive title deeds confirming their ownership. It is understandable that they would feel this way because, indeed, their dignity has been restored.
"We have been driving a campaign called Title Deeds Friday to hand over title deeds to thousands of beneficiaries across the Metro. Today’s handover forms part of that campaign,” said Mayor Lobishe.
Nelson Mandela Bay currently has approximately 1,500 title deeds ready for processing and handover, while the overall backlog stands at just over 6,000.
The Municipality has faced several challenges that have contributed to delays in the title deeds handover programme. These include difficulties tracing beneficiaries who have changed their contact details or places of residence, as well as disputes among family members of deceased beneficiaries.
To address these challenges, the Municipality has adopted various measures to reach beneficiaries and facilitate the collection of their title deeds. These include raising awareness through media platforms, making announcements during public participation meetings, including Integrated Development Plan (IDP) engagements, and maintaining a dedicated office within the Human Settlements Directorate to assist beneficiaries with the processing and collection of their title deeds.
"We call on all residents who were approved for houses to approach the Municipality’s Human Settlements Directorate to establish whether their title deeds are ready for collection. As a Metro, we want to release these title deeds because we understand how important they are to our people.
"We come from a history of deprivation of property and other rights, for which some of the sons and daughters of this country sacrificed their lives. We are encouraged that beneficiaries of different ages, predominantly elderly residents, came forward today to receive their title deeds,” said Mayor Lobishe.
A 60-year-old beneficiary from Ward 60, Ndoda Somyando, described the occasion as an unforgettable moment for his family.
"This is a day that will be written in the history books of my family. This is a huge milestone for us because, for the first time in my life, I am receiving a legal document confirming ownership of my property.
"The government did not just build me a house; it has also ensured that I receive formal confirmation that this property belongs to me and can be an inheritance for my children,” said Somyando.
Mayor Lobishe also cautioned beneficiaries against selling their homes now that they have received formal proof of ownership, urging them to protect their properties for the benefit of future generations.
"Please do not be tempted to sell your homes. These title deeds confirm your ownership and help restore your dignity while securing your children’s future. Keep your title deeds safe and continue to take good care of your properties,” said Mayor Lobishe.
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