Debtfree DIGI Magazine Aug 2016

South Africa’s debt counselling magazine
Gotta pay them all !
August 2016
www.debtfreedigi.co.za

What you can expect from Hyphen PDA:
• Increased Debt Counsellor Profitability
• Flawless Systems
• Meaningful Reporting
• Contented Consumers!
Chris van der Straaten,
Head: PDA
082 557 0437
Malcom Povey,
Head: Operations PDA
082 445 5604
www.hyp

henpda.co.za
Don’t expect to hear an endless amount
of “spin” around why things failed!.

DEBT COUNSELLING
EXPLAINED
We asked Debt Counsellor Chris Craven all about the Debt Review Process. Here is what he
said:
Millions of South Africans are struggling to cope with debt. The same debt that, in the past, was
easy to manage can become harder to handle with the cost of living increasing and changes to
your household income. More and more consumers are finding that they are over indebted and
cannot manage their monthly debt payments anymore.
Thankfully the National Credit Act, which came into effect in June 2007,offers an alternative way
for people to manage their debt. Over indebted consumers can now apply for debt review with
help from a professional Debt Counsellor. Debt counselling protects over indebted consumers
from aggressive creditors who are quick to take legal action and not always willing to listen or
understand the consumer’s situation. Consumers benefit, because they get to pay more a much
more manageable monthly amount and the creditors benefit because they don’t have to take
legal action (which costs a lot) and know they will receive regular payment monthly.
A Debt Counsellor will negotiate with creditors on behalf of the consumer during the application
phase before referring the matter to a court for a Court Order. Creditors are generally more willing
to negotiate with a Debt Counsellor than they are directly with a consumer. With debt review
the creditor knows that the consumer is truly over indebted and cannot afford the monthly
payments and is not simply just trying to pay less and spend those funds elsewhere.
The biggest mistake that over indebted consumers tend to make is that they wait too long
before they try sort out their debt situation. Many people simply wait and hope for the best or
hope their situation suddenly changes for the better. But ignoring your debt will not help. It only
makes things worse. If you leave your problem for too long, not even debt counselling can help.
That is why it is better to act sooner. If you are having debt problems talk to a professional Debt
Counsellor who is registered with the NCR.

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CONTENTS
NEWS
CALL CENTRE
DEBT REVIEW
BUILDING A SOLID
DEBT COUNSELLING
PRACTICE
PAY IT
MYSELF
DCASA
CONFERENCE
SERVICE
DIRECTORY

EDITOR’S NOTE
Do you remember the Hula Hoop or yoyo
crazes of your youth? Well, the world has
once again been taken a storm by yet another
craze, namely Pokémon Go. It is a game played
on mobile phones which has hundreds of
thousands of people walking around looking
for small creatures to add to their collection.
While simple in it’s concept, it harks back to
many now adults childhood obsession with
the Pokémon cartoon, card game or computer
games. The game provides a constant
stream of easily achievable objectives and
satisfaction comes from collecting the small
digital creatures. It is now the world’s most
downloaded mobile game. You will note the
reference to it in our cover this month. If only
paying off debt would become a craze.
With all the challenges we face in day to day
life it is great to look for distractions and the
feeling of your mobile phone giving you a sense
of accomplishment is not to be dismissed. So
often we have to slave for days, months, even
years to try achieve worthwhile goals. This
is something that has fallen away as a core
value in society today. We all have come to like
instant gratification. Who likes to save when
you can buy on credit, for example?
marketing firms are using advertising to make
us feel like we desperately need new gadgets,
new products and need to spend to be happy.
It is hard to break this mind set. Many who make
a plan to pay off their debt find they falter after
a while and can’t follow through on their good
intentions. Of course, when it comes to debt
this leave them in very serious trouble. What
we all need to do (consumers and counsellors)
is set easily achievable goals for ourselves. Each
time we are able to save more, spend less, take
a small step to freedom and make progress this
is a victory. Reward yourself. It trains our minds
that we can and will succeed over time.
Remember that debts can be beaten. So,
identify those debts, make a plan to pay them
off, find ways to save each month, give yourself
rewards, stick with your plan and soon you will
be debt free.
This is one of the reasons why taking on debt
is so easy, while paying it off is so arduous.
Paying off our debt (even through debt review)
takes time. And every day during all that time,

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PROFESSIONAL DEBT
COUNSELLING ATTORNEYS
TEL: 021 872 1968
11 MARKET STREET, PAARL
www.steyncoetzee.co.za

INDUSTRY
CONSUMER
NEWS FLASH
For daily debt counselling news in 3 minutes or less visit www.debtfreedigi.co.za
ALLPRODC BOYCOTT CIF
Debt Counsellor Association: The Alliance
of Professional Debt Counsellors (AllProDC)
recently had a bad experience when at the
Credit Industry Forum (CIF). Feeling that their
voice is not only not being heard but purposely
ignored they have launched a boycott of the
CIF process. This means that while the CIF want
to represent all parties in the industry at present
his is not possible. In the past the CIF were
determined to only make recommendations
to the National Credit Regulator (NCR) where
all parties agreed 100% they have hit a brick
wall on many issues such as Section 103(5)
and now end balance differences. AllProDC
submitted an open letter to the NCR with their
suggestions (which they wanted to raise at the
CIF) in regard to process enhancements of the
debt review process and concerns they have
over the NCR’s non binding opinions on the
debt review process many of which originated
at CIF.
NCR REPLY TO ALLPRODC
The National Credit Regulator (NCR) has sent
a formal reply to the Alliance of Professional
Debt Counsellors (AllProDC) in regard to their
recent open letter of complaint and boycott of
the Credit Industry Forum. In the short reply
the NCR denied all the accusations made and
have invited AllProDC to proceed with legal
action if they wish. before that time. Where
creditors have started incorrectly adding this
fee the NCR warn they will take action.
SA TAXI REFUSE EMAIL
SERVICE
All debt review matters are submitted to court
for a Magistrate to consider the proposals
made and to declare the consumer over
indebted and restructure their debt. This
requires that all parties be notified of the court
action, receive some documents and get a
copy of the court order. While most Credit
Providers have agreed in writing to notification
via email SA Taxi (a credit provider with a
checked history with debt review) has let it be
known that they do not want to receive emails
about such matters. They would prefer service
by sheriff (which costs the consumer more
money and takes longer). Fortunately other
more affordable options do exist (which have
been legally established and ratified by the
highest courts in the country) such as service
by registered mail.
NEDBANK HOST KZN DCS
Nedbank’s Debt Review and recovery Services
Department have been meeting with Debt
Counsellors across the country in what they
call a series of Candid Conversations, Sessions
where they can get to know Debt Counsellors
better and discuss common issues being

NEWS CONTINUED
faced. The sessions afford the Nedbank team
with the chance to not only get to know the
Debt Counsellors better but also solve some
problems that arise and make suggestions
which local Debt Counsellors can use. Nedbank
will soon be meeting with Debt Counsellors in
KZN on the 9th of September in Durban.
DCASA CONFERENCE
Every year the largest of the Debt Counsellor
associations; Debt Counsellors Association
of South Africa (DCASA) host a conference in
Gauteng all about the association and debt
counselling. While the conference is primarily
for members credit providers and some service
providers to the industry attend. This year over
200 people attended the conference which
was held during August. More about that in
this month’s magazine.
NCR BEGIN FEE STRUCTURE
REVIEW
The fees which consumers pay for debt review
have remained the same for a number f years
while the process has changed considerably.
Many new complicated and time consuming
aspects to the process have arisen while fees
have remained static. For many years Debt
Counsellors have been pushing the NCR to
review their non binding opinion on fees and
the NCR has indicated that they will soon get
around to doing so. Finally after many, many
years of waiting it now seems as if the NCR
are making good on their promises and that a
consultant has been appointed to take the first
steps in the process of a review. The NCR have
appointed international firm Topline Research
Solutions to do research into the current debt
review process and fee structure. The project
for the consultant is meant to be a 3 month
one where they consult with companies
and names provided by the NCR. The firm is
supposedly the same one that reportedly was
tasked with researching the topic of ADRAs
earlier this year. Some Debt Counselling firms
and associations report having met with the
firm about the topic (though these DCs seem
concerned in the wake of the meetings about
the level of understanding of the researchers,
of the actual day to day processes that are
followed in getting a consumer through debt
review). Recently the DTI have made big
reductions to the fees that PDAs and credit
providers can charge. Will Debt Counsellors
be the next hit with a fee reduction? It may be
however that once again the DTI are left out
of the process entirely and that no officially
published fee structure will be issued in the
government gazette as is currently the case.
NCT IN CT IN SEPTEMBER
The National Consumer Tribunal (NCT), which
hears some matters in regard to debt review
will soon be visiting another major SA city as
their roving motion courts roll into Cape town
during September 2016. The Motion courts
have greatly helped reduce the NCT’s backlog
of cases about debt review over the last few
months. The NCT will be in Cape Town from the
5th to 9th of September and the motion courts
will be held at the Peppertree Club Hotel.

We are very proud of the achievements of Hyphen PDA at the 2016
Debt Review Awards. Simplicity Debt Counsellor Software is a
Hyphen PDA Business Partner.

NEWS CONTINUED
NCR DEBT COUNSELLORS
REPORT TO THE NCR
Every 3 months Debt Counsellors need to
submit reports to the NCR about how many
clients they have taken on, what type of work
these consumers do and progress on their
current clients cases. The NCR use these stats
to track progress in the industry and research
how consumers are coping with debt. Debt
Counsellors handed in their most recent
reports to the NCR during August.
NEW AFRICAN BANK DEBT
REVIEW HEAD
Credit Provider African Bank have been going
through a lot of changes in the wake of their
share price collapse. The process of rebuilding
and restructuring continues months and
months later as the giant tries to regain it’s
feet. A recent change has effected the African
Bank department which handles debt review
matters (Alternative Collections). Ms Carina
Best has bee appointed the new Head of
Alternative Collections. Ms Best has been in the
industry for a long time and has already taken
up the reigns for several weeks now.
NCR WEBSITE WOES
Visitors to the National Credit Regulators
website were greeted with a message saying
that the site was shut. The message show was
the one you will often see when someone has
forgotten to pay for their site hosting. The site
closure follows after another recent issue on the
site where web browsers warned of dangerous
files on the site wanting to infect visitors
computers and spy on them. Fortunately after
a day or two the site got back up and is now
running as normal.
DC ANNUAL FEES
While Debt Counsellors fees have not changed
over many years there have recently been
some interesting changes to the fees Debt
Counsellors pay both the NCT (for applications
which doubled) and the NCR (for annual
renewal). While in the past Debt Counsellors
only paid a paltry R100 the DTI recently
published a massive jump in annual renewal
fees from R100 up to R500 Plus a branch fee.
The branch fee is more like a office fee and costs
an additional R250 for each office (or perhaps
branch) the Debt Counsellor has. This now
means that most small Debt Counsellors will
pay R750 while Debt Counsellors who operate
larger firms (or who work in larger firms) may
have to pay significantly higher amounts.
Many Debt Counsellors who recently paid
their renewal fee of R100 before the changes
came into effect wondered if they would have
to pay more or pay again when the new global
renewal date rolled around. They were relieved
to hear that this was not the case and that they
would only pay again when the renewal date
rolled around again in 2017.
For daily debt counselling news in 3 minutes
or less visit www.debtfreedigi.co.za

UNDERSTANDING
INDUSTRY JARGON
COURT APPLICATION
Your Debt Counsellor will turn their proposal
about how they think you should repay your
debt each month into a draft court order and
apply to your local Magistrates Court to turn the
plan into a legally binding rearrangement. The
Debt Counsellor is the applicant (person who
submits the papers) and you (the consumer)
along with the credit providers are known as the
respondents.

SHOULD I PAY IT
MYSELF?

Due to changes in the National Credit Act consumers have a
choice of paying their debt review payments either themselves
or via a NCR registered Payment Distribution Agency(PDA).
When using the services of a Debt Counsellor and a PDA
professional fees apply. Some consumers wonder if they
can save some money by not paying these fees and rather
continuing in debt review without the help of a Debt
Counsellor or a PDA. Let’s take a look at what some consumers,
both those using a PDA and not might think and how deciding
to stop payment of these professional fees can really hurt.
FOR THOSE NOT USING A PDA
In the case where a consumer is paying their debts themselves over to their creditors under debt
review the consumer may wonder: Can I stop paying my Debt Counsellor each month and since
I don’t use a PDA to distribute funds to my creditors does a PDA even matter to me?
Paying the right amount over to your creditors each month can be tricky as these amounts
change over time according to most plans. This requires some good bookkeeping. Consumer
need to keep very accurate records of the payments and they need to make sure that they are
paying funds on the right day each month. Their payment methods need to be consistent and
need to take into account the costs of various forms of payment. EG. Cash payments via a ATM
take longer and have higher charges. This means consumers need to over pay and pay well in
advance to make sure the payment amount the creditor receives is right and on the right day.
This can be very tricky. Most consumers who have entered debt review have struggled to make
consistent payments over the previous months and years. This can be a big ask and a lot of extra
work for a consumer who wants to simplify their life. That said it can be done. Many consumers
have made this choice but not to be neglected is the regular payment of professional fees to the
Debt Counsellor. Here is where a PDA may come into play anyway.
Most newer Debt Counsellors have signed terms and conditions of registration with the National
Credit Regulator (NCR) which prevent them from receiving money directly from a consumer.
Most have a clause that requires that any funds they receive must be via a NCR registered PDA.
This means that for such Debt Counsellors they might recommend that their clients pay their

debts directly to the creditors each month but will still need the services of a PDA to collect their
professional After Care fees. (Note: a Debt Counsellor can apply to the NCT to have this condition
altered or removed.)
THOSE USING A PDA
When a PDA does it’s job well a consumer will make a single payment to the PDA which is split
and properly apportioned among various creditors at shifting amounts each month. The better
the PDA, the less the consumer will have to worry. Each month they will simply receive their
payment statement and will be able to check that payments were made in just a few seconds.
Some consumers, who have a court order and are paying via a PDA ,may wonder if they can
make the payments themselves and save a few rand in PDA fees over time. After all if you add
the fees up they may at first seem significant. The same considerations discussed for non PDA
paying clients above come into play. Can and will the consumer be able to handle the logistics
and record keeping required? Especially if something goes wrong can they track and trace their
payments swiftly enough to avoid catastrophe?
Another consideration might be the wording of the consumers court order which may specifically
mention the use of a PDA. Prior to the court order and during the review conducted by the Debt
Counsellor the consumer will already have made a choice in regard to use or non use of a PDA.
The Debt Counsellor will often advise them in this regard. If the consumer has chosen to use a
PDA, this may be included in the court order. If the consumer later wishes to change this they
need to consider the need to notify all parties involved and go back to court to amend the court
order to reflect the change. This can be expensive (thus defeating the point) and can lead to
serious complications.
DEBT COUNSELLOR OR GO IT ALONE?
Some consumers may wonder: If I have a court order which restructures my debts then why pay
any funds to the Debt Counsellor at all? They have done their bit and I can take it from here.
This often comes from a mistaken idea that the Debt Counsellor does little or no work for a
consumer once a court order is in place. This might be fostered by firms who offer little in the
way of obviously evident after care each month which their consumers can readily identify. [See
the box AFTER CARE FEES - WHAT ARE THEY FOR? For more info on what these fees are for.]
In such cases the consumer may initially enjoy saving a small amount for a few months but
will soon find that when problems arise they will need to go back to the Debt Counsellor for
assistance. This would be the same Debt Counsellor they have stopped paying for their services
breaking trust and the relationship. The Debt Counsellor will then simply ask for the arrears fees.
So, there is little or no actual benefit to the consumer to do so. In fact, it may simply remove a layer
of protection that could cost the consumer vital help at an crucial time. Sadly many consumers

have even lots assets due to this poor decision and the delays it creates.
It is much like a parent who gets their child fitted with braces by a professional orthodontist
but then never takes the child back to the offices for any adjustments or help ever again. Since
braces need continual monitoring and adjustment to work, help is required over time. The initial
fitting is hardly going to straighten the teeth over night and besides who will eventually take the
braces off when, due to neglect, they are obviously not working? It simply makes the situation
worse and leaves the child in discomfort for no benefit.
The NCA was clearly not written with the idea of a consumer under debt review without a Debt
Counsellor to help them along the way. The idea is to have an impartial and professional person
involved who can make sure everyone’s rights are being respected and who can advise and
counsel the consumer. The process is meant to be a holistic one which, over time, educates and
equips the consumer to re-enter the credit market able to responsibly handle credit. That can’t
be done alone.
Consumers should beware of simply neglecting to pay their Debt Counsellor or suddenly not
paying via a PDA where the court order plan was to do so throughout. Debt Counselling is a
professional service and thus it is reasonable that professional fees (which are admittedly very
little actually) are charged.
AFTER CARE FEES - WHAT ARE THEY FOR?
Consumers are often shielded from all the behind the scenes work a Debt Counsellor does for
them each month. Much of this work may relate to reconciling differing balances shown between
what the bank sees and what the consumer sees.
Many times Debt Counsellors continue in negotiations long after the court order is granted. Debt
Counsellors often have to help correct the credit provider in the case where they think payment
s haven’t been made or where the payments are made with the wrong reference numbers. This
requires lots of admin work. Even just keeping all the contact info at all of the many thousands
of creditors can be taxing and time consuming for the Debt Counsellors team. After care fees
can also be for ongoing client education, counselling and training or a contribution towards an
annual re-evaluation (and sometimes needed adjustment) of the repayment plan and consumers
situation. A lot of work also arises should the consumer wish to settle a particular debt/s early.
When a consumer leaves debt review another huge amount of work ensues to ensure no glitches
are experienced. The list is extensive and the current cost minimal by comparison.

CALL CENTRES
THE BIG DEBATE (PART 2)
This month we continue with the second instalment in our 3
part series on the recent message coming out of the NCR about
debt review done by debt counsellors working in or with the
support of a large team (commonly called a call centre).
The message has not been a very clear one but seems to
indicate that the NCR are “anti” call centre operations. In SA the
largest debt counselling firms can all commonly be considered
call centre debt counsellors. Does this mean that the NCR are
anti all the large debt counselling firms in South Africa?
In our June 2016 issue (Part 1) we discussed how, when dealing with a large firm, a consumer
may deal with a person, at first, who is not a Debt Counsellor, who may tell you about how
the process works or may capture some information from you about your debt situation. This
information would only then be sent onto a trained and registered Debt Counsellor for review.
We also looked at how computer software (the use of which is often times promoted by the
NCR) helps produce proposals and ultimately figures used in court applications to have the debt
restructured to an amount you can afford each month.
Recently a Debt Counsellor was looking to expand the good they can do each month by
expanding their debt counselling practice. The original plan was to take on a large number of
staff, get bigger offices and drive more business over the phone to help more people. Some large
Debt Counselling firms with a large number of staff can assist between 300 to 1000 consumers
every month (and advise many more consumers who make contact with them but don’t use
their services). Smaller Debt Counsellors who operate on their own or with a single staff member
commonly help around 5 to 10 people a month. In an effort to do research into their plans the
Debt Counsellor contacted the NCR with regard to their plan to expand their services and get

more staff. During their discussions the NCR send explicit written warning that should the Debt
Counsellor launch what they term a call centre operation they would get the Debt Counsellor
deregistered. They said that they are currently investigating all call centre based debt counsellors
and will soon take action against them.
Once again the reasons were not very clear as to why but the threat certainly made the Debt
Counsellor change their mind about expanding on such a scale and they will now rather be
looking at other options out of concern that the NCR will go after them if they did expand.
Though the message is mixed the result is that the Debt Counsellor will not be helping hundreds
of consumers every month and will not be employing more staff . Is this a good thing? The
Debt Counsellor in question has an excellent reputation for helping consumers and dealing with
some tough cases and really working hard in the industry. These skills will now be limited to a
much smaller pool of consumers.
Is this the result the NCR actually want to achieve? Less consumers being helped. Debt
Counsellors with less clients? Perhaps a better question would be are the NCR’s concerns over
the complaints they have seen come from some consumers shading their view of any large Debt
Counselling firm.
In the Part 1 we looked at how larger debt counselling firms will get more complaints by
consumers simply because they have so many more consumers. Smaller firms have less clients
and thus, generally, get less complaints to the NCR.
COMMON CONSUMERS COMPLAINTS
The NCR recently have being trying to resolve many consumer complaints themselves. As more
people are entering debt review they are seeing more and more complaints. Though most debt
counselling firms have an internal complaints process many consumers do not talk to their Debt
Counsellor about these issues they prefer to talk to the NCR first. Here are some of the complaints
that the NCR have been getting :
Many consumers are being contacted by people (from a “call centre”) who try to promote the
debt review process. Later the NCR receive complaints from some of these same consumers
who have tried to access more credit only to find out that they are now flagged as being
under debt review. The consumers may not recall formally entering debt review. Many did
not sign anything or may be confused about what they did or didn’t agree to on the phone.
Some consumers complain to the NCR that they are not getting good service from their
debt counselling firm. Credit providers are still calling and pestering them. In some cases
they have had people come take their cars away even though they are under debt review.

Many consumers, who have signed up with large debt counselling firms, complain that
they are having money debited from their accounts by mysterious firms (like Hyphen PDA,
DC Partner or NPDA) who they say they have never heard of.
Many consumers contact the NCR because they cannot remember or do not know who
their Debt Counsellor is.
Some consumers complain that they have paid for debt review but their debts are not
being paid. They “know” this because a collections agent from one of their creditors called
and said so.
Obviously looking at the list above most of these complaints are made due to a lack of
information or incorrect understanding of the process. Many occur because of actions on the
behalf of the creditor and through no fault of the Debt Counsellor. Does this matter to the NCR
who have taken all these matters on themselves. Right or wrong each complaint takes a lot of
time and resources to try and resolve.
LEGITIMATE CONCERNS?
Looking at the complaints we can see that in some cases the Debt Counsellor or their team is at
fault for not properly educating their client. The consumer has not been properly communicated
with. If a consumer does not know who their Debt Counsellor is (or in the case where several Debt
Counsellors work on the matter who the main point of contact is) then that is a big problem. If
they don’t know what number to phone if they have problems and don’t have papers with that
information readily available then the Debt Counselling firm have not properly trained them on
how to deal with aggressive (and sometimes deceitful) collections agents. If a consumer doesn’t
know what or who their PDA is then the Debt Counselling firm have failed to properly educate
the consumer. Most Debt Counsellors, attorneys and PDAs fail to sign proper CPA based contact
documents with consumers which further exacerbates the issue.
In many cases credit providers may be at fault for using the services of collections agents who
misrepresent the truth to get consumers to do things so that they can earn their commission
no matter what. Some credit providers have poor computer systems which allow consumers to
continue to be contacted outside of the debt review process or receive scary SMS’s or letters even
though they are under debt review. Since many credit providers don’t supply accurate statements
to the consumer every month that detail the debt review process and balances under debt review
consumers can grow concerned about the payments they are making.
Sometimes it is just the consumer who forgets things, loses papers or doesn’t fully understand the
process. They blame the Debt Counsellor for things a credit provider is doing instead of blaming
the credit provider. They call the NCR instead of talking to the person they are paying every
month (their Debt Counsellor). What is important to think about though is that if a consumer is

calling someone to talk about something they are worried about then these things need to be
taken seriously even if they are unfounded or due to confusion. No-one wants a worried client.
Especially where money is involved. The NCR certainly don’t want that. All industries want happy
clients who enjoy using their services. So, no complaint is a good complaint.
More worrying is where the complaint is legitimate and the consumer has been somehow
‘tricked’ into debt review. It is like when someone calls from an insurance provider or mobile
phone contract provider and next thing you know money is being debited off your account
every month even though you said that you would “think about it” - translation : no go away.
NCR CIRCULAR HIGHLIGHTS TROUBLING TREND
The NCR recently sent out a Circular to the industry about some of the complaints and request
to change Debt Counsellors they get. It said in part:
The NCR is... gravely concerned by the increasing number of transfer requests from consumers
(when a consumer wants to switch from one Debt Counsellor to another).
THEY IDENTIFIED SOME OF THE REASONS SUCH AS:
• Consumers being mislead into thinking debt review would reduce monthly debt
repayments (Ed- it is 99.99% of the time so it is not that misleading). Some times firms
advertise a specific percentage consumers could save (Ed- like those save up to 80% signs
you see outside some shops and when you go inside only one or two items save you that
much and the rest less so. Don’t you hate that?).
• Debt Counsellors being paid by other people who are not Debt Counsellors. Not consumers
but by a boss who is not a Debt Counsellor. They when they leave that firm they are asked to
transfer clients to another Debt Counsellor in the firm.
• When mentioning specifically call centre operations they state that some consumers
are being placed under debt review without their consent or proper understanding of the
process .
This it seems then is one of the biggest factors in the NCR’s concern about call centre operations.
It certainly is making a lot of work for them in the complaints and transfers arena. At present the
NCR have been trying to catch up on the 7000 requested transfers they were running behind on.
In many cases consumers are switching from larger call centre run operations to smaller Debt
Counsellors who they have contacted about the problems they have been having. These Debt
Counsellors then ask the NCR to transfer these clients over to them.

WHAT THE NCR ARE “NOT”
It is important to note that despite appearances the NCR are not anti-debt review. The NCA requires
that the NCR educate consumers of their rights in terms of the NCA , which includes debt review.
The NCR are not anti-technology (anti-telephone or anti-computer or anti-internet). They even
promote the use of PDA software and the bank’s DCRS program.
The NCR do not have a problem with credit providers or credit bureaus making use of lots of staff
and apportioning work to different people at the office. They are not anti-job creation.
In Part 3 of the series we get answers directly from the NCR on this issue. You can read that
article in the September 2016 issue.

Recent Interesting Court Cases
NEDBANK V MOLOI
GAUTENG HIGH COURT, PRETORIA
In this case, which revolved around a bonded property (3 loans
over the years bundled into one), the consumers had applied
for debt review, the Debt Counsellor had made proposals
which the bank had declined. Payments had been made
regardless, further proposals were made but the bank sent an
86(10) notice. The creditor eventually brought the matter to
the Guateng high Court for a summary judgment application.

One or two interesting points were raised during this case by
the Honourable J Ranchor in the ruling which may influence
the way credit providers respond (or not) to proposals from
Debt Counsellors.
An 86(10) is a notice of something that could happen.
Simply saying that you might do the thing does not mean that you actually will then enforce
that right. By delaying and not taking action (eg. for a year) this may show that you did not
follow through.
A creditor must participate in the debt review in a meaningful way for there to be “good faith”
participation.
The consumers made offers and made payments. They seem to be doing the work. However
for a creditor to send an email that says the ‘proposal does not solve or lead to the eventual
satisfaction’ might not be enough. Especially saying in an email that a creditor received a
rearrangement proposal but then in that same email immediately saying ‘No proposal
received’ would seem to contradict itself. If a creditor is sent several proposals by a Debt
Counsellor but does not respond to them it can be seen by a court as not participating in
good faith.
Lack of a/any counter proposal can be seen as lack of good faith.
It seems that a court might see sending no alternative options back to the Debt Counsellor
when a proposal is received as a lack of good faith.
In this particular case the Magistrate reinstituted the bond account back into the debt review
[NCA Sect 86(11)] and dismissed the summary judgment application.
It is of particular note that a response to a proposal that it ‘does not solve’ could be seen as not
cooperating in good faith with the debt review if no further reasons or alternative is given.
WANT A COPY OF THE RULING?
YES, PLEASE!

BUILDING A SOLID
DEBT COUNSELLING
PRACTICE PART 2
One of the great things about operating a Debt Counselling business is that, after a time, a wellrun
practice will generate good aftercare revenues. This is important from a business point of
view both because Debt Counselling is a cyclical business and because a good solid aftercare
book adds a lot to the valuation of the business. Of course there is the added benefit (and no
small matter) that happy customers will always bring in more happy customers.
Last month we showed you how Maximus supports the Debt Counsellor by providing assistance
to changing the consumer’s paying and spending habits, and by improving communication
between the Debt Counsellor and the Consumer.
Contact Maximus on 011 451 0041

This article will give you the heads up on what to do and how the cutting edge Maximus solution
can assist you in building a great business both by managing Consumer Defaults and by making
annual reviews both easy and meaningful.
MISSED PAYMENTS
Let’s face it, many consumers who find themselves in Debt Counselling are not good at paying their
bills. As a consequence, one of the most important things that a Debt Counsellor can, no, must
do is to ensure that their clients make payments on time and that, when a payment is missed, it is
followed up vigorously. It is not in the Consumer’s or the Debt Counsellor’s interest not to attend
to defaults as this is the crux of concluding a successful Debt Review.
It goes without saying that the customer will always receive an sms from Maximus before payday,
just to remind them of the payment due but Maximus goes much further than that. When a
consumer defaults Maximus sends him a message to urgently contact his Debt Counsellor and
then, using the powerful Maximus Work Flow Management System, separates the case from all
the healthy cases, so that the Debt Counsellor can take action.
This action may be to reschedule the debit, make an arrangement for the consumer to catch up
over time or in a single payment or, sadly, withdraw services. In any of these outcomes making it
happen is just a couple of clicks of the mouse.
In the event if an arrangement or a reschedule, it is vital that all Credit Providers are kept in the
loop. In Maximus this also happens at the click of the mouse.
ANNUAL REVIEW
For many Debt Counsellors conducting an annual review of their clients is an onerous chore. It is
none the less very important both to maintain the integrity of the Debt Review and also to remind
the customer that the DC is still there and working for them. Doing an annual review is a doddle
for Maximus. When the case is due for review that Work Flow Engine of Maximus kicks in again and
queues the Debt Counsellor to action.
A click generates communication to the consumer requesting his latest budget and information.
The customer must send this back and another click concludes the process. Of course if changes
need to be made then updating Credit Providers is done by the system. VOILA!
By maintaining strong communication with clients at times when they stray as well as when they
maintain the straight and narrow of the Debt Review, all Debt Counsellors can build a strong and
healthy book of customers that will help ensure the long term viability and value of their business.
With Maximus as a business partner accomplishing this is made really easy.
Next month we will show you how Maximus can make the interview process easy.

UNDERSTANDING
INDUSTRY JARGON
CONFIRMATORY
AFFIDAVIT
The Debt Counsellor will submit documents to
the court about their plan for your debts. These
documents will talk about your (the consumer)
situation. The court will want to know if you
know about the debt review and agree with
the debt review. To make this nice and legal
you need to sign a court document called an
affidavit. This shows that you agree with the
plan.

All professionals have professional indemnity if the unforeseen
happens. Do you as a professional Debt Counselor have
professional indemnity as stipulated by the ethical code?
contact us today for more information
086 111 2882
TELEPHONE 0861 112 882 FACSIMILE 086 605 9751 MOBILE 082 449 6856 EMAIL andre@in2insurance.co.za
www.in2insurance.co.za
MELIORLEAF WON’T
LOAD YOUR PREMIUMS
OR REPUDIATE A
LEGITIMATE CLAIM
Specialist insurance for people in debt
review. Ask your debt counsellor.
CALL US NOW 0861 635 467
www.meliorleaf.co.za

DCASA CONFERENCE
2016
Each year the Debt Counsellors Association of South Africa (DCASA) host a conference in Kempton
Park at Emperors Palace. The 2016 conference happened this week. Over 200 people managed
to get seats at the conference this year. DCASA are the largest Debt Counsellor association in
South Africa and are also the oldest of the current associations having been formed around the
same time as the enactment of the NCA.
The venue, as always, was very pleasant and the event was well run. Attendees arrived early to
meet and mingle and to dodge the traffic. Guests were signed in and received welcome packs
and name badges before heading in to grab a chair. The conference presents the opportunity
for many to meet with creditors (Such as ABSA, FNB, Nedbank and Standard Bank) who were
present on the day and on hand to help take queries and complaints. Also at the conference
were all 3 PDAs and some of the computer software providers. Several speakers were arranged
to entertain and educate the attendees throughout the day.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DAY
The day was jam packed. Not only with refreshments and food but also the opportunity to
network and hear a series of presentations about the industry. Various companies and credit
providers displayed and engaged with the attendees throughout the day. The event was not
only well organised but well supported (over 200 guests) and all had a good time and benefited
from attending.
Mr. Mel da Silva (DCASA)
Chairman for the day was Mr. Mel da Silva who has played the part
before. He began with the pithy thought that nothing is foolproof for a
fool. He kept the audience informed and amused throughout the day
with quips and comments as well as contributing to the question and
answer session.
“nothing is foolproof for a fool”
DCASA President Mr. Paul Slot
DCASA President Mr. Paul Slot opened the conference with an
interesting speech about industry developments and issues facing the
association.
He highlighted the results of some research into consumers (earning
around R15 000/month) and how they were coping (or not coping)
with their debt stress and obligations. He looked at the sadly all too
common view of consumers that the way out of debt or tricky situations
was to try access more debt. He highlighted the value of debt review
and welcomed all to the conference.
Mr Leon Lategan (The Lion’s Den)
Over 100 000 Google searches are run every month in SA for debt relief
and debt review related topics. Mr Leon Lategan, who is an expert in
internet marketing, discussed the use of websites by Debt Counselling
firms. He showed a number of local debt counselling firms websites and
highlighted some obvious weaknesses. While most of the audience had
a website he pointed to the truth that this “unpaid sales person” (the
website) is probably not getting clients due to bad design and poor
optimisation. He delved into the mindset of the consumer.

Ms. Mamello Matikinca (FNB)
Ms. Mamello Matikinca (Economist at FNB) discussed the factors leading
to changes in the current economy in SA (and elsewhere) and looked
a head at what could happen next year (eg. changes to VAT). Despite
some high level terminology and fast paced graphs, the message was
clear: Consumers are still in trouble and will continue to need debt
review.
NCR No Show
NCR Snub Upsets Audience
When the audience learnt that the speaker from the NCR had cancelled
the day before the conference they were disappointed as they would
like to have not only heard from the regulator but also engaged with
them in the question and answer session. When they then learnt that all
6 of the NCR team who had booked and been catered for had decided
not to come the mood quickly turned to bitterness. Many we spoke
to said they felt it was a real slight from the NCR and that they were
not impressed. The organisers tried to keep everyone calm and set
everyone’s mind at rest but the audience were not happy.
Mr Slot was able to use the time to make a presentation in regard to
some training that DCASA will take the lead in about one of the NCR’s
guidelines. He mentioned that training about the NCR Task Team
Guideline will role out at a provincial level at DCASA meetings over the
next few months.
Mr. Walter Volker (PASA)
With the mood more normal again it was over to Mr. Walter Volker of the
Payments Association of South Africa (PASA) to discuss the somewhat
overdue and still ongoing authenticated collections project. This project
is aimed at reducing the abuses of the Aedo and Naedo debit systems.
The idea behind authenticated collections is that companies or service
providers and their banks get consumers to officially give permission
(once off) for a debit to go off their accounts. This should then reduce
consumers disputing debits (which they often do to “manage” their cash
flow). PASA have found that around 90% of all disputes by consumers
are actually not legitimate.

Mr. Ismael Momoniat (Treasury)
Can’t Make It? Call In
Mr. Ismael Momoniat of the National Treasury was also unable to
attend due to obligations at Parliament in Cape Town to do with the
Twin Peaks process. He obviously viewed the opportunity to talk to so
many Debt Counsellors at one time too important to miss and was able
to make his presentation via telephone tie in. At first his speech focused
on things like the improved affordability assessment guidelines and
other steps taken to try help consumers avoid a debt trap. The tone
then changed somewhat as the speech neared it’s end as he began
to discuss how there was concern that such a small number of Debt
Counsellors could ever hope to deal with the issues of millions of debt
troubled SA consumers.
He also made several comments which seemed to indicate that he was
very concerned about abuses by Debt Counsellors of the process to
reduce work for themselves at the expense of getting the best deal
for the client. The regulator also came under fire when he said that:”...
[there was a] need to be regulated differently perhaps.”
ACCOUNTING | TAX | AUDIT | CONSULTING
telephone 079 888 7200
email info@bkfaccountants.co.za
www.bkfaccountants.co.za

*Debt *Debt Review Review documents: documents: Form Form 17.1; Form 17.1; Form 17.2; P1
**Debt **Debt Review Review Admin Admin related related requests: requests: debit order debit
letters; letters; account account closure closure instructions; instructions; settlement settleme bal
Other Other Standard Bank Bank areas
Credit Credit Card Card
0
Diners Diners Club Club
0
Vehicle Vehicle Asset Asset Finance Finance Recoveries Recoveries 0
Vehicle Vehicle Asset Asset Finance Finance Collections Collections 0
REVIEWING DEBT,
Home Loans Pre Legal
CHANGING LIVES
Home Loans Pre Legal 0
Home Home Loans Loans Customer Customer Service Service 0
nd Time
Standard Standard Bank Bank Insurance Insurance
0
Deceased Deceased Estates Estates
0

That is the slogan of the vibrant Debt Review Department at
Standard Bank, a Team consisting of about 200 individuals
based in the heart of Johannesburg and second home to a
happy and engaged family.
roposals; Court Applications; Court Orders
cancellations; statement requests ; refunds; paid up
ances; or outstanding balances
About the Standard Bank Debt Review Team: Headed by Kershnee Naidoo. Debt Review
Consists of 11 teams within the Department and comprises of 10 Managers and 15 Team Leaders.
The Debt Review department acts as a link between the Customer, Debt Counsellors, Payment
Distribution Agencies, the National Credit Regulator and internal Product Houses.
Focus of the team: We offer the best service we can to all stakeholders within the industry, with
the ultimate goal of rehabilitating our customers so that they can go back to participating in the
credit market.
Vision for the team: To become the number one credit provider in the debt review industry.
86120 1000
Culture: Debt Review prides itself in their culture of oneness and having a harmonious
atmosphere, they unapologetically love food, fun, feast and fulfilment.
113588400 / 0860346377
My Blood is blue - living the Values: The debt review team understands that, to make a difference
in the industry and in the lives of their customers, you have to think differently and that takes
spirit, courage and resilience. Every day presents an opportunity to challenge the status quo to
see things for what they can be and embrace change. There is no limit to what we can achieve,
excellence is our benchmark.
861102347
861102347
860102270
Becoming number 1: In June 2016 dreams became a reality when Standard Bank was named as
the number one Credit Provider in the Debt Review industry at the Annual Debt Review Awards.
This has affirmed that our passion and determination can make anything possible and we hope
to continue being affirmed by the Industry.
860123001
860123911
861001868
CONTACT US

IN A NUTSHELL
A CRY FOR HELP!
People are predominantly not prepared for life events. Losing
a job, losing a life partner, being in an accident are all things
beyond our control. These events have major repercussions,
not just emotionally but also financially.
Life events of this nature are one of the main reasons people
get into financial difficulty. People naturally assume that theses
events won’t happen to them, and they are not financially
equipped to handle them when they do.

Over and above unexpected life events people get into
financial difficulty because they either don’t have the skills or
the discipline to manage their money.
Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein in their book ‘Nudge’ talk about five psychological principles
that negatively impact human behaviour, particularly their dealing with money:
1. It is easier to exercise self-control in the future, for instance, I will start saving tomorrow.
2. People want to save more, but then lack the willpower to follow-through.
3. Loss aversion. People hate to see their paychecks go down, so they avoid retirement
investing and saving so that they can enjoy life today.
4. Money illusion. People don’t adjust for interest rate increases and inflation. They think
they have more disposable money when they don’t.
5. The more difficult something appears, the less likely people are to do it. This is referred to
as inertia.
The average individual is not schooled in financial planning, doesn’t understand the long-term
effects of debt, the benefits of saving and planning for rainy days. Too many too easily fall into
the traps of easy living. They are unwisely tempted by special offers, preferring to borrow money
to fund a better lifestyle.
By the time many of these people consult with a debt counsellor they are really in desperate
need. A survey recently completed by the DCM Group amongst over-indebted consumers,
reveals that 86% of these individuals are looking for some form of debt relief, be it a reduction
in instalments, negotiating on their behalf with creditors, stopping legal action and protecting
their assets. However, 35% of those interviewed did not know what to expect from the debt
review process and could not adequately explain the advantages of debt review.
The debt counsellor’s role needs to extend beyond just the restructuring of debt. This approach
benefits both the debt counsellor and the consumer. The more time and effort that debt
counsellors invest in these consumers the higher the probability that they will stick with the
process and become rehabilitated. Here are some ideas:
1) Explain the debt review process simply but thoroughly.
2) Detail all the costs and stress the importance of making one regular, correct, monthly
payment.
3) Prepare a budget and emphasise the importance of monitoring and sticking to this
budget.

4) Explain the advantages of debt review.
5) Explain the risks of payment defaults.
6) Have someone in your organisation touch base with your consumers every month for at
least the first six months.
7) Track non-payment and follow-up immediately when consumers default.
8) Become the person that these consumers rely on for financial advice.
9) Utilise programme’s like the DCM Business Partnership Programme, which has inbuilt
tools and triggers to help consumer behaviour.
Based on what we know about the complexities of financial planning, combined with the
weaknesses of human behaviour, there is a massive opportunity for debt counsellors to play a
more influential role in helping over-indebted consumers. Debt counsellors should extend their
role to transform the financial status of these consumers from being overwhelmed by too much
debt to a position where they are net-asset and cashflow positive.
The cry for help, should be seen as an opportunity to change lives and financially empower
people - a worthwhile purpose.
* Source: Source: Anna Orthofer. 2016.
“Wealth inequality in South Africa: Insights from wealth surveys and tax returns data,” University of Stellenbosch. Unpublished.
IN A NUTSHELL is brought you by the DCM Business Partnership Programme, designed to
support debt counsellors and consumers during the debt review process, in collaboration with
the National Payment Distribution Agency (NPDA). For help, contact the NPDA on 0861 628 628.
If you have suggestions for topics that you would like covered in future, please email info@dcmgroup.co.za
Debt Review Awards Winner 2014 and 2015:
NPDA: Payment Distribution; Client & Customer Service; Industry Support & Engagement
Care Premier: Debt Counselling Software

DEBT COUNSELLING
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
EDUCATE CONSUMERS
DCCS are planning to hold a series of small training sessions around SA to help consumers
(even those already under debt review) get ready for the end of year holidays. The training
sessions will look at how to save towards gifts, how to have some fun with little or no budget
and how to plan for those nasty January extra school costs.
DEBT COUNSELLING
COMMUNITY WANT TO HELP? SUPPORT
Would you like to help DCCS educate consumers in your area on how to budget and how to
handle end of year expenses? Please let us know. Who knows, you may even find
a new client or two.
Can you host a training session? Please let us know.
HOLIDAY HAMPERS
DCCS will also be giving out some end of year holiday hampers to those vulnerable consumers
who need an extra helping hand. If you would like to donate toys, food or vouchers towards
the end of year holiday hampers then please let us know.
If you know of a hard working but vulnerable debt review family who is facing hard times
please let us know about them so we can see what might be done to assist.
If you want to help or get involved in this project, you can contact: admin@dccsupport.co.za

UNDERSTANDING
INDUSTRY JARGON
COURT ORDER
Once a Magistrate has gone over the Debt
Counsellors plan on how you could repay
your debt they will make adjustments if
necessary and then issue a Court Order. This
important document is dated and stamped
by the court. You will get a copy as will all
your creditors. The court order shows how
much you will pay, who you will pay and
how long you will pay. Make sure you get a
copy of this debt restructuring court
order in case any collections person
comes calling.

DEBT COUNSELLOR PROFILE
CHRIS CRAVEN
WHAT DID YOU DO BEFORE BECOMING A DC?
I studied at the University of the Orange Free State, Played professional cricket for the Free State
for 8 years and became a business owner and bond originator. I then became a DC in 2009.
WHY DID YOU BECOME A DC ?
There was such a growing need. We knew that if we were able to reduce over indebted clients
monthly repayments along with their interest rates we would be successful and helps lots of
people.
WHAT AREA OF SA DO YOU PRACTICE IN?
We operate Nationally (Zero Debt was nominated as one of the Top 5 National Debt Counsellors
at the debt review Awards)
WHAT MAKES YOUR BUSINESS A SUCCESS?
We focus on reducing our client’s interest rates via the DCRS system.
We try to avoid fighting with the creditors and to rather find a mutual solution.
WHERE DO YOU FIND NEW BUSINESS?
Word of mouth along with advertising. It’s amazing how many referrals we receive once we
explain to clients how much we save them on interest alone.

WHO ARE YOUR MOST CO-OPERATIVE AND LEAST CO-OPERATIVE CREDIT PROVIDER AT THE
MOMENT?
Most co-operative are both Nedbank and Consumer Friend least co-operative at the moment is
Absa
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING DEBT COUNSELLORS AT THE MOMENT?
Getting more Debt Counsellors to make use of the DCRS calculation software option. This is
something we strongly believe in using.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING YOUR CONSUMERS AT THE MOMENT?
The increase in their monthly expenses which puts added pressure on them over time.
HOW HAVE RECENT INDUSTRY CHANGES HELPED THE PROCESS?
The withdrawal guidelines implemented Feb 2015 is helping insure clients are not abused by
Debt Counsellors and visa versa.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR CONSUMERS UNDER DEBT REVIEW?
Keep paying your monthly instalments till you are able to receive your clearance certificate.
Never miss a payment.
www.zerodebt.co.za I 0861113749 I help@zerodebt.co.za

South Africa’s
leading Debt Counsellors
Click through to
www.creditmatters.co.za
or call our national call centre on
086 111 6197

ank on
your phone
• Save money and time with free access,
payments at half the branch cost and
no queues
• Protected against SIM card fraud
• Your secret PIN is the only way to
access transactions
Watch our app videos on capitecbank.co.za
Visit capitecbank.co.za or one of our 719 branches. 24hr Client Care Centre on 0860 10 20 43.
All information correct when published, 17/05/2016, and subject to change.
A registered credit provider. NCR Reg. No.: NCRCP13 Capitec Bank Limited Reg. No.: 1980/003695/06

DEBT COUNSELLORS ASSOCIATIONS
ANNOUNCEMENT BOARD
UPCOMING REGIONAL MEETING DATES:
FREE STATE
2 SEPTEMBER 2016
E CAPE
16 SEPTEMBER 2016
W CAPE
1 NOVEMBER 2016
GAUTENG
26TH OCTOBER 2016
Unruly Sheriffs are a big problem in South Africa.
Now Court Sheriffs have been taken down a notch:
http://www.acts.co.za/news/blog/2016/05/roguesheriffs-put-on-notice-that-they-will-be-held-liablefor-illegal-evictions
www.dcasa.co.za
www.newera.org.za
Members can contact the association for the BDCF
Logo and wording which can be added to their
email signatures.
For more info about joining the BDCF please visit
our webpage.
Due to the NCR’s refusal to acknowledge the issues
raised in our open letter AllProDC will continue our
boycott of the Credit Industry Forum.
Members can download a presentation on the
envisaged debt review process on our Facebook
Group.
See Newsletter for more info.
www.bdcf.co.za
www.allprodc.org

AUGUST
NEWSLETTER
NCR RESPONSE
The NCR have come back to us in response to our open letter to the industry and themselves. Sadly they
are not willing to acknowledge any of the points we raised and in their 5 sentence response have advised
us that they have the right to issue advisory notes and non binding opinions. They feel our ‘averments’
are ‘untrue, baseless and without substance’ and invite us to escalate the issue as we feel best.
DEBT REVIEW PROCESS PRESENTATION - FACEBOOK
Many of our members feel that the debt review process needs to be amended to fall in line with the
requirements of the NCA. We have put together a simple Power Point Presentation on how we feel the
process could be handled. Members can download and comment on the presentation on our members
Facebook page. DCs from other associations and creditors are welcome to receive a copy and can email:
zune@allprodc.org
MEETING WITH FNB
AllProDC recently had a very productive meeting with FNB. We had the opportunity to make a presentation
to them about the debt review process we envision. We also got to discuss with them the actions of their
legal representatives at court and how many of our members are being targeted with Costs Orders. FNB
said they have begun to closely monitor their attorneys this year. We are happy we have made them
aware of the issue.
NCR ROADSHOW
The NCR recently held a meeting with Debt Counsellors and Credit Providers and AllProDC attended.
The NCR reported that they have reduced the backlog in consumer transfers between DCs down from
7000 to only 4000. They have a long way to go and are planning to make it possible for the DCs to do the
transfers themselves in the future. The NCR also plan to begin some email data request monitoring in the
near future in conjunction with occasional site visits. Many DCs who attended were worried about non
delivery of Window Decals. During the Roadshow we were able to raise some of the important issues we
have recently been focussing on.
www.allprodc.org
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/AllProDC / TWITTER: www.twitter.com/AllProDC

DON’T WORK WITH AN OUT
DATED VERSION OF THE ACT
UPDATED
2016
We are happy to announce that the Amended National Credit Act booklet
is now available via our shop.
Get the latest version for only R250.00
ORDER NOW
http://debtfreedigi.co.za/product/pocket-sized-national-credit-act-booklet/

Registered Payment Distribution Agency
SECURE DISTRIBUTION OF DEBT REVIEW FUNDS
TRANSPARENT BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS
TRUSTED & SKILLED SUPPORT STAFF
CONTACT US
Head Office: 59 Victoria Street, George
Tel: 044 873 4530 Fax: 086 246 2450
www.dcpartner.co.za
petro@dcpartner.co.za

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DEBT COUNSELLORS
SUPPORT
SERVICES
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FINANCIAL
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IRECTORY
ATEGORY
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directory@debtfreedigi.co.za
LEGAL
CREDIT BUREAUS
PAYMENT
DISTRIBUTION
AGENCIES
CREDIT PROVIDER CONTACT
DETAILS & ESCALATION PROCESS

DEBT COUNSELLORS
GAUTENG
KWAZULU-
NATAL
FREE STATE

LIMPOPO NORTH WEST EASTERN CAPE
MPUMALANGA NORTHERN CAPE WESTERN CAPE

National Debt Advisors
Fighting For Consumer Justice
Tel: 021 007 1688
www.nationaldebtadvisors.co.za
Credit Matters
South Africa’s Leading
Debt Counsellors
14th Floor, The Pinnacle
Cnr Strand & Burg St
Cape Town
Tel: 086 111 6197
Fax: 021 425 6292
info@creditmatters.co.za
GAUTENG
Armani Debt Counselling
Take the First Step
to Financial Freedom
Tania Dekker
Tel: 011 849 3654 / 7659
www.armanigroup.co.za
Dynamix Debt Counselling TLC
Alida Christie NCRDC2324
Office 1, 34 Beefwoodstreet,
Vanderbijlpark, 1911
Tel: 079 520 4369
Tel: 016 100 8020
tlcdebt@mweb.co.za

Specialist Debt Management Centre
Beverley Ludick, NCRDC948
Pretoria
Tel: 012 377-3557
Email: obligco@gmail.com
Email: dc@obligco.co.za
www.obligco.co.za Tel: 0861 123 644
Email: info@debtrescue.co.za
Creators In Financial Wellbeing
NCRDC677
You Are Not Alone
We’ll handle your creditors so you
don’t have to!
1 Dingler Street, Rynfield, Benoni
0861 10 11 00
info@debtmend.co.za
www.debtmend.co.za
NCRDC197
Tel: 011 660 9970
Fax: 086 540 5017
KRUGERSDORP
e-mail: nicky@nvdmdc.co.za
www.nvdmdc.co.za
All Debt Solutions
Fast tracking your financial freedom
Tel: 0861 255 3328 / 021-557 9981
Email: info@allds.co.za
www.alldebtsolutions.co.za
https://www.facebook.com/
alldebtsolutions

National Debt Advisors
Fighting For Consumer Justice
Tel: 021 007 1688
www.nationaldebtadvisors.co.za
Credit Matters
South Africa’s Leading
Debt Counsellors
14th Floor, The Pinnacle
Cnr Strand & Burg St
Cape Town
Tel: 086 111 6197
Fax: 021 425 6292
info@creditmatters.co.za
KWAZULU-
NATAL
Tel: 0861 123 644
Email: info@debtrescue.co.za

National Debt Advisors
Fighting For Consumer Justice
Tel: 021 007 1688
www.nationaldebtadvisors.co.za
Credit Matters
South Africa’s Leading
Debt Counsellors
14th Floor, The Pinnacle
Cnr Strand & Burg St
Cape Town
Tel: 086 111 6197
Fax: 021 425 6292
info@creditmatters.co.za
FREE STATE
Tel: 0861 123 644
Email: info@debtrescue.co.za

National Debt Advisors
Fighting For Consumer Justice
Tel: 021 007 1688
www.nationaldebtadvisors.co.za
Credit Matters
South Africa’s Leading
Debt Counsellors
14th Floor, The Pinnacle
Cnr Strand & Burg St
Cape Town
Tel: 086 111 6197
Fax: 021 425 6292
info@creditmatters.co.za
LIMPOPO
SMS Salary Management Services
Annerien de Jager
Registered Debt Counsellor
NCRDC0075
015 307 2772
info@smslimpopo.co.za
Tel: 0861 123 644
Email: info@debtrescue.co.za

National Debt Advisors
Fighting For Consumer Justice
Tel: 021 007 1688
www.nationaldebtadvisors.co.za
Tel: 0861 123 644
Email: info@debtrescue.co.za
MPUMALANGA
Credit Matters
South Africa’s Leading
Debt Counsellors
14th Floor, The Pinnacle
Cnr Strand & Burg St
Cape Town
Tel: 086 111 6197
Fax: 021 425 6292
info@creditmatters.co.za

National Debt Advisors
Fighting For Consumer Justice
Tel: 021 007 1688
www.nationaldebtadvisors.co.za
Credit Matters
South Africa’s Leading
Debt Counsellors
14th Floor, The Pinnacle
Cnr Strand & Burg St
Cape Town
Tel: 086 111 6197
Fax: 021 425 6292
info@creditmatters.co.za
NORTH WEST
Tel: 0861 123 644
Email: info@debtrescue.co.za

National Debt Advisors
Fighting For Consumer Justice
Tel: 021 007 1688
www.nationaldebtadvisors.co.za
Credit Matters
South Africa’s Leading
Debt Counsellors
14th Floor, The Pinnacle
Cnr Strand & Burg St
Cape Town
Tel: 086 111 6197
Fax: 021 425 6292
info@creditmatters.co.za
NORTHERN CAPE
CONSUMER
& Solution Centre
NCRDC2452
Tel: 0861 123 644
Email: info@debtrescue.co.za
DEBT REVIEW AND
SUPPORT CENTRE
Annienne Nel NCRDC2452
Kairo’s House, 22 Fairfield
Southstreet, Parow, 7550
Office: 021 930 5791
Cell: 082 641 2328
Fax: 086 563 3264
e-mail: info@debtcentre.co.za
www.debtcentre.co.za

National Debt Advisors
Fighting For Consumer Justice
Tel: 021 007 1688
www.nationaldebtadvisors.co.za
Credit Matters
South Africa’s Leading
Debt Counsellors
14th Floor, The Pinnacle
Cnr Strand & Burg St
Cape Town
Tel: 086 111 6197
Fax: 021 425 6292
info@creditmatters.co.za
EASTERN CAPE
Debt Counselling Group SA
Affordable Assistance with offices across
the EASTERN CAPE.
Casper Francois le Grange
NCRDC 1560 / CALL: 086 100 1047
Offices:
East London: Shop 7, New Colonnade
Building, Devereux Av, Vincent
Port Elizabeth: Room 302, Pier 14, 444
Goven Mbeki Av, North End
Queenstown: Office 107, Nedbank
Building, 89 Cathcart Road
King Williams Town: Office 4, 49 Eales
Street
E-mail: help@dcgsa.co.za
www.dcgsa.co.za
www.facebook.com/dcg.southafrica
Tel: 0861 123 644
Email: info@debtrescue.co.za

CONSUMER
& Solution Centre
NCRDC2452
DEBT REVIEW AND
SUPPORT CENTRE
Annienne Nel NCRDC2452
Kairo’s House, 22 Fairfield
Southstreet, Parow, 7550
Office: 021 930 5791
Cell: 082 641 2328
Fax: 086 563 3264
e-mail: info@debtcentre.co.za
www.debtcentre.co.za

WEBSITE | www.debt-therapy.co.za
debt therapy
integrity guaranteed
debt therapy is registered with NCR | NCRDC49
National Debt Advisors
Fighting For Consumer Justice
Tel: 021 007 1688
www.nationaldebtadvisors.co.za
Drastically reduce your monthly
debt repayments
Let US help 0861111863
Regain control of your finances
www.debt-therapy.co.za
WESTERN CAPE
CONSOLIDEBT
Heidie Knorr NCRDC209
Paarl, Worcester, Wellington, Ceres,
Piketberg, Clanwilliam, Vredendal
Tel: 021 863 2754 / 082 380 4401
consolidebt@vodamail.co.za
Encouraging Freedom, Creating Wealth
Etienne Pieterse (NCRDC 2210)
Tel. (021) 826-2699
etienne@financialfreedomsolutions.co.za
www.financialfreedomsolutions.co.za

CONSUMER
& Solution Centre
NCRDC2452
ISISEKO DEBT HELP
Get Your Life back on track
TEL: 087 230 0223
FAX: 086 551 1649
EMAIL: makanti@isiseko.co.za
WEB: www.isiseko.co.za
DEBT REVIEW AND
SUPPORT CENTRE
Annienne Nel NCRDC2452
Kairo’s House, 22 Fairfield
Southstreet, Parow, 7550
Office: 021 930 5791
Cell: 082 641 2328
Fax: 086 563 3264
e-mail: info@debtcentre.co.za
www.debtcentre.co.za
NCRDC1142
No 2 Golden Isle Building
281 Durban Road, Oakdale,
Bellville, 7535
Tel: 086 111 3749
Email: help@zerodebt.co.za
www.zerodebt.co.za
Credit Matters
South Africa’s Leading
Debt Counsellors
14th Floor, The Pinnacle
Cnr Strand & Burg St
Cape Town
Tel: 086 111 6197
Fax: 021 425 6292
info@creditmatters.co.za
All Debt Solutions
Fast tracking your financial freedom
Tel: 0861 255 3328 / 021-557 9981
Email: info@allds.co.za
www.alldebtsolutions.co.za
https://www.facebook.com/
alldebtsolutions
Debt Budget
One Monthly Payment For All Your Debt
Bruce Leslie Borez
NCRDC1643
52 Church Street,
“NBS Building”,Wynberg
Tel: 021 824 8885
www.debtbudget.co.za

Tel: 0861 123 644
Email: info@debtrescue.co.za
Your Guide to Financial
Wellness and Recovery
0861 229 922
info@debthero.co.za
www.legalhero.co.za
WESTERN CAPE

Telephone: 031 251 4151
Fax: 031 251 4252
Contact Details
COB’s
Proposals
nca@consumerfriend.co.za
nca@consumerfriend.co.za
proposal@consumerfriend.co.za
court@consumerfriend.co.z a
queries@consumerfriend.co.za
nca@consumerfriend.co.za
Escalation 1
COB’s
Proposals
Fathima Cassim – FathimaC@consumerfriend.co.za
Zinhle Shoba – Zinhle@consumerfriend.co.za
Tracey Rampersad – Tracey@consumerfriend.co.za
Roderick Davidse – Roderick@consumerfriend.co.za
Ashlene Meganathan – Ashlene@consumerfriend.co.za
Dianne Velayutham – Diane@consumerfriend.co.za
Shanice Pillay – Shanice@consumerfriend.co.za
Escalation 2
COB’s
Proposals
Charlene Ramsamy – Charlene@consumerfriend.co.za
Charmaine Ramsamy – CharmaineR@consumerfriend.co.za
Sherill Pillay – Sherill@consumerfriend.co.za
Escalation 3
COB’s
Proposals
Complaints@consumerfriend.co.za

SUPPORT SERVICES
Akani Solutions
Information Data Solutions
lana Van Herwaarde,
DC Operation Centre (PTY)
Tel: 0867227405 Email:
info@dcoperations.co.za
www.dcoperations.co.za
Credit Report App
Access Your Credit Bureau Report
Instantly on Your Phone
DCs help your clients use it during
application & to protect their ID
ID Protector
Detect ID Theft or possible ID Fraud
Subscribers notified by SMS when number is activated
DEBT
086 126 6562
debt@one.za.com
www.one.za.com
info@akanisolutions.co.za
www.akanisolutions.co.za

COMING SOON
TRAINING
COMING SOON
FINANCIAL PLANNING

LEGAL
Liddles & Associates
“It always seems impossible until it
is done” N. Mandela
(T) 021 930 5790
(F) 0866070940
(E) frontdesk@liddles.co.za
www.liddles.co.za
Steyn Coetzee Attorneys /
Prokureurs
Adri de Bruyn
11 Market Street / Markstraat 11,
Paarl, 7646
Tel: 021 872 1968
Fax: 021 872 2678
adri@steyncoetzee.co.za
RM Brown and Associates
16th Floor, The Pinnacle
Cnr Strand & Burg St
Cape Town
Tel: 021 202 1111, f: 021 425 0875
Email: roger@rmbrown.co.za

Your Debt Counselling Attorneys
Johannesburg | Cape Town
Kim Armfield
Attorney & Family Law Mediator
Address: Unit 1B, FinansHuis, 7
Voortrekker Road, Bellville
Tel: 021 949 1758 / 021 945 2526
Office cell: 084 8588 284
kim@legalwc.co.za
Andre Van Zyl
021 494 4862
info@bassonvanzyl.com
www.bassonvanzyl.com
COMING SOON
CREDIT BUREAUS

PAYMENT DISTRIBUTION AGENCIES
DC Partner
044 873 4530
Hyphen PDA
011 303 0060
NPDA
0861 628 628

SOFTWARE PROVIDERS

CAPITEC CONTACT DETAILS
Form 17’s
Proposals
Court documents
General Queries
Refund Requests /
Cancellation of Debit Orders
Complaints
Insurance Certificates
ccsforms17@capitecbank.co.za
ccsproposals@capitecbank.co.za
ccsdebtrevieworders@capitecbank.co.za
ccsdebtreviewqueries@capitecbank.co.za
ccsrefundrequests@capitecbank.co.za
ComplaintManagement@capitecbank.co.za
coming soon
Sharecall Contact Number 086 066 7783 - Select Option 2
ESCALATION PROCESS
COMING SOON

Debt Review DepartmentEmail Address
Turnaround Time
Contact Details Standard Bank Debt Review
Debt Review Call Center: 0861 111 525 or 0861 111 402
Debt Review Documents*:
DRApplications@standardbank.co.za
Debt Review Service requests: debtreviewservices@standardbank.co.za 5 days
Debt Review payment queries: DRPayments@standardbank.co.za 7 days
Debt Review administrative requests**: DebtReviewAdmin@standardbank.co.za 5 days
Debt Review complaints and escalations: debtreviewcomplaints@standardbank.co.za 5 days
Reckless Lending Allegations
recklesslendingallegations@standardbank.co.za
*Debt Review documents: Form 17.1; Form 17.2; Proposals; Court Applications; Court Orders
**Debt Review Admin related requests: debit order cancellations; statement requests ; refunds; paid up
letters; account closure instructions; settlement balances; or outstanding balances
Other Standard Bank areas
Credit Card 086120 1000
Diners Club 0113588400 / 0860346377
Vehicle Asset Finance Recoveries 0861102347
Vehicle Asset Finance Collections 0861102347
Home Loans Pre Legal 0860102270
Home Loans Customer Service 0860123001
Standard Bank Insurance 0860123911
Deceased Estates 0861001868

ABSA TASK SPECIFIC DEBT
ABSA TASK SPECIFIC DEBT REVIEW ENTRY POINTS
REVIEW ENTRY POINTS
Form 17.1
DRCOB@absa.co.za
Debit Order Cancellations
Debitordercancellations@absa.co.za
Proposals
DRProposals@absa.co.za
Exits from Debt Review
17.4@absa.co.za
All Court Documents
Courtapp@absa.co.za
DC Switches
DCTransfere@absa.co.za
Termination Queries
DRTerminations@absa.co.za
Queries
debtreviewqueries@absa.co.za
Escalated Queries
debtreviewmanager@absa.co.za
Call Centre
0861 222 272

DC Query Process DC Query Process
www.nedbank.co.za

AFRICAN BANK CONTACT DETAILS
011 256 9323
DebtCounselling@africanbank.co.za
ESCALATION PROCESS
COMING
SOON

don’t be a twit
http://twitter.com/Debtfree_DIGI