By: Sihle Makhowana

It is often said that “home is where the heart is” but residents at Emzinemisha, in the Indaka Local Municipality, in northern KwaZulu-Natal say they are still waiting to own their homes.

Nobuhle Ngcamu, an Emzinemisha resident, said that she had been told “endless promises” that she would get the title deed to her home but it has not yet happened.

She said that she and at least 83 other families were waiting for their title deeds for homes that were built by the government in 1990.

“Each and every year we are told different stories, promise upon promise but none of the five councillors we have elected over the years have delivered on their promises,” said Ngcamu.

Another resident, Nomusa Mhlongo, said that she was afraid that she could be kicked out of her home because she has no proof that she is the owner.

“I have been a resident here at Emzinemisha for more than 15 years and I am still living in fear, not knowing when I’ll be kicked out because I do not own this house,”
said Mhlongo.

According to the Human Settlements Department’s policy, beneficiaries of government housing must stay in their homes for five years before they will receive
the title deeds. But, Emzinemisha residents argue that the five-year deadline has long since passed.

Ward Councillor Nomvula Shembe said that she was aware of the problem and that she and the eThekwini housing unit are working on the matter.

She added that the issue was not something that could be resolved overnight, but in due time.