Question NW1466 to the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
03 June 2021 - NW1466
Macpherson, Mr DW to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether she has been informed of the chaotic situation at the Deeds Office in Pietermaritzburg which has seen an increase in the number of the slowdown days of registrations that were at 7 to 10 days but are currently up to 25 days and more; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) is the total number of outstanding title deeds that are awaiting transfer at this office and (b) measures has she put in place to turn the situation around?
Reply:
Yes.
a) As of the 21 May 2021, the Deeds Registry: Pietermaritzburg has 7727 deeds awaiting transfer. Date of deeds examined: on Junior Examination: 4th and 5th May 2021 and on Senior Examination: 23rd and 24th April 2021.
b) The following measure are in place:
- Overtime was approved for Examination, Data and Scanning which is currently being done;
- Measures have been put in place to allow conveyancers to request expediting of all deeds that have been on the system for two weeks or longer where rates certificates will be expiring soon; and
- There are ongoing discussions with unions to try and address the rotational issues. 25% of examiners work on rotational basis.