Title deeds handed over to Ebenhaeser community

DEPUTY Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform Mcebisi Skwatsha handed over

1 300 title deeds to the community of Ebenhaeser at the weekend.

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development acquired large portions of land for the Ebenhaeser Community, with the remaining extent of the Ebenezer Kolonie farm, transferred through the Transformation of Certain Rural Areas Act (TRANCRAA).

Skwatsha officiated at a handover ceremony on Saturday,

His spokesperson, Vuyani Nkasayi, said Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister Thoko Didiza would be handing over title deeds to the people of Covie outside Plettenberg Bay, among other areas around the country this year through the initiative.

The little West Coast village of Ebenhaeser was a mission station of the Rhenish Missionary Society at the mouth of the Olifants River in the former Vanrhynsdorp district, established in 1831 by a German named Wurmb.

“The purpose of the title deeds handover is to ensure that land restitution and transfer of land to beneficiaries is expedited, and to place emphasis on post-settlement support. It is an important step in ensuring that land beneficiaries can use the land sustainably.

“Minister Thoko Didiza will on Friday hand over title deeds to the people of Covie outside Plettenberg Bay,” said Nkasayi.

Ebenhaeser ward councillor Mlungisi Bafo urged other communities to be in touch with the department to also be assisted.

“It’s been what our people have been waiting for and the people who got the title deeds are happy.

“The government is now slowly but surely listening to the needs of our people and as time goes by people will get title deeds but people must understand that this is a process and it takes time.” Bafo said community leadership had been in touch with the department and ministry and were promised action.