Human Settlements

(1)(a) While measures are being put in place to gain control of the Title Deeds backlog, my department is also amending its internal business processes so that a new backlog is not created. The intention is to adjust the project funding application templates for the Project Feasibility, Project Initiation and Project Implementation Readiness Reports, where relevant, in the 2022/23 financial year. This will ensure that Municipalities are obliged to put measures in place prior to project implementation, which specifically addresses the earlier prioritization and issuing of title deeds to intended beneficiaries as part of project development milestones.

2. My department has developed an action plan that addresses the following aspects as it relates to the existing title deeds backlog:

1. Centralization of the title deed backlog project institutionally;
2. In-sourcing of additional capacity and expertise, through the Housing Development Agency, in order to expedite the eradication of the backlog;
3. Appointment of Professional Resource Teams for secondment to Municipalities for hands-on support, in order to assist with unlocking blockages, inter alia Conveyancing and Town Planning registrations;

4. The establishment a data management unit within the Directorate Land and Asset Management to ensure that up to date information is available on a data management system. This will include cleaning up existing data, recorded on various systems;
5. The engagement of the existing policy framework to facilitate the finalization of contested title deeds; 

The Deeds Office was severely affected during COVID-19 lockdown levels but has in the past few months returned to normal operations. The Deeds Office is represented at the Title Deeds Provincial Steering Committee and provides an opportunity for Municipalities to raise concerns where they experience challenges at the Deeds Office.