Debtfree DIGI October 2015

How long have you been a DC? I was registered in February 2015
What did you do before becoming a DC?
I was a long time assistant for a Debt Counsellor and Admin team leader.
What area do you practice in? I have a small focused practice in Bellville, and service clients in
Cape Town and the Western Cape.
What do you think makes your business a success? I think I am able to assist my consumers
because I dare to care. I am passionate about helping people.
Where do you find new business?
Mostly from referrals from existing clients as well as from the internet.
Who are your most co-operative and least co-operative credit provider at the moment?
African Bank under curatorship are co-operating while Edgars not updating their records and
ABSA are causing us problems.
What is the biggest challenge facing Debt Counsellors at the moment?
When consumers default on their restructuring monthly payments. Also a big issue is supposed
debt mediation companies mushrooming up everywhere and the NCR not regulating the
debt mediation Industry to date. I see many consumers with serious problems because of
mismanagement of their payments by these illegal operators who are not registered debt
counsellors.
What is the biggest challenge facing your consumers at the moment?
Inflation ie: Often our clients get an annual salary increase of 3.5% while their medical aids annual
increase is about 9.50% . Add to that the increase in basic daily expenses, fuel, electricity, food,
public transport, short term insurance etc. We also see some consumers who default on their
agreements with banks and don’t keep their vehicle insured.
What advice do you have for consumers under debt review?
Stick to the plan, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Stay in contact with your DC. Talk to
your DC when you find issues you feel your DC is not dealing with effectively. It is your money
and debt, take responsibility for your debt review by ensuring your receive monthly distribution
statements. Follow up with creditors every 12 months for latest statements to ensure your PDA
balances remain updated. Don’t forget to change your address when you move with your DC and
your creditors. Take out credit life and income protector to cover you against unemployment.
Don’t default on credit agreements under debt review. Always make sure your DC is in good
standing with the NCR.