Chairperson, as the legislative arm of the state, we have the responsibility to ensure that the deepening of economic transformation results in tangible changes in ordinary working people's lives. An integral part of the second phase of our transition from apartheid to a national democratic society is a need to accelerate growth and intensify our programme of economic transformation. Therefore, in passing legislation we have the responsibility to present before this House the contents of draft legislation that addresses the spirit and intention of economic transformation. The historic task of dealing with the economy, poverty and inequality means that each opportunity of bringing amendments to principal Acts offers us the opportunity to change people's lives through the amendments that we are tabling.
The national democratic society that we are busy constructing must be a reflection of the quality of content of the legislation we pass. Home ownership reflects an improved standard of living for ordinary people and the improvement of the people through the economic and social strata. The home, culturally and traditionally, has quite significant value for a family. It is more than just an asset, and cannot be determined in monetary terms.
Sectional title ownership has emerged globally as one of the solutions to an increased need for urban housing, against the backdrop of population growth and the demographic trend towards urbanisation. One of the main advantages of the sectional title format of homeownership is the provision of true ownership of housing with all its social and economic benefits to more people at an affordable price.
Where the suitability of the sectional title format to provide housing in an urban environment has been proven, there are certain requirements which, if not met, will inevitably result in the loss of value for homeowners. Sectional title schemes require proper management. Appropriate legislation is necessary to prevent the failure of schemes, which will inevitably lead to owners losing everything. The principal Act has historically addressed these matters, but changing circumstances dictate that legislation be updated and amended. That is the purpose of the Sectional Titles Amendment Bill.
There has been uncertainty with respect to architects that are qualified to sign certificates that state a proposed division into sections and common property is not contrary to any operative town planning scheme or statutory plans that may affect the development. The proposed amendment provides clarity in this regard. It also amends the definition of "land surveyor" in clause 1(c) of the Bill, which seeks to clarify which land surveyors may sign a section 7(2)(a) certificate, and intends to reflect the correct short title of the Professional and Technical Surveyors' Act, Act 40 of 1984.
The current definition of "developer" provides for the inclusion of an agent or his or her successor in title to act on behalf of a developer. However, the definition does not include the developer's agent or his or her successor in title in respect of the approval of development schemes as contemplated in the Act. The proposed amendment provides for such inclusions.
Section 15(b) of the Act provides for the issuing of a certificate of registered sectional title in respect of a fraction of an undivided share of a section. The need has been identified to also include provisions in respect of the application by the owner of a section, and the lodgement and endorsement of the relevant bonds and title deeds. Therefore, clause 4 of the Bill proposes the addition of new subsections to section 15(b).
In conclusion, the amending Bill assists those who are committed and those who will become sectional titles owners. I thank you. [Applause.]
There was no debate.
Bill read a second time.