Debtfree May 2017

South Africa’s debt counselling magazine
ARE YOU
SABOTAGING
YOUR REVIEW
May 2017
www.debtfreedigi.co.za

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

Don’t expect to hear an endless amount
of “spin” around why things failed!.
DEBT
REVIEW
AWARDS
WINNER
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DISTRIBUTION
CUSTOMER
SERVICE
INDUSTRY
SUPPORT
SOFTWARE
INTEGRATION

Running out of water has been on
the mind of those living in Cape
Town for a few weeks now.
Dam levels are dropping and as the rest
of the country watches the city of many
millions of people prepare for a disaster.
Of course, most people in the Cape are
optimistic that the rains will come and
dam levels will rise and it will soon be life
as normal. In fact, the municipalities have
had to fine people who during this drought
are watering the grass alongside the road
outside their property.
It is kind of how many consumers deal
with debt. As their debt levels increase and
their income stays the same, they carry on
spending the same as before. No drastic
measures are taken until they are absolutely
forced to do so. Normally, by then it is too
late and those summonses and collections
agents are beating down the door. Well,
now the Western Cape is in need of some

ain but they don’t have the option
of just going down to their local
Debt Counsellors office for help.
A day of rain won’t see the issues
disappear and even when (if) the
rains start, the municipality will
struggle to get residents not to
waste water. They worry that with
rain falling from the sky, residents
will once again begin to waste
water even though they will face
a similar issue next year.
Consumers under debt review
can also do things to worsen their
hopes of staying in debt review.
They can start to sabotage their
own debt review (sometimes
without even realizing it). It may
be things they do or things they
neglect to do. This issue we look
at some of those things and ask
our readers to avoid the bad and
embrace the good.
out who the industry rates as it’s
top performing firms. We have an
update about that in this issue,
along with a roundup of several
industry events. After reading our
first article our readers may just be
motivated to give those roundups
a glimpse to see what happened
even though they do not work in
the industry (read the first articles
and find out why).
So, as some of the country sit and
stare at cloudless skies the rest
of us stare into empty wallets
and wonder when our financial
windfall will come. The trick is to
go slow and steady. To not waste,
to be water and money wise and
the situation will be manageable.
Who knows? If we are all savvy
about it Capetownians may soon
be singing in the rain and the rest
of us may be debt free.
FROM
THE
E
D
IT
O
RSDESK
We also only have a few days
till the Annual Debt Review
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SELF
SABOTAGE
BLAME IT ON
THE BLUES
NEWS
QUESTIONS
TO ASK
COLLECTIONS
AGENTS
C
O
NTENTS
DEBT REVIEW
AWARDS
SERVICE
DIRECTORY
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However, reporting inaccuracies can occur,
consequently readers using this information do
so at their own risk. Debtfree Magazine makes
content available with the understanding that
the publisher is not rendering legal services or
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mentioned herein are believed to be reputable,
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employees, sales executives or contributors accept
any responsibility whatsoever for their activities.
Debtfree Magazine contains material supplied to
us by advertisers which does not necessarily reflect
the views and opinions of the Debtfree Magazine
team. No person, organization or party can copy
or re-produce the content on this site and/or
magazine or any part of this publication without
a written consent from the editors’ panel and the
author of the content, as applicable. Debtfree
Magazine, authors and contributors reserve their
rights with regards to copyright of their work.

SELF SABOTAGE
Are YOU Sabotaging
Your Debt Review?
When you finally decided to enter debt review it might have been
from a place of desperation or perhaps, for those more fortunate,
knowing that you were about to go through tough financial times.
The relief that comes from having a financial plan that will work and
will enable you to cover your costs and still pay back your debt in a
more reasonable manner is immense. It is a good feeling.
Many who enter debt review however do
not go the full distance. Some start well
and then miss payments after a short time
period.For others they can pay for many
years getting oh so close to being debt free
before they fall off the wagon.
The results of leaving a last chance way
of dealing with debt responsibly before
completing the programme are harsh.
Many consumers have then had to deal
with renewed harassment, had to face
collections agents, summonses and many
have gone on to lose assets. If they had
stayed in the debt review process they
could have avoided all these consequences.

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SELF SABOTAGE
Why Some
Consumers
Make It and
Others Don’t!
While external factors do come
into play, in many case it is a case
of the consumer making poor
choices and behaving badly while
under debt review.
It is like the overweight person who
stops for cake after their session at the
gym. Will they really lose weight if they
cheat on their diet every chance they
get?
Let’s discuss some ways consumers
sabotage themselves, some of the things
that they do or don’t do and try to learn
from their mistakes so that you do not
have to repeat them.

SELF SABOTAGE
Understand the Process
Do you know what a 17.1 is? Do you
know what a 17.2 is? How about what a
CoB is? Do you know who restructures
your debt? Do you know how much
authority your Debt Counsellor has? Can
they force a credit provider to accept any
terms? What happens at court? What
happens if you miss a payment? How
long will the Debt Review process take?
What will the credit bureaus show while
you are under debt review?
If you don’t know some or all of the
above you need to start to learn more
about the process.
If you take up a new hobby one of the
things you will often do is research the
hobby online. You might read a book
about the hobby, look at pictures of the
hobby, talk to others who have the same
hobby.
Debt review is similar. You need to get to
know how the process works. The more
you know the more empowered you
will be.
Living in ignorance of what to realistically
expect through debt review is a sure
way to get into trouble down the line.

SELF SABOTAGE
Get to Know Your Debt Counsellor
In the story of Snow White she is awoken
by a prince. So, what’s his name? Here’s a
clue: it is not “Charming”.
A little research shows that the charming
prince could perhaps be called
Ferdinand. But for the most part, the
prince is simply nameless. Is your Debt
Counsellor similarly a faceless, nameless
entity in your life?
Many consumers contact us (at Debtfree)
thinking of leaving the process too soon,
for one bad reason or another. We then
ask them who their Debt Counsellor is,
most don’t know. They might perhaps
know the name of the company they
are dealing with but not the name of
the actual person who has taken their
matter to court. The person whose
name was on those court documents,
the person who is there to help them.
If you don’t even know who it is that is
helping you, is it likely that you will be
able to turn to them for advice when
something unexpected or unplanned
comes up? How can you confide in
someone or trust someone when you
don’t even know their name?

SELF SABOTAGE
Missing Payments
Debt review is based on good budgeting
to make sure a payment is made every
month. The plan is made into a court
order and breaking that order brings an
end to the process.
This causes all sorts of chaos and
credit providers who have extended a
final chance to consumers (with some
fantastic concessions in fees and charges
and interest rates) will take legal action
if consumers can’t keep up their side of
the deal.
Missing payments before debt review
could be done every now and then and
perhaps gotten away with. Once in debt
review however missing a payment is
the clearest way of saying: Sue me!

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

SELF SABOTAGE
Sign Those Papers
When you enter debt review it is the start
of a legal process. A Debt Counsellor
doesn’t restructure debt. They make
a suggestion to a court, who in turn
restructures the debt repayments.
Court documents are important. A Debt
Counsellor will ask a consumer to sign
an affidavit so that they don’t have to go
to the court and wait around all day to
tell the Magistrate they agree with the
arrangement. Without that document
the court application will not work.
Some consumers take their time in
getting this document signed. They
may take so long that credit providers
decide they are not cooperating and try
to remove their account from the debt
review. So, be sure to sign your papers
as soon as possible and get them back
to the Debt Counsellor.

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SELF SABOTAGE
Who Handles The Money?
Some consumers think that the Debt
Counsellor will handle their money.
This is not true. This misconception
makes some consumers blame the Debt
Counsellor for things to do with their
payments to creditors. Debt Counsellors
do not touch the money.
The National Credit Regulator (NCR)
has registered three regularly audited
entities to handle money. They are called
Payment Distribution Agencies (PDAs).
The law allows for payments to be made
either by yourself (which is a lot of work)
or via a PDA.
Many consumers mix up the identity of
their PDA with the Debt Counsellor. If a
credit provider collections agent looking
for commission on a collection tells
them (incorrectly) that their debt review
payment has not happened [it will have
been made] then the consumer thinks
this is the fault of the Debt Counsellorthe
Debt Counsellor who does not
handle payments; the Debt Counsellor
who never touches the money.
Get to know your Payment Distribution
Agency. Get to understand their role
in the process. Knowing who they are
and that the NCR audit them monthly
will give you confidence that payments
are being made and this will prevent
you falling for misinformation from
unscrupulous collections agents or
worrying about an incorrect balance
showing from a credit provider.

Payment Distribution
Agencies NEVER change
their bank details.
Do not let anyone try
convince you otherwise!
If you get a call asking you to query
your monthly payment debit order and
change bank details, call your Debt
Counsellor immediately
to talk to them
about it.

SELF SABOTAGE
Change Your Way Of Thinking
Many consumers who enter debt review
think it will be a way for them to carry
on life as normal with reduced debt
repayments. This is not the case.
Consumer as well as credit providers
need to make concessions. Both parties
need to make changes to facilitate
the process. Credit providers often
drop interest rates as low as zero %.
Consumers therefore need to change
the way they think about spending and
about the level of comfort they have.
Consumers need to look for ways to save
on expenses. They need to change their
behavior in regard to how they shop,
where they shop, what they buy.
If you have been living on credit then
you have simply been fooling yourself
for a long time.
It’s time to get realistic and change the
way you think about your situation.

SELF SABOTAGE
Pay More If You Realistically Can
The faster you pay any debt with interest
the better is since you pay less interest
over time. This is amplified because of
compounding of interest. So paying
more now saves you a lot more in the
future. Sometimes consumers begin
to earn a bit more money each month.
While they may naturally need a bit
more to cover monthly costs as inflation
drives prices of foodstuffs and transport
up the consumer may have more than is
needed for that. Some consumers rather
prefer to spend this small bit of extra
money on themselves and their family.
After all who doesn’t like a little luxury
every now and then. What they do not
realize is that setting funds aside in a
contingency fund for the unexpected or
increasing their monthly payment are
much better options. Then when trouble
comes along these funds which could
have been used to get ahead of the
curve or held one side for emergencies
are all gone.

SELF SABOTAGE
Stick To Your Budget
When your Debt Counsellor gives you
your debt repayment figure this may be
all you think about. The other figure a
Debt Counsellor will give you is a new
budget with suggested amounts for
different costs each month.
Obviously the Debt Counsellor is not
going to follow you home and check
that this is how you actually spend your
money. They have however tried to
work with you and find a figure that is
realistic.
If you stick to their suggestions (which
will include saving funds toward annual
expenses like school clothes and books)
then you will not run into the situation
where you do not have enough for
your expenses. Many consumers spend
the funds available without actually
saving anything toward their car
license, TV license, vehicle services, tyre
replacement, doctor’s visits etc. Rather,
when they find that they have covered
the essential expenses there are a few
rand left over.
Rather than save, they fall for the urge
to make an impulse purchase or two.
These types of consumers soon find that
a month comes along when they don’t
have enough to cover all their expenses
and their debt review payment.

SELF SABOTAGE
Over Reacting
When receiving a call from a collections
person don’t panic if they make some
outrageous claims. They say things like:
“your debt review has been cancelled”
(really?) and “we never received
payments” (Never? Ever?). Here is where
knowing the process will help. Ask them:
Which PDA do you have on record for
me? See if they understand the process.
Ask them: Did you rescind my court
order? What ‘domicilum’ address do you
have to send my court documents to?
Rather than over react and think that
the PDA or Debt Counsellor are at fault,
it would be good to investigate that
this person on the phone is legitimate.
Check that the person on the line
actually works at the credit provider
and not an outsourced collections firm.
Remember people under debt review
deal with credit providers via their Debt
Counsellor. The court order is done in
the name of the Debt Counsellor so why
are they calling you?
As a consumer you are merely a party to
the court order the same as the credit
provider. Remain calm in the face of such
claims and contact your Debt Counsellor
(not someone else). Rush decisions that
the process is not working are normally
disastrous decisions resulting in chaos
in your life.

SELF SABOTAGE
Earn More
This may sound simple but few
consumers who enter debt review make
a concerted effort to earn more. Most
are happy to keep things the same. Well,
the bad news is prices for consumer
goods will not stay the same.
Things are getting more and more
expensive each month and with the bad
economic climate we may see spikes in
prices in the months ahead. If one person
in the family is without work then there
is an opportunity for that person to earn
a little more to help with payments and
expenses.
Don’t burn out but be smart and look for
opportunities with low risk and some
extra income to help out.

SELF SABOTAGE
Don’t
Self Sabotage
Strange but true, the person most likely to take you out of debt
review prematurely, is yourself.
Small steps in the wrong direction over
time will take you right off the path. The
opposite is also true however.
If you make an effort to get to know
the process and understand more
about debt review you will be more
empowered to make wise choices.
If you know all the role players you will
not easily be conned by collections
agents or fraudsters.
By not over reacting when snags come
along and by sticking to your budget
you will be better able to handle the
unexpected.
Debt review is a powerful process when
used well. Don’t be too passive while in
the process.
Make getting out of debt a focus of
your life not something that is simply
happening in the background.

Questions
you should ask a
Collections Agent
who calls and says
your Debt Review
is “CANCELLED!”

• Can I get your name and contact
number?
• Who do you work for?
• Yes, but do you work at the credit
provider or another collections firm?
• Who is my Debt Counsellor?
• What is the name of the PDA which you
say payments never came from?
• How much was the payment meant to
be according to the court order each
month?
• Please send me documents to prove
you are who you say you are and are
authorized to handle this matter.
• Have you contacted the debt counsellor
since the court order is in their name not
mine?

Didn’t your mom tell you not to talk to strangers?
If at this point you get the feeling they
don’t actually know what is going on it
might be time to ask them to send you
legal documents rather than chat on the
phone with a stranger.
Make no promises. After all how can you
make promises to one credit provider
when your entire plan has to do with
several different creditors each month.
If you promise more to one (by yourself)
which of the other creditors will you
have to short pay? Beware of making
promises you cannot keep.
Don’t even agree that such a debt really
exists. Use words like: Maybe, possibly,
the alleged debt, this amount you are
talking about.
Tell Your DC
If you get any such calls then why not let your Debt Counsellor know? Perhaps they
can clarify if there has been a snag or can put your mind at rest that all is going well.
This will help you feel more confident and relaxed.
Don’t Want To Talk To Them?
If you do not wish to deal with these
situations then simply refuse to give
permission for any recording of your
voice. You have the right to refuse
permission to do so. Most, if not all,
collections agents will be unable to turn
off recording software. So, by refusing
permission you essentially end the
conversation.
Be polite but firm:
Ask:
“Is this conversation being recorded?”
Then say:
“I do not give permission to have my
voice recorded.”
At that point you can end the call.

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INDUSTRY
CONSUMER
NEWS FLASH
For daily debt counselling news in 3 minutes or less visit www.debtfreedigi.co.za
PAWN YOUR CAR AND STILL
DRIVE IT RULING BY NCT
Last year Allied Capital ran into a snag
with a consumer who they repossessed
a car from over end balance differences.
In that case, the consumer had borrowed
R30000 in a pawn your car and still drive
it scheme from Allied Capital. When she
said the balance was paid up and they
disagreed she stopped payments. That
led to them sending several men to take
the car from a shopping centre (with her
bags still in the back).
When the matter went to court the
judge ruled in favour of the consumer
even though Allied Capital argued that
she willingly gave them the car that day.
All the way back in 2015, Debt
Counselling firms Octogen and Debt
Therapy referred Allied Capital to the
National Credit Regulator (NCR) for
investigation over what they saw as
contraventions of the National Credit
Act (NCA). These things tend to take
time and eventually, the NCR did get
to investigate. Especially after these
matters hit the press and got some good
public coverage. Consumers wanted to
know. This led the NCR to apply to the
National Consumer Tribunal for a ruling
in regard to this Credit Provider. At the
same time, a number of related matters
were taken the Magistrate Court (by
Debt Counsellors) who also agreed that
there had been contraventions of the
NCA.
This year the NCT made a ruling which
stated that the whole “pawn and still
drive your car” scheme is prohibited
because it is actually just an attempt at
disguising a normal credit agreement.
This is, of course, disastrous for Allied
Capital. The NCT further ordered that
an independent audit must be done to
figure out what the credit provider now
needs to refund consumers who have
been a part of the scheme since it began.
After the audit is conducted refunds will
have to be made to consumers even
where they failed to make payments
and had cars taken in the past.
The NCT have ordered that:
1. Allied Capital is to return consumers’
vehicles and, if already sold, to refund

NEWS CONTINUED
those consumers; and
2. Allied Capital‘s registration has been
lapsed (stopped) for 18 months.
The NCT found that though these
Allied Capital agreements were, in fact,
normal credit agreements disguised as
something else. As normal agreements,
there are steps a credit provider
must normally take (like affordability
assessments, quoting and proper
documentation) which Allied Capital
failed to take as such these agreements
are invalid or reckless.
FINWISE DASHBOARD
FUNCTION TO GO LIVE
DC Partner provide software which debt
counsellors use to track progress of
clients through the process and to make
proposals to credit providers. Their
flagship software programme Finwise is
about to launch a long awaited feature
the dashboard. Most people are visual
and the dashboard is designjed to at a
glance provide Debt Counsellors with a
quick update on the status of their client
files. From clients who have not paid to
matters at different stages of the process
the dashboard will now be going live
and show these stats in an instant.
NCR QUARTERLY REPORTS
IN MAY
Debt Counsellors are reminded that they
were supposed to submit their Quarterly
Reports to the National Credit Regulator
during May. The current report covers
the period from 1 Jan till 31 March 2017.
INTEREST RATES REMAIN
THE SAME
This month the Monetary Policy
Committee announced that interest
rates will remain where they are for the
moment. The announcement was not
unexpected and many analysts say that
recent political developments made it
inevitable that any decision on a possible
increase needed to be postponed.
A lot now depends on what the ratings
agencies decide (Moodys in particular)
and what happens with local politics.
PETROL PRICE SET TO DROP
BY 20 CENTS
Finally, a touch of good news on the
back of a stronger Rand, slightly weaker
Dollar and lower oil prices. Local drivers
will see a small drop of around 20C/ litre
for petrol in the near future.

NEWS CONTINUED
DID THE NCT JUST KILL
EDCON?
After the recent ruling by the National
Consumer Tribunal (NCT) that Edcon
(and other credit providers) should not
charge a club fee since it is not provided
for in the National Credit Act, Edcon
could face a big problem. The matter
was brought before the NCT by the
National Credit Regulator (NCR) and the
ruling was in favour of the NCR, who say
it is a huge victory for consumers and
clarifies the issue of whether creditors
can add other such fees over and above
those that are mentioned in the NCA.
Not only might the NCT issue a fine
of many millions of Rand but Edcon
could be forced to potentially refund
consumers all the money taken since
2007 (when the NCA came into effect)
if they do not win an appeal against the
ruling. Edcon are appealing the ruling by
the NCT since they say that they do not
feel that the Club Fee is credit related.
This is a similar argument to that of the
NCR who say a credit provider should not
charge other types of fees. The challenge
for Edcon might relate to if any of these
club fees were ever factored into debts
(balances) owed by consumers using
credit with the credit provider and if
interest was levied on these Club fees,
as well as, the principle debt.
The appealed ruling handed down
by the NCT calls on Edcon to do a full
audit and provide the facts and figures
of those affected by these club fees
since 2007. The NCT will then rule on
the fine based upon this information.
Since Edcon brings in many hundreds of
millions of Rand each month in club fees
the total refund amount could be too
much for the Credit Provider to cover
and remain afloat in the months ahead.
Particularly during a time when sales
and credit usage by clients is down.
Another challenge is what this will do to
share prices as it might result in a similar
situation to the one that saw African
Bank (the old one not the new one that
looks exactly the same) go under.
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counselling news in 3
minutes or less visit
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review management service. This means that if you would like
to deal with a company like Woolworths or RCS in regard to a
debt review application you do so via Consumer Friend.
Recently Consumer Friend have been on
the move around the country holding
roadshows to introduce people to their
exciting new offering called: DReX.
Debtfree were able to attend and cover
the event (check our twitter feed for
photos from the event).
The Consumer Friend Road shows have
been held in several cities across the
country and the one Debtfree attended
was held near their offices in the
Western Cape. It was good to once again
meet up with and chat to various Debt
Counsellors and some of Consumer
Friend’s Western Cape credit provider
clients. The vibe was light and happy.
Guests enjoyed chatting and taking
photos while having some snacks and
waiting for the day to kick off. Ryan
Hartslief began the day with a welcome

speech and gave a glimpse at what lay
ahead in the agenda for the morning
before handing over to Mr. Rob Easton
Berry.
Rob discussed the failure of CIF to
produce any tangible results in 2016
and promised that things were looking
very different for 2017. He explained the
various sub committees and what they
are working on. He mentioned that once
again the NCR are looking to find ways
to make their non binding opinions that
they are allowed under the NCA to issue,
binding.
Next the audience got to hear from
Mr. Daniel Silke who discussed the
challenges that face SA during 2017.
He compared the political upheaval in
SA with that in the USA and gave the
audience a few chuckles. Though most
in attendance deal with finances on a
day to day level with clients under debt
review this is on a one to one basis, thus
the presentation was helpful in seeing
the big picture economically speaking.
Next Mr Mel de Silva spoke about “the
good, the bad and the ugly” - different
sorts of consumers who enter debt

eview and how different consumers
bring real challenges to a debt review
practice. He also discussed ways to
reduce or deal with those challenges.
Then the moment arrived for Consumer
Friend to show off their new system
which Debt Counsellors are going to be
granted access to: DReX.
DReX is an abbreviation for the
Debt Review eXchange
DReX is a Monster
This online computer portal designed
specifically for Consumer Friend (which
they are transitioning to over the next
3 months) allows for different parties
to access information about accounts
which Consumer Friend manage. Only
registered parties will have access with
needed permissions and checks.
So what does the system offer?
Well, one example they shared guests
at the road show, was how the system
can be used to get CoB info and
check balances. This is a big deal since
Consumer Friend report that checking
balances has become a massive task for
both themselves and Debt Counsellors
(as part of their aftercare services).
DReX can also help with some strange
situations which sometimes arise,
such as when debt review consumers
make “in store” payments toward
their debt outside of the normal debt
review repayment plan via a PDA. The
DReX system not only allows Debt
Counsellors to get information quickly,
without being on hold on the phone for
ages, but will potentially be integrated
in the future with PDAs who would
like to accurately report on payments
and balances to consumers. Being able
to track in store payments will also
prevent funds from sitting in holding
accounts before being returned unused
to consumers. Rather, funds will quickly
be used to help settle other accounts in
the restructuring repayment plan.
DReX has been designed with
integration and expansion in mind.
Perhaps one day we will see all the
smaller (and maybe some larger) credit
providers plugged into the system. The
offerings that DReX will bring are many
and we will try to cover some of them
each month as the system rolls out to
highlight how Debt Counsellors, PDAs
and Consumer (yes, consumers too) can
benefit from using the system.
Those attending the road show were
visibly excited at the thought of not
waiting on hold to try get a balance
update or to confirm a balance and
expressed their eagerness to get onto
the system as soon as it is available to
them.

2017 Debt Review Awards

The Annual Debt Review
Awards in June 2017
The Debt Review Awards Peer Review comes to a close at the
end of May 2017. All the winners and top performing companies
will soon be announced at the Annual Debt Review Awards Gala
which will be held in Johannesburg, on the 10th of June 2017.
The modest red carpet event sees many of the top Debt Counselling firms and
Associations (who get tickets for their members) along with members of the DTI,
NCR and NCT get together to celebrate debt review successes.
They will gather alongside members of the MFSA, BASA and other large Credit
Provider, as well as, leading trainers, attorneys, and the 3 NCR registered PDAs.
The evening is the “Oscars” of debt review and members of the media are invited
to attend and report on some of the success stories reported at the event. Though
modest, as is fitting with the industry of helping those in financial stress, everyone
gets dressed up and enjoys the chance to focus on all that is going well with the
industry rather than the usual haggling over minor process hiccups etc.
Peer Review
Over the last half a year, preparation work has been underway as an industry-wide
peer review process – with agreed criteria* (the same this year as last) is used by
those within the industry to help review the performance of those on the other
end of the industry. For example, Debt Counsellors take the time to review how

the various bank’s debt review departments have been performing and visa versa.
As various Debt Counsellors add their review, the information is progressively
compiled to present a holistic view of how the industry sees the performance of
the banks and visa versa.
The final results are then announced on the night of the Gala and winners go home
with a Golden Piggy Bank. The piggy bank is the international symbol of saving and
this is what the debt review industry is doing. Not only saving consumer’s money
but also in many cases their marriages or even lives. Those who enter debt review
normally do so under great strain from the collections process and find relief under
debt review. By sticking to the restructuring court orders consumers often save
thousands of Rands in fees and charges due to kind concessions from cooperative
credit providers. Many thousands of South Africans have already benefited during
the last 10 years.
The Debt Review Awards process is open to all who are registered with the NCR
(they have a database). So don’t feel that your company has been overlooked or
neglected. Those who then sign up in the peer review are eligible to be a winner in
the process.
We wish all our NCR Registered readers the best for the Awards and thank all who
helped organize and participate in the process again this year.
* Criteria can be found on www.debtreviewawards.co.za

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

IN A NUTSHELL
BLAME IT ON THE BLUES
Blame it on the ‘blues’, blame it on stress, blame it on poor health,
blame it on debt. Yes it’s true, high levels of debt are often the cause
for people’s poor health. People who are over-indebted go through an
emotional rollercoaster ride, commonly starting with denial. They will
ignore phone calls from their credit providers, stash away unopened
bills, totally underestimate the full extent of their debt and will apply
for new credit cards when the old ones have maxed out already.
Stress is the body’s response to imminent
danger. It’s a flight or fight response.
At the right levels, stress creates a
heightened sense of awareness and
may actually be helpful. However, when
people feel incapable of addressing a
situation, particularly when they are
drowning in too much debt, stress can
impact a person’s health.
According to the Mayo Clinic, too much
stress can lead to ‘headaches, high blood
pressure, insomnia, fatigue, stomach
upsets, muscle tension and pain to name

ut a few of the symptoms.
stress can lead to depression.’
Chronic
The loss of financial control that overindebted
people experience often
creates paralysing anxiety and fear. This
tends to spill over into their personal life,
affecting their performance at work and
affecting their relationships with their
families and friends.
Hiding debt from your spouse and
family can be disastrous, particularly
in cases where people are married
in community of property. If you are
married in community of property then
all your assets and debt are part of a
joint estate.
If your partner incurs debt without your
knowledge, you are jointly responsible
for this debt by law. The faster people
acknowledge that they need help the
easier it is to untangle the debt web.
Signs that you are heading
into a financial spiral:
• Skipping credit obligations on a
monthly basis
• Using one credit card to pay
another
• Underestimating how much you
owe
• Telling yourself that everyone is in
a similar situation
• Having a “you only live once”
attitude
• Rationalising impulse purchases
• Obtaining short-term, high
interest, loans to pay for daily living
expenses
• More than 70% of your salary
goes towards servicing debt repayments
• Numerous letters of demand from
creditors clogging your mailbox
• Several Emolument Attachments
and or Garnishee Orders

Taking the first steps towards financial
control will immediately alleviate some
stress. There are a number of avenues
open to over-indebted individuals.
• Draw up a list of all your creditors and
calculate how much you owe in total.
• Draw up a budget for the next 12
months and look at ways to reduce
your expenses.
• Pay the minimum monthly amounts
across all your creditors. If you plan
on missing or short paying your
creditors, call them in advance and
notify them this may prevent legal
action and they may agree to more
favourable payment terms. Also, you
will get fewer creditor phone calls
and letters of demand.
• Look at ways to generate more
money: sell items you no longer
need, obtain an additional part-time
job.
• Contact your credit card providers
and see if you can negotiate a better
interest rate. Even better avoid using
your credit cards and if possible cancel
them so that you are not tempted to
use them.
• If you find that overall your expenses
are way over your income it’s a wise
idea to consider Debt Counselling.
The ‘blues’ caused by too much debt
can be beaten, but it is dependent on
individuals and families making wise
decisions and regaining control of their
lives.
You owe it your health and the health of
your family.
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

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

A PLAN TO PLAN
The Debt Counselling industry is extremely lucky to have a tool such
as DCRS to assist in negotiations between Debt Counsellors and
Credit Providers.
DCRS (Debt Counselling Rules System) is an independent computerised system that assures
that a set of predetermined rules are consistently applied in a proposal for rearrangement of a
consumer’s debts. In terms of the Task Team Agreement, Credit Providers are obliged to accept
a proposal generated through this system. The system allows for generous concessions to be
obtained for the Consumer with an aim of repaying unsecured debt in no more than sixty
months.
It would be great if all consumer’s could be catered for under the DCRS system, but for a variety
of reasons this is not always the case. DCRS is designed to cater for the bulk of Consumers
but there are some special circumstances where it cannot be used. For these circumstances a
different sort of plan is needed.
ESCALATIONS AND CASCADES
Escalation entails the consumer paying a little more each year while cascading entails using the
released affordability from one debt been paid off to accelerate the payments on the remaining

debts. While the use of an annual escalation and cascading is not ideal, using these methods
can bring an otherwise hopeless case into a decent proposal. Plans need to be flexible enough
to cater for this on a switch on and switch off basis.
SALARY STOP ORDERS (SSO)
Salary Stop Orders are the bane of many Debt Counsellor’s lives. Some can be cancelled and
others, such as where a home loan subsidy is dependent on the Salary Stop Order have to be
amended under the debt review. In either case, there is generally a lengthy process to make the
adjustments. This poses a particular problem for the Debt Counsellor who wishes to move on
with the case. The solution lies in having a special plan that allocates the full repayment to the
SSO loan in the first couple of months ahead of fees. Not ideal but practical.
CATCH UP PLAN
When a Consumer misses a payment, he falls into arrears with his aftercare fees. A plan is needed
to help the Consumer repay these arrears without placing his Debt Review in further jeopardy.
DEALING WITH MAVERICKS
Sometimes it is necessary to create a plan entirely for the full period without using a set of
rules. This can be as a result of a Magistrate taking it in his head to lay down the plan or even
from Credit Providers asking for some sort of structure, such as a change in interest rate after a
time. Whatever the reason, it is important to have the ability to quickly create such plans with
accuracy. This includes knowing how much the overall plan deviates from the affordability and
when.
A PLAN FOR ALL SEASONS
Because Maximus is written by Debt Counsellors for Debt Counsellors, real life challenges are
catered for on the Maximus platform. Maximus has a plan for all of the scenarios mentioned
above and many more. This is one of the reasons that Maximus is the gold standard in Debt
Counselling Software. To find out more or for a demo contact us today or visit www.dcmax.co.za.
Till next time
Max
Contact Maximus on 011 451 0041

Die Republiek van
SKYT AFRICA
Groete aan Almal. As n mens so kyk na die lewe dan wonder n mens
wat is die pad vorentoe, nie oor n jaar of n maand nie, maar selfs
volgende week.
Laat my asb toe om twee aanhalings te
opper. (met erkenning ann Pieter Cronje -
jare gelede) Forrest Gump: “Life’s a box of
chocolates - you never know what you are
going to get” en John Lennon: “Life is what
happens while you are planning something
else” Pieter het die waar opmerking gemaak
dat tussen die chocolates en die lewe maak
dit jou storie.
Nou ek is geensins n filosoof nie maar dit
is tog raakvat woorde, die onsekerheid
kan n mens of bang of opgewonde maak
afhangende seker na jou ingesteldheid. In
die 80s was Henderik Schoeman n Minister
en bekend vir sy staaltjies, hy was ook n
boer buite Delmas. In die tyd toe n Chappie
nog een sent gekos het toe vra n joernalis
hom wat sou hy doen as hy R1M wen (dit
was toe nog baie geld) hy antwoord dat
hy sy skuldeiesers sal betaal. En met die
res Minister vra die joernalis? Antwoord
Schoeman, nee die res moet maar wag.
Dit is seker hoe ons voel as die finansieele
skoen druk. Deesdae verwys ons nie meer
na skuldeisers nie maar na krediteure
en ja hulle eis hul pond vleis. Hulle word
uitgekryt as aasvoels, onbillik, gevoelloos
en sommer vol k@k. Ek is aan niemand se
kant hier nie maar op die einde van die dag
was daar tog n kontrak, n skuldoorsaak

en niemand het ons gedwing om skuld te
maak nie. Dit is ons optrede wat ons storie
tussen die chocolates en die lewe gaan
maak.
Baie mense glo “attack is the best form of
defence”. Klim op Facebook en Hello Peter
en skree harrasment! In my beskeie mening
is dit nie n oplossing nie. In Afrikaans is daar
ook n spreekwoord, pleit skuldig en vra om
genade. Voordat ek gestenig word laat ek
verduidelik, as ons verantwoordelik is weet
ons die begroting gaan nie klop nie en dat
almal nie betaal kan word nie. Moenie soos
n volstruis maak en jou kop in grond druk
nie want jou hele lyf en gat steek nog uit.
Praat met die skuldeiesers en wees eerlik
met hulle, elke oproep word deesdae
opgeneem. Hou die emosies in toom en
kom vorendag met n voorstel. Dit is nie
persoon aan die anderkant van die telefoon
se skuld nie, behou jou waardigheid.
Mag jou lewe n lekker box chocolates wees!
Groete van die Republiek van Skyt Afrika.
Christo Hattingh
Kyk gerus my LinkedIn profile:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christo-hattingh-351a52130/
* Seriously please do let us know if you found this article to be
funny/offensive/amusing/interesting feedback@debtfreedigi.co.za

Debt Review software is often underestimated
as the partner in a successful
Debt Review business. Often software
providers toil in the background
working on features and functionality to
improve your success and profitability
as a business.
The purpose of this article is to give you
a basic understanding of some of the
solutions Simplicity Debt Counsellor
Software has implemented over the
past year in order to improve some key
industry focus areas.
Let us start with the PDA fees; last year
the NCA Amendment, 2014 (Act 19 of
2014) came into effect. This amendment
did two things, it enshrined the PDA’s
and the PDA fees in the Act and it also
changed the PDA fee model from a
percentage model to a tiered model.
This had an impact on the industry
in terms of proposals as none of the
software vendors or central DCRS were
prepared for the change. An interim
solution was proposed and accepted
at the CIF (Credit Industry Forum) that
proposals will still be accepted on the
old fee model if the difference between
the old and the new fees is split amongst
the creditors on the actual payments.
This was shown on proposals as a
contingency fee, which caused some
confusion within the industry for both
credit providers and debt counsellors.
Simplicity has always viewed this as
a temporary solution or a “band aid”
fix. We have spent a considerable
amount of time and resources to fully
implement the new PDA fee structure
in Simplicity. This includes Simplicity’s
built-in DCRS module which now
accurately calculates DCRS proposals on
the new PDA fee model and successfully
validates it against the existing central
DCRS calculator working on the old fee
structure.
This was done to remove any possible
confusion between proposals and
payments received by credit providers.
Additionally, with this change,
Simplicity’s proposal calculations are
fully compliant with the National Credit
Act.

If we look at DCRS from a conceptual
point it is a good solution that treats
all parties involved in a proposal fairly.
Unfortunately, DCRS in its current state,
has some very basic problems that
prevents it from getting the market
traction that was envisioned at its
inception.
At the DCRS CIF subcommittee solutions
were discussed and plans were made to
solve some of the problems that users
are currently experiencing with DCRS.
With the implementation of the new
PDA fees on Simplicity’s DCRS module
we have also incorporated most of the
solutions discussed at CIF.
This includes functionality that shows the
DC the minimum amount required for a
DCRS solve based upon the information
electronically imported from a credit
bureau report in Simplicity.
Additionally, we have provided a feature
that allows a DC to handle a counterproposal
on DCRS as previously a counter
proposal on DCRS had to revert to a pro
rata proposal to resolve that counter.
This will have a positive impact on the
number of proposals that get finalised
as DCRS proposals.
As a software provider we pride ourselves
on always evaluating our clients needs
and challenges and finding workable
solutions to solve real problems.
Simplicity is an established turnkey
solution for the Debt Review industry
being used by a wide user base. The key
focus area of Simplicity is the seamless
integration with Hyphen PDA providing
detailed and timely plan information
as well as complete control over
managing collections and distributions
of the payment plans. In addition to the
aforementioned, we would like to point
out a few exciting features available in
Simplicity, namely:
• Automated Client Capture based
upon a credit bureau report.
• Automatically detects if a DCRS solve
is possible, if it does not solve there
is various other methods to find a
solution.
• Facility that allows consumer to
electronically sign documents
remotely.
• Integrated workflow and CRM
functionality.
• Dashboards visually displaying key
performance indicators of the DC
business.
• Replacement Credit Life facilities.
If you are interested in any additional
information you can contact Kobus
Burger directly on email: kobus@
bitechsystems.co.za or Cell: 083 293
6015

DEBT COUNSELLORS ASSOCIATIONS
ANNOUNCEMENT BOARD
DCASA Annual Conference
Wed, 16th August 2017; 8 am till 4pm
Invitations to the Annual DCASA Conference
are now open to everyone. There are limited
seat available and bookings shall be dealt
with on a first come first served basis. Don’t
miss out.
Debt Review Awards
Members attending the Annual Debt Review
Awards should come visit our relaxation
lounge space at the event.
Stop Sales in Execution:
https://tinyurl.com/yah7qt8u
This Bank Sold Their House for R10:
https://tinyurl.com/y7zehzba
Regional Meetings:
Eastern Cape: 21/07/17
www.dcasa.co.za
www.newera.org.za
Our main focus in 2017 is on ensuring that all
BDCF members comply with all legislation,
regulations and conditions of registration.
We have already strengthened our
communication channels this year and will
look to continue to do so.
We are excited that special projects are being
launched for members and their clients in
areas such as incapacitation or death of
DCs,usage of PDAs by consumers, as well as
fees.
We want to wish all our members the best for
the Debt Review Awards 2017.
www.bdcf.co.za
We wish our members the best for the
upcoming annual Debt Review Awards
Check our newsletter in this issue
To join:
bernidene@csdebtcounselling.co.za
www.allprodc.org

MAY
NEWSLETTER
Debt Review Awards
With the Debt Review Awards being held next month we want to wish all our members
the best. AllProDC will attend. If you are a member and would like a seat at the Awards
Gala (Saturday evening 10th June) simply let us know and we will try arrange that for you
as we have been given an allowance of seats for members.
Election of Full NEC
At our last AGM we appointed an acting NEC with several members filling key roles. At
the same time we indicated that we would hold a follow up vote to appoint members
permanently to all the posts on the NEC. If you would be willing to stand for a post on the
National Executive Committee please let us know.
Email : bernidene@csdebtcounselling.co.za
Please check the Facebook page for more info on when we will be holding the online
meeting to do those votes.
CIF
We have submitted our letter to the NCR in regard to once again participating at the Credit
Industry Forum. During the upcoming vote for permanent NEC members we will also take
the opportunity to appoint a CIF representative.
Regional Meetings
We are holding regional meetings in various areas. Check the Facebook page for members
for more details.
www.allprodc.org
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/AllProDC / TWITTER: www.twitter.com/AllProDC

JOBS
APPLY FOR YOUR DREAM JOB NOW
Join the
Meerkat Team
An exciting place to work!
Meerkat are looking for:
Frontline Sales Agents
to join our energetic team.
This is a great opportunity to become part of a fast-paced, high growth
and professional debt counselling environment.
We offer a consistent hot lead flow as well as an aggressive remuneration model.
If you are looking for a company with an entrepreneurial spirit at its heart,
and are keen to join a dynamic, hardworking but fun team contact us.
We would love to hear from you!
Mail us on info@meerkat.co.za
www.meerkat.co.za/careers/
MyMeerkat (PTY) Ltd. Meerkat is an authorised financial services provider (FSP 46535)

WOW CV
How to Make Employers Trust You
Your CV needs to build trust...
So, of course, it needs to communicate clearly. It needs to tell the reader what you
do. How you can benefit them. What your background of work is. Where you’ve been
trained and in what. But the reader needs to trust you. In a world of distrust, overblown
claims, flat-out lies, misrepresentation… how can you make them trust you?
The CV must look ‘together’, well organised,
well structured. (Some very qualified
people have very messy, out of alignment
formatting, leaving their CV looking like
that of a school-leaver). ‘Together’ builds
trust.
Gaps in work history, fill them - you don’t
want question marks hanging out in the
reader’s mind.
Throughout your career, make it a habit
to collect ‘evidence’ of your good work by
asking for references, by keeping letters
of commendation (even a casual email is
okay). Include excerpts in your CV.
Include referees on your CV - but get the
CEO, or the GM, or a Director - you want
people with the top job titles, the most
respected positions within a company. Not
just a colleague. Or your ‘mom’. (true story.)
What about including excerpts of good
performance appraisals? It’s ‘evidence’ in
your favour.
Explain how you took a bad situation and
made it better. When all you do is list your
‘responsibilities’ in 30 bullet points, the
question still remains: “are you any good at
actually doing the job?!”
Don’t make vague statements. Give facts.
Provide statistics. Show the metrics of how
well you did.
Make a statement. In describing yourself,
lay your reputation on the line, be clear
about what you do. Like “I save the business
money. In fact if I don’t save at least
R1m in the first 3 months, you can fire me.”
Show some intent. Make a These things
build trust. Build them into your CV.
People hire people. And people hire people they like and TRUST.
Looking for Job Hunting Advice? Need help with a CV? Check out http://www.wowcv.net/

DEBT COUNSELLING
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
DCCS Thank DC Partner
DCCS have a number of consumers which DEBT Debt COUNSELLING
Counsellors have helped us identify as needing
a lot of help this year. AS is often the COMMUNITY case we have SUPPORT many consumers we would like to help but
recently faced the situation where we had some families in debt review going through a really
tough time and in need of serious help and we did not have the funds to assist yet.
Thus it was really wonderful when DC Partner made a surprise announcement at their recent
seminar that they were donating the entrance fees from all attending to DCCS to help these
families. That way all attending would be able to help these needy families.
More than that DC Partner themselves also decided to add even more funds, matching the
amount from the entrance fees for the 100 guest.
DCCS want to say a big
THANK YOU
to DC Partner who have made this generous donation. We are now able to assist these families
straight away and throughout the rest of the year.
Remember to contact admin@dccsupport.co.za to arrange payment or to offer support for our
upcoming projects.
Check out our website for pictures, stories and more and as always if you would like to get
involved in one of our projects (like our back to school project for Jan) then we ask that you
simply email admin@dccsupport.co.za

DC Partner Seminar
Motivational speeches and technological advances were the
focus of the DC Partner Seminar this month as around 100 Debt
Counsellors (and some credit providers) got together on a wine
farm in Stellenbosch.
Guests arrived to a slippery and wet
Stellenbosch farm road and warm
welcome from DC Partner staff who
immediately handed you chocolate and
goodies. Combined with a cup of coffee
and the day was off to a good start.
The venue was soon packed and the
seminar was opened by DC Partner’s
General Manager, Herman Joubert.
He spoke passionately about the industry
with minimal focus on the +-60%
fee cut which the NCA amendments
brought about recently. PDAs have
distributed around 40 Billion rand on
behalf of consumers since opening
their doors. The monthly figure is now
somewhere around 951 Million rand a
month. Compared to month one of PDA
distribution where only R11 million was
distributed this is a massive increase
and shows the vital role that PDAs play
in the industry. Indeed the entire tone
of his presentation was optimistic and
positive and focused on how DC partner
are planning for the future and ongoing
improvements.

This positive tone was then reinforced
by Prof Piet Naude who is a Director at
the Stellenbosch University Business
School and Vodacom Journalist of the
Year award winner. He spoke about the
minds inability to see both positive and
negative at exactly the same time. He
showed that the mind has to decide to
focus on one or the other (even if this is
done very rapidly). The then proceeded
to unpack local and international politics
and economics and show how one can
either have a positive or negative view
of where things are headed. By the time
he was done the audience were far more
determined to reflect a positive view of
the industry and progress made.
After a coffee break, Vaugh Hechter
of Altech Nepay discussed how
authenticated collections is progressing
and revealed that the trial runs they are
helping with have had mixed results.
With lower success from consumers side
than hoped. Still after years and years of
delays it seems things are finally making
progress.
Clair Hayworth of Eighty20 presented
the audience with charts, facts and
figures to help break down the basis
for the NCRs’ Credit Market Report they
periodically release. Here once again a
clearer understanding of where things
are and where they are likely to go
was presented. Some figures are just
downright scary and others somewhat
more positive. Either way debt continues
to be a growing problem for consumers
who are not able to invest in future
wealth and dealing increasingly with
more immediate consumption and
spending.
Then it was time to hear from IDocs.
IDocs offer software and services that
most Debt Counsellors have dreamed
of for years but never been able to
develop themselves. Need a courier
to go fetch court documents from a
consumer? IDocs can arrange that. Need
those documents commissioned at the
same time? No problem. IDOcs can do
that. IDocs have also integrated with
DC Partner so that information from
the one system talks to the other and
pre-populates a lot of fields on the DC
Partner side making life easier for the DC.
Their system also allows for consumers
with smart phones to sign documents,
scan needed info and lots, lots more. For
those Debt Counsellors who had not yet
been exposed to IDocs you could see
their eyes light up.
After a tasty lunch (thank you sponsors)
the audience got to know the Meerkat a
little bit better with the help of speaker
Estienne de Beer. He helped those
attending to identify different types of

people who work with (or for) them and
understand their role in the company
(or the need to get them out of your
company). The tiny meerkat was the
inspiration for a discussion on topics
like team work, hard work, courage and
rigorous personal development. Not
only did the audience get to “oh and
ah” at all the cute photos of the meerkat
but also marvel at how they continue
to get by day by day in such a harsh
environment.
Marc Ashton of Moneyweb spoke
passionately about the face of those
under debt review and how these
every day people are benefitting. He
also spoke about some recent financial
scandals and issues as covered by
Moneyweb. He reminded all attending
of various resources they can use to help
themselves and consumers and was very
positive about the debt review process.
DC Partner then impressed the audience
with their generosity by pledging to not
only give the entrance fee which each
guest contributed but to also match that
amount and give funds to support DCCS
and vulnerable families under debt
review. The DCCS program is designed at
helping consumers who are under debt
review but having a hard time month
to month to stay in the process. DC
Partner are providing many thousands
of rand to help fund the project in the
months ahead and the announcement
was received with applause as each
attendee realized it meant they too had
now been able to assist the project.
After a prize giving to various members
of the audience there was a chance
for everyone to either network or just
sit back and enjoy some wine tasting
and the pending sunset. All in all, the
day was a successful showing of the
way ahead for not only DC Partner and
clients but also SA politics, economics
and the technology which will drive the
debt review industry forward.

FINWISE - INNOVATIVE DEBT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
No monthly program fees!
Accessible on PC or Desktop
• Excellent audit trail
• Workflow management
• Easy to navigate functions
• Quick data capturing
• DCRS and standard proposals
accommodated.
‘’ I was pleasantly surprised by our experience and changeover to Finwise. The
new system is intuitive and easy to understand.‘’
Debt Counsellor Eastern Cape
‘’ I’ve found the Finwise system to be very useful. I’m new in the debt counselling
field, I managed to find my way around the system as it is very user-friendly. The
training manuals provided are also helpful and informative.’’
Debt Counsellor Gauteng
Head Office 59 Victoria Street, George
Telephone 044 873 4530 Fax 086 246 2450
www.dcpartner.co.za

A Capital Choice
When you need specialised assistance
Recovering debt owed to you should not have to be a lengthy and costly endeavour.
Capital Data is the specialised collections unit within the Legal Collections Department
of Transaction Capital Recoveries. Operating in association with Munnik Basson Dagama
Incorporated (a registered member of the Law Society of South Africa and member of the
Association of Debt Recovery Agents of South Africa), we have managed at least a 100
000 accounts on behalf of our clients since 2007. With a substantial portfolio in excess
of R200 million currently under management, we don’t leave room for human error as
our workflows are automated and all our systems pro-active and specifically designed to
cater for this specialised type of debt collection.
We are continually designing innovative strategies to extend our footprint in the market
by providing efficient and professional services to clients, enhancing their revenue stream.
With a professional and highly trained team we offer integrated services consisting of
centralised Debt Review, Administration Order and Business Rescue management.
Our relationships with debt counsellor, payment distribution agents, attorneys and
administrators countrywide ensure a high degree of success and speedy turnaround
times, back by our specially designed systems and cutting edge technology which
provides real time feedback.
Our clients include:
ABSA
Standard Bank
Truworths
Woolworths
Foschini
Virgin Mobile
Capitec
Virgin Active
Vodacom
Cell C
Direct Axis
Telkom
Edcon
and more.
www.capitaldata.co.za

Our Ratings and Accreditations
As part of Transaction Capital Risk Services, we are proud to carry the following ratings
and memberships:
Global Credit Ratings
ISO Data Security Certification
Investors in People Accreditation
BBBEE Rating – Level 4
Council of Debt Collectors (CDC) – Nr: 0030960/08
Association of Debt Recovery Agents (ADRA)
ICM (Institute of Credit Management)
CPA (Consumer Payments Association)
BPeSA (Business Process enabling South Africa)
For more information visit www.capitaldata.co.za or contact infocd@capitaldata.co.za
Alternatively queries can be sent to:
Peter Mokoena
peterm@capitaldata.co.za
Tel (011) 560-6495
Anila Jai Jai Pillaye
anilap@capitaldata.co.za
Tel (011) 560-6014

CLICK THE C
SERVICE D
DEBT COUNSELLORS
SUPPORT
SERVICES
TRAINING
FINANCIAL
FINANCIAL
PLANNING

IRECTORY
ATEGORY
DO YOU WANT TO LIST
YOUR COMPANY?
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

PENNY WISE
Cathy Foster
Debt Counsellor – NCRDC1977
Penny Wise Debt Counselling
Tel: (011) 679 1540
Fax: 086 719 3378
Mobile: 083 298 4467
Email: cathy@pennywise.co.za
www.pennywise.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
CCDC
Consumer Care Is our Priority.
Tel: 018 462 4263 / 073 624 6949
Email: info@ccdc.co.za
www.ccdc.co.za

GAUTENG
www.jpawfin.co.za
KWAZULU-
NATAL
MV Business Empowerment
9 River Road
Morning Hill
Bedfordview
(next to Eastgate mall)
Tel: 083 490 3339
velaphi@infitech.co.za

Helping you to get back on your
feet and on the road to recovery
The Square
250 Umhlanga Rocks Drive
Umhlanga
Durban
4319
Tel: 031 566 2029
Tel: 071 902 4445
info@mnmdebtrecovery.co.za
www.mnmdebtrecovery.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
Debt Review Specialists
23 Coronation Road
Mithanagar
Tongaat
4399
Tel: 071 222 9481
Tel: 032 944 3446
admin@kmadebt.co.za
www.kmadebt.co.za
Restore your
financial wellness
Our Debt Management
Process is Easy!
DEBT
REVIEW
AWARDS
Telephone
031 303 2448 / 084 250 2356
www.debtfinesse.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

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

LIMPOPO
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
Depopulating a generation of over
indebted and populating a debt free
generation.
Office no 2, 5 A Schoeman Street,
Polokwane
Tel: 0152912731
Tel: 0877028518
Email: admaau66@gmail.com
www.maaudebts.co.za
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
Depopulating a generation of over
indebted and populating a debt free
generation.
Tel: 0861 123 644
Email: info@debtrescue.co.za
Office No. 6, Prime Pharm Building,
36 Dr Nelson Mandela Drive
Tel: 0186320053
Tel: 0877026744
Email: papi@maaudebts.co.za
www.maaudebts.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
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
EASTERN CAPE
Tel: 0861 123 644
Email: info@debtrescue.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 NCRDC2210
Tel. (021) 204-8001
etienne@ffsdc.co.za
www.financialfreedomsolutions.co.za

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
CONSUMER DEBT SUPPORT
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

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/

SUPPORT SERVICES
Tel: 011 451 0041
Tel: 0860 072 768
www.maxpayments.co.za
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

SYSTEM PROVIDERS
Tel: 011 451 0041
Tel: 0860 072 768
www.maxpayments.co.za
Debt Review Software
Tel: 016 004 0031

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

First National Bank – a division of FirstRand Bank Limited. An Authorised Financial Services and Credit Provider (NCRCP20). Reg. No. 1929/001225/06.
First National Bank – a division of FirstRand Bank Limited. An Authorised Financial Services and Credit Provider (NCRCP20). Reg. No. 1929/001225/06.

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

Telephone: 031 251 4151
Fax: 031 251 4252
GENERAL CONTACT DETAILS (FIRST POINT OF CALL)*
17.1‘s, 17 .2’s, 17.3’s, Rejections and 17 .W’s, Change or
Transfer of Debt Counsellor
Proposals / Revised Proposals / Consents /
Related Queries
Notice of Service / Court Applications
Updated Balances / Settlements / General Queries
Section 86(10) Letters and All Related Queries
nca@consumerfriend.co.za
proposal@consumerfriend.co.za
court@consumerfriend.co.za
queries@consumerfriend.co.za
terminations@consumerfriend.co.za
ESCALATION CONTACT DETAILS*
Complaints / Service Delivery / Management
17.1‘s, 17 .2’s, 17.3’s, Rejections and 17 .W’s,
Change or Transfer of Debt Counsellor
Proposals / Revised Proposals / Consents /
Related Queries
Notice of Service / Court Applications
Updated Balances / Settlements / General Queries
ryan@consumerfriend.co.za
justin@consumerfriend.co.za
charlene@consumerfriend.co.za
charlene@consumerfriend.co.za
roderick@consumerfriend.co.za
diane@consumerfriend.co.za
*Please do not CC multiple email addresses.