Sundaymail Editor
What is a title deed?
A TITLE DEED is a legal document that serves as evidence of a person’s legal ownership of a property, such as a building or piece of land.
In property transactions, the title deed is crucial as it facilitates the transfer of ownership from a seller to a buyer.
It is important to note that, while the deed is the physical document proving ownership, the “title” refers to the legal concept of ownership rights.
Therefore, the title deed is the instrument that conveys these rights.
In Zimbabwe, holding the title deed to a property is essential for establishing legal ownership and is often required in property disputes, sales, or when securing loans using the property as collateral.
Presidential Title Deeds Programme
In 2023, President Mnangagwa established a Government policy to address the issue of title deeds in large, irregular settlements, protecting residents from land barons and empowering them with legal recognition as well as ownership rights.
This initiative, known as the Kwangu/Ngakwami Presidential Title Deeds Programme, promotes social equity and enhances the well-being of communities living in informal settlements.
Aligned with President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 for an upper middle-income economy, the programme recognises title deeds as crucial ownership documents.
President Mnangagwa sought to formalise land tenure and provide landholders with official title deeds.
The programme also supports the National Development Strategy 1, aiming to benefit over 1,5 million people countrywide.
The initiative is spearheaded by several ministries, including Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs; Local Government and Public Works; and National Housing and Social Amenities.
The Kwangu/Ngakwami Trust acts as an intermediary between the Government and stakeholders, providing financial and technical support, coordinating infrastructure bonds and managing funds.
Issuing of title deeds
Launched in Epworth in 2023, beneficiaries include residents of previously informal settlements.
This also includes those living in Government and municipal housing units, and urban and rural dwellers who lacked title deeds for various reasons.
The programme is being implemented in two phases.
The first phase focuses on well-planned areas lacking title deeds, while the second regularises informal settlements.
To date, the programme has moved from the setup phase to the implementation and rollout stages.
Following the initial personal handover of title deeds by President Mnangagwa to Epworth residents, the strategic plan for 2025 is looking at ensuring complete production, bond registration and issuance of 22 198 title deeds by May 30 to the communities.
The first phase, which involves the construction of infrastructure such as roads, water and sewerage, is scheduled to commence in April.
“With the infrastructure development in Epworth set to start in April 2025, drawings have already been submitted and approved by the Epworth Local Board.
“In addition, the programme has funds for Phase One of the development plan; that being Glenwood and Glenwood Extension,” said Harare Metropolitan Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Senator Charles Tavengwa recently.
In Chitungwiza, field offices in the town’s four districts have been fully equipped, with people already applying for the documents.
About 57 013 acceptance letters are expected to be issued by October 31, with complete bond registration and issuance of title deeds scheduled for December 31 this year.
The necessary infrastructure improvement will commence on June 1.
While operations have commenced in Southlea Park, with people already applying for the title deeds at the field offices, 9 600 acceptance letters are scheduled to be issued by May 31.
Further, complete production, bond registration and issuance of the 9 600 title deeds are expected by November 30.
For Government-enabled beneficiaries, 21 081 title deeds are scheduled to be issued by October 31.
Municipal housing tenants in Mbare, Mufakose and Highfield are expected to start receiving acceptance letters by next month, with a target of completing the process by September 30.
Activation of operations is lined up for March, with the target to fully equip the field offices set for the end of this month.
In Bulawayo and Mutare, engineering for all area designs and costing is expected to be completed by July.
Additionally, the issuance of 17 600 acceptance letters is set for next month, starting with 12 000 in Cowdray Park and 5 600 in Gimboki.
The goal is to complete the processes by July 30, with title deeds being issued by October 31.
Complete bond registration of the 17 600 properties and issuance of title deeds is scheduled for October, while fundraising for infrastructure development is expected to commence in the same month.
With the digitised application process, the on-site database receives and digitises verified files, transitioning from physical files to a modern system.
Beneficiary and dependent details are recorded and transmitted to the Deeds Office, which issues a secure, digitised title deed featuring a hologram, QR code and barcode.
This tear- and water-proof document is tamper-proof and cannot be replicated.
Applying for title deeds
As part of an innovation to make the process convenient, beneficiaries can begin the application process using the digital ownership verification process.
They use a WhatsApp chatbot (+263787590569) by sending a “Hi” message.
After registering, they complete the verification process with the local authority upon submission of required documents, which are a national identity card, proof of property ownership, rate clearance certificate and survey certificate.
Applicants also complete the title deed infrastructure and development bond application forms and pay processing, bond registration, stamp duty and survey fees (where applicable).
Successful applicants will receive a response within 30 days and can collect their title deed thereafter, commencing monthly infrastructure bond repayments.
Beyond ownership rights, the programme offers beneficiaries access to credit financing, essential services and increased infrastructure investment.
Title deed holders can also engage in property exchange, selling or bequeathing without fear of being fleeced.
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu