BULAWAYO, Jul 20, (Southern Eye Live) - Deputy mayor Edwin Ndlovu has defended government’s title deeds validation and digitisation programme, saying the move will strengthen property security and help curb cases of fraudulent ownership documents.Ndlovu said while some residents raised concerns over the transition from paper-based title deeds to digitalized records, the programme was necessary in an era where technology is increasingly used to improve public systems.“There is absolutely nothing wrong with digitalization; we have to move with the times. Actually, digitalization stops title deeds fraud,” Ndlovu said.He said the need for secure property records became evident after cases where individuals allegedly attempted to use fake documents to lay claim to properties.“In my ward, a greedy relative produced a fake title deed and attempted to evict the children of the deceased. Therefore, having them digitalised would go a long way in protecting residents and property owners,” he said.Government introduced Statutory Instrument 76 of 2025, the Deeds Registries Regulations, which provides for the validation of existing title deeds and the issuance of securitised deeds as part of efforts to modernise the deeds registry system. Under the regulations, existing title deeds undergo validation before being converted into digitally backed records.Ndlovu, however, emphasised that local authorities are not responsible for implementing the programme, saying the process falls under the national deeds registry system.“The issue of digitalisation is not a council matter but a central government programme. Ours as a city is to support the programme and encourage residents with title deeds to change to digitalised ones,” he said.He said the Deeds Office, which administers property registration, is outside the jurisdiction of local authorities.“I think you are aware that the Deeds Office is not part of the local authority department,” Ndlovu said.Under SI 76 of 2025, the Registrar of Deeds is responsible for validating old title deeds and issuing securitised deeds once ownership has been confirmed.
The regulations also state that the transition is intended to maintain the integrity, security and accuracy of land records.However, affordability remains a concern for some property owners. Ndlovu acknowledged that homeowners would incur costs associated with the process.“I am aware though that property owners are to part with US$215, which also includes conveyancing fees,” he said.The issue of costs has been a major talking point among property owners, with questions being raised over the financial implications of converting existing documents into the new system.Ndlovu said residents seeking clarity should engage relevant professionals and departments responsible for the programme.To improve awareness among residents, Ndlovu said he had taken steps at ward level to educate homeowners about the process.“What I simply did in my ward was invite lawyers to come and explain the digitalisation programme to residents, which they did,” he said.He added that issues relating to the protection of digital records fall under the Deeds Office and not council.“Guarantee of security is not done by council but by the Deeds Office,” Ndlovu said.