George Municipality and Ministers delivers keys and title deeds in three-day housing blitz to 112
At the handover of homes at Metro Grounds.
George Municipality, in partnership with the Western Cape Government and the National Department of Human Settlements, celebrated a historic milestone last week with the handover of 112 houses across different projects in George, including the first-ever dedicated housing for military veterans.
The three-day housing blitz ran from Wednesday, 3 September to Friday, 5 September 2025, transforming lives by providing families with the dignity of their own homes. At the Metro Grounds Housing Project, 15 houses with title deeds were handed over on Wednesday. The following day, a further 31 families received their houses, though their title deeds will follow later. On Friday, 37 more houses were handed over at Metro Grounds, of which 33 included title deeds. That same day in Pacaltsdorp, at Erf 325 East Syferfontein, 30 military veterans received the keys to their new homes, with six of them receiving title deeds immediately.
In total, 112 houses were handed over during the week, along with 54 title deeds. For the families, many of whom have waited decades, the moment represented far more than receiving four walls and a roof – it was the fulfilment of long-held dreams, the restoration of dignity, and the foundation of a safer and brighter future.
The Metro Grounds Housing Project is planned for 632 Breaking New Ground (BNG) units, of which 213 have now been handed over to date. A further 419 top structures are still outstanding. At the Military Veterans Project in Syferfontein, Pacaltsdorp, a total of 38 units are planned, with 30 now handed over. This marked the very first handover of houses specifically dedicated to veterans in George, leaving only eight units still outstanding.
Beneficiaries at Metro Grounds include residents from informal settlements, backyard dwellers, and individuals on the Western Cape Housing Demand Database. For the military veterans, the recipients were selected from the official Military Veterans Database and the same database.
Speaking at the ceremony on Friday, Deputy Minister of Human Settlements, Hon. Tandi Mahambehlala, said: “Today, we have a good story to tell. These homes are not just houses – they are a symbol of restored dignity, hope, and a foundation for a better life.”
Western Cape MEC for Infrastructure, Minister Tertuis Simmers, also encouraged the veterans, reminding them that they now have legal ownership and that their homes are secured with title deeds.
George Municipality further reminded beneficiaries that they are not only receiving houses but also becoming part of building stronger and more stable communities. Families were guided on the responsibilities of homeownership, protecting their properties, and contributing to the wellbeing of their neighbourhoods.
To those residents who are still waiting, the Municipality extends appreciation for their patience. Just as the 112 families celebrated this past week, more handovers will follow, and every qualifying resident will one day share in the dignity and joy of homeownership.
At one of the handovers at Metro grounds are from left: Cllr Rita Gregory from George Council, MEC for Infrastructure in the Western Cape, Minister Tertuis Simmers, Deputy Minister of Human Settlements in National Goverment, Minister Tandi Mahambehlala, Executive Mayor of George, Ald Jackie von Brandis, Cllr Jean Safers, MMC for Human Settlements, Mahlatse Phosa, Director: Planning and Development and Cllr Siphelo Manxele.
Abraham Marin, a military veteran, receives his title deed from the dignatories at the handover at the Syferfontein Project, Pacaltsdorp. He is congratulated by MEC for Infrastructure in the Western Cape, Minister Tertuis Simmers, Deputy Minister of Human Settlements in National Goverment, Minister Tandi Mahambehlala, Executive Mayor of George, Ald Jackie von Brandis and Cllr Jean Safers, MMC for Human Settlements.
George Councillors and Mayor Jackie von Brandis congratulating beneficiaries receiving their new home at Metro Grounds.
Mayor Jackie von Brandis hands over the title deed to Cedricka Gorden at Metro Grounds. With them are from left, Chief Whip of George Council, Cllr Theresa Jeyi, Cllr Jean Safers, MMC for Human Settlements and Cllr Thandiswa Qatana.
MEC for Infrastructure in the Western Cape, Minister Tertuis Simmers and Deputy Minister of Human Settlements in National Goverment, Minister Tandi Mahambehlala planted a tree to beautify the area at Syferfontein Housing Project in Pacaltsdorp, when handing over houses to beneficiaries. Executive Mayor of George, Ald Jackie von Brandis and Cllr Jean Safers, MMC for Human Settlements look on.
Mayor Jackie von Brandis delivers a speech while handing over homes at Metro Grounds last week.