KNYSNA NEWS - It was a big moment for 127 heads of households recently when they officially became the owners of the houses they had been living in for many years.

The official hand-over ceremony was held at the Hornlee Civic Centre and was attended by Knysna Mayor Thando Matika, Deputy Mayor Morton Gericke, MMC for Integrated Human Settlements Neil Louw, Director of Integrated Human Settlements Richard Martin, and Councillors Mboneli Khumelwana and Jason White.

Their presence underscored the municipality's commitment to restoring dignity through sustainable human settlement delivery.

Matika described the occasion as a moment of profound transformation. "Today, we are not just handing over documents - we are handing over security, pride, and a sense of belonging. Every title deed represents a promise fulfilled and a future protected."

He further said, "this latest handover is one of several conducted across the municipality this year, signalling ongoing progress in ensuring residents receive the legal recognition they deserve."

For many beneficiaries, the title deed symbolised the end of a long journey marked by resilience. Among them was 76-year-old Sarah Mayata, who accepted her deed with tears of relief. 

"This paper means everything," she said softly. "It means my children and their children will always have a place to call home. For the first time, I finally own something that cannot be taken away."

Louw echoed the emotional significance of the moment. "Development is not measured only in infrastructure, but in stories like Mayata's - a story of hope finally realised," he said.

Families left the civic centre with documents in hand and renewed optimism in their hearts.

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