Bedridden gogo gets title deeds to her own house

Malebakiso Thabedi‚ who the Gauteng government says is 108 years old‚ was among 2000 people who received title deeds for their homes in Golden Acres and Sebokeng‚ in the south of Johannesburg‚ on Friday.

The title deeds were issued by Gauteng Premier David Makhura and other government officials.

"She was so happy as she said the title deed proves that she will leave a house behind for her children‚" Makhura's office said‚ posting a picture on social media of the frail woman in her bed and holding Makhura's hands.

Thabedi is bedridden because of ill-health.

Pictures and short videos of her and other recipients were shared on social media by Makhura's office.

One clip showed a 72-year-old woman who said she had waited since 1996 for a title deed.

"I have waited for years. I was young then but I got [my title deed] in my old age but I am thankful to God. He knew the appointed time‚" said Elizabeth Motlane.

A 64-year-old man in the crowd said receiving a "free" house was something he never thought he would experience.

"Our fathers had taught us that houses are worked for - a person works hard until they have a house so we are happy that this government gives us free housing. We didn't have free things when we were growing up‚" said Welcome Zwakala.

One of the younger title deed recipients was 27-year-old Dineo Kotole who‚ according to Makhura's office‚ was from a child-headed home.

"I am so happy that we have received a title deed to prove that the house belongs to my siblings and l‚" she was quoted as saying.

Makhura said the provincial government had taken a decision to distribute all title deeds to beneficiaries by September.

"The programme has been dubbed Title Deed Friday and will take place every Friday until September‚" he said.