December 2021 IDM Special Edition

SURVIVING 2021 

YOU 

MADE 

IT! 

Issue 12 of 2021

EXCELLENCE IS DOING 

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Or call our friendly support centre on 011 303 0060 - Option 2 

or visit our website www.hyphenpda.co.za

FROM THE EDITOR 

What a year. I don’t know about you but I feel tired. 

Like, lie in the lounge in my pajamas tired. Like, it is 

sunny outside and the beach is down the road but I 

just wanna lie inside and watch Netflix like it’s the first 

week of lockdown tired. 

Now that may sound very lazy but it has been a long and busy year 

and we accomplished a lot this year. I am sure you feel that way too. 

Even with the pandemic raging, the demands of work have slowly 

increased and at the same time it feels like you end up spending more 

each month at the shops just to buy what you did last month. 

Now if you are like me, you probably enjoy dipping your toes into a 

little news every day. Sadly this year the good news stories have been 

few and far between. I am glad they found that little girl who went 

missing in Australia and I am glad some of those desperate people 

made it out of Afghanistan on that last flight but overall it has not 

been a great year for news...unless you like volcanoes or are watching 

vaccination figures. 

In that case it has been impressive to see what can be done when 

there is a financial incentive to deal with a problem and the problem 

is immediately obvious. Not so much if the problem is a slow 

warming of the planet that will destroy life for your kids. Then the 

results are a little less than impressive.

This issue we have a look at some of the stand out events of the year 

and what they teach us about ourselves and the world we live in. 

Now it is impossible to cover every story from all over the planet (and 

beyond) but we have picked out some highlights and lowlights for 

you. They are sure to bring a smile to your face or maybe a tear to 

your eye. 

We hope that the year has been kind to you. Even if it wasn’t, it has 

come to an end now and you can put it behind you. For some that 

will mean a few days off relaxing and maybe enjoying the outdoors or 

maybe fixing that cupboard door in the kitchen you just have not go to. 

For others, like me it will mean turning the phone off and ignoring 

your family and friends for a few days. Hey, don’t judge me. It will just 

be for a day or two and then I will Zoom with them again I promise. 

So, find whatever it is that you need to do to recharge because 2021 

is done and you survived it. 

Hopefully, 2022 will be the year that your plans come together and 

you are able to make large strides towards becoming totally debt free.

FROM THE 

IDM DESK 

YEAR-END 

FINANCES: 

FATIGUED OR 

FESTIVE SEASON 

READY? 

Everyone welcomes that 

year-end break and 

holidays that’s around 

the corner, but a happy 

holiday can soon turn to 

misery if, by the end of 

January, you realise you’ve 

spent too much enjoying 

yourself and start the new 

year in financial difficulty.

Debt counsellors such as DebtBusters typically see a spike in enquiries in 

January and February. 

This year the usual spate of enquiries is expected to intensify. The 

economic impact of successive lockdowns has negatively impacted most 

people’s earnings, many companies will pay zero or reduced bonuses 

and the interest and inflation rates are ticking up. 

There are also the usual contributory factors. Real income continues to 

decline, having shrunk by 24% over the past five years. Factoring in that 

because most people are paid early in December, that paycheque needs 

to stretch for up to a month-and-a-half until the end of January. 

Early debit run orders can make the wait for January’s salary seem even 

longer. This is because debit orders for companies that subscribe to the 

system, get processed as soon as December’s salary is paid (usually 

earlier than usual.) 

In addition, year-end financial pressures can be exacerbated by New- 

Year expenses such as children needing new uniforms and stationery to 

go back to school. 

A little forward planning can go a long way to preventing the January 

blues. DebtBusters suggests the following: 

1. Don’t get caught out: If you get paid early remember that you 

will have to stretch your salary until the next paycheque. Plan 

accordingly and remember that debit orders may come off your 

account as soon as you are paid. Don’t ignore correspondence or 

messages from banks or other financial service providers about 

early debit order runs. Knowing when your debit orders are being 

paid, will help you plan.

2. Resist overspending: If you get paid early in December and are 

lucky enough to get a full or partial bonus, you could suddenly 

have a lot of money in your account. Although you may feel flush, 

resist the temptation to splurge. Think first about your financial 

commitments. 

3. Have a plan: Budgeting may seem boring and difficult, but a little 

planning now could save you a lot of angst in future. When you 

know whether you’re getting paid a bonus and how much, add this 

to your December take-home salary. Then list all your expenses, 

including debit orders. If necessary, refer to previous months’ bank 

statements. Allocate money for normal living expenses before 

you decide how much to spend on gifts and entertainment. If you 

have some left, think about using it to reduce or settle some debts, 

starting with those that have the highest interest rates. If you can, try 

to put some money in a savings account before spoiling yourself. 

4. Get help if you need it: After a difficult year most of us need a 

break and some time to recharge. That’s not going to happen if 

you spend the holidays worrying about how much you owe or how 

you’re going to make ends meet in January. Work with a reputable 

debt counsellor to do a free assessment, and to advise whether 

you can benefit from debt counselling and explain how the process 

works. Having someone to help you can take away a lot of the 

anxiety associated with dealing with debt.

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December and January are months where 

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CONTENTS 

SURVIVING 2021 : YOU MADE IT 

DEBT 

COUNSELLING 

THE NOBLE 

PROFESSION 

TALK IS CHEAP 

MUCH CHEAPER 

THAN GOING 

TO COURT 

FROM THE 

IDM DESK 

:D 

DISCLAIMER 

Debtfree Magazine considers its sources reliable and verifies as 

much information as possible. 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 financial advice. Although persons and companies 

mentioned herein are believed to be reputable, neither 

Debtfree Magazine nor any of its 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.

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NCRDC2484

SURVIVING 2021 

YOU 

MADE 

IT!

YOU MADE IT 

This year is almost behind us, you made it, well done! 

Maybe you were unsure if you were going to be able 

to cope with all the stress and drama, but you have 

successfully made it through this year, and now, 2022 is 

around the corner. 

What stands out for you about 2021? 

It could be the time you got ill, or lost your job, or got hired for a new 

job. Maybe you suffered a loss in your family, or celebrated a new 

addition to your family. Perhaps you will recall how America fell apart on 

a grand scale, or the rioting and looting here in SA, during the middle of 

the year. 

Perhaps 2021 was the year that you finally decided to get a grip on your 

finances, and entered debt review. Whatever the case, this second year 

of a global pandemic is a year that none of us will soon forget. 

Let’s take a look at just some of the key events of 2021, and try to put the 

last 12 months into context.

SURVIVING 2021 YOU MADE IT 

JANUARY 

Politics 

Trump loses the elections, and Biden is elected as the next American 

President. Kamala Harris is sworn in as Vice President. 

The year got off to a real bang, with the near death of the American 

democratic system. Angry supporters of an ousted President stormed 

the US Capitol, goaded on by political messages and chaos ensued. 

Things teetered on the edge for a while, with the country being the 

closest it has come to civil war for hundreds of years. 

Deaths 

Long time US talk show host, Larry King dies at 87 years old.


FEBRUARY 

Politics 

There was a military coup in Myanmar, which sparked many protest 

marches and sadly many deaths throughout the year. 

Space 

NASA was excited to successfully land the Perseverance Rover on 

Mars. Over the next months, they would also launch a flying drone, 

and capture many exciting images of the red planet. 

Debt Review 

The NCR’s Credit Industry Forum (CIF) continued to look into the 

professional fees charged during debt review. Because the National 

Credit Act and regulations do not have any official fees, this remains 

a tricky area for the industry with different organisations, associations 

and even the Regulator weighing in. Law societies, in particular, feel 

that their members’ rates for legal work done on debt review matters 

cannot be set by other parties. 

Lockdown 

SA moved to an adjusted level 1 lockdown as reported Covid-19 cases 

drop to low daily figures.


MARCH 

Politics 

The SA Budget speech announces conservative spending plans, and 

is met with favour for not making empty promises about pie in the 

sky political projects. Failing state owned enterprises do not have the 

usual buckets of cash thrown at them, despite their ongoing appeals 

for support. Overall it is heralded as a success. 

Banking 

After some time, another round of arrests are made in connection 

with the giant VBS Bank looting scandal. 

International Supply Chain 

What happens when you try park a giant container ship sideways in 

the Suez Canal? The world’s supply chain implodes, as it takes ages to 

move the massive Evergiven container ship. The prolonged blockage 

of this crucial sea route, adds to the disruptions caused by Covid-19 

on the world’s supply chain. 

Deaths 

Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini dies at 72 years of age.


APRIL 

Politics 

A military takeover in Chad heralds a period of political unrest across 

the African region. Other countries like Mali, Guinea and Sudan 

will also face such political upheaval during 2021, with many other 

governments (Like Eswatini and SA) facing protests or armed attack 

Banking 

VBS personal banking clients are relieved to learn they can recover 

much of their money via Nedbank. 

Covid-19 

The world passes the 1 billion vaccines mark. The majority of these 

vaccines however are concentrated in 3 countries: USA, China & 

India. 

Deaths 

Prince Philip (married to the long time queen of the UK) dies at the 

age of 99.


MAY 

Debt Review 

A discussion paper about the possibility of combining the old 

administration and the newer debt review process gains a lot 

of industry attention. The paper is riddled with antiquated and 

problematic suggestions. Debt Counsellors, who have had a very 

limited say, up to this point, make a big effort to comment on issues. 

Space 

China lands the Zhurong Rover on Mars, and proceeds to drive 

around capturing images and taking samples. Martian commuters are 

distressed as this suddenly doubles road traffic on the planet… 

Politics 

Mali experiences its second military take-over in only 10 months.


JUNE 

Cryptocurrency 

In a big move, El Salvador decide that as a country, they will begin to 

use Bitcoin as one of the country’s legal tender (they also use the US 

Dollar). Elsewhere in the world, regulators with the help of banks, try 

to figure out how they can regulate cryptocurrencies and claim tax. 

Locally based, Africrypt implodes as the founding members go into 

hiding after claiming they were hacked. Billions are said to be missing 

(though later that figure will end up actually being much smaller). 

Scams 

The NCR is a target of a scam, as messages are sent to Debt 

Counsellors that the NCR have changed their banking details (they 

didn’t) and yearly fees can be paid into the new account. 

Many consumers also fall for similar scams, when suddenly told that 

their payment distribution agent (PDA) has changed their bank details 

(they haven’t and won’t). 

Covid-19 

The world passes the 3 billion vaccine mark. The high number of 

vaccinated allows for increased studies into the effectiveness and side 

effects of the vaccine. The need for booster shots becomes clear.


JULY 

Data Protection 

The Protection of Personal Information Act came into full effect after 

a 12 month grace period, started in 2020. The Act is designed to 

protect people from harm by protecting and regulating the use and 

storage, as well as sharing, of personal data. So, don’t forget to lock 

your computer, with all that sensitive data on it before walking away 

from your desk. 

Climate Change 

It is wildfire season in California, with daily temperatures at record 

highs. Since April, fires have been raging and they reach a peak 

midyear. It will cost around $3 billion to manage these fires, which are 

larger in size than some countries. 

A heat wave, caused by global climate change, sweeps across the 

North Western US and Canada and over 1400 people in snowy 

Canada die as a result. 

In Europe, flooding in Germany causes massive damage, and calls 

into question the country’s future ability to deal with extreme 

weather.


JULY CONT’D 

Legal 

After the issue has been brewing for a long time the Constitutional 

Court finds former President Jacob Zuma to be in contempt, and 

orders a 15 month jail sentence. Supporters are outraged and protests 

are planned. 

Crime 

What starts off as small protests about the jail sentence of Former 

President Jacob Zuma, quickly devolves into mass criminal looting. 

Hundreds of thousands of people break into stores to steal everything 

they can. Xenophobic attacks, vandalism and arson are committed on 

a grand scale. Stand offs between citizens and security forces verse 

thieves and looters are seen across KZN and Gauteng. The riots end 

up costing the economy around R50 billion. Police later report on 

many influential people who encouraged the criminal behavior. Over 

3400 people are later arrested. Tragically, almost 350 people lost 

their lives. 

Assassination 

The President of Haiti, Jovenel Moise is shot down while sleeping. 

Over 28 people will later be arrested in connection with the crime.

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AUGUST 

Politics 

A new South African Finance Minister is announced as the President 

appoints Enoch Godongwana to the post, to replace Tito Mboweni 

who had held the post since 2018. 

With the departure of the last of the US forces across Afghanistan 

after 20 long years, Taliban forces surge across the country, and 

Afghani government offers its surrender in August. A refugee crisis 

plays out at Airports in Kabul and Mazar-e-Sharif, as many are 

desperate to escape the new regime. 

Disasters 

The troubled country of Haiti is hit by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake, 

causing severe damage. 

In Greece, wildfires rage across the country as a result of climate 

change.


SEPTEMBER 

Entertainment 

Squid Game. What can one say about this South Korean drama, where 

desperate people will put their lives on the line for cash. It nearly 

broke Netflix becoming number 1 on Netflix in only 10 days. 

Incidentally, 23 year old Mr. Beast broke YouTube with a live 

reenactment of the game show, featuring real prize money of 

$456 000 and garnered over 175 million views in just a few days in 

December 2021. 

Politics 

The military capture and arrest of President Alpha Conde’ in a coup 

d’état in Guinea. The former President had recently pushed for 

constitutional changes to allow him to stay in office for a third term, 

despite wide spread protests in 2020. 

Former President Jacob Zuma receives a medical parole, and is 

allowed to go home. The decision is met with excitement from 

supporters, and suspicion from the international community.


SEPTEMBER CONT’D 

Disasters 

There are many active volcanoes on the planet, but in September the 

Cumbre Vieja volcano on the Spanish island of La Palma, (it is one 

of the Canary Islands up near Morocco) blows its top, and carries on 

doing so for the next 3 months. The resultant lava flow wipes out 3 

000 homes and businesses, as ash rains down across the island. 

Meta-verse 

While weathering the storm of an employer whistleblower, Facebook 

announces it is changing its name (and focus) to META. This sparks 

a gold-rush type hype for all things related to the Meta-verse, virtual 

real estate sales, and a boom in the sale of NFTs. People soon forget 

all about the whistleblowers pesky claims about privacy rights, or hate 

speech, or whatever. 

Scandal 

The release of the Pandora Papers exposes how many of the world’s 

wealthiest and influential people have been hiding money and 

financial interests. The Papers expose politicians in office, corporate 

leaders and Royal families. The documentation will be used by tax 

officials and police around the world, to bring charges against many 

of those exposed.


OCTOBER 

Politics 

Sudan jumps on the band wagon with a military coup of its own, 

while nearby in Ethiopia, the Tigray war rages on with an estimated 

10 000 casualties and counting. Somalia is repeatedly accused of 

secretly joining in the conflict. 

Health 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) endorses the first ever malaria 

vaccine. Malaria claims over 400 000 people a year (90% in Africa). 

Debt Review 

After prolonged battles, the NCR won cases against Debt Counsellors 

Zahid Adams and Clark Gardner. In their ruling on the cases, the 

National Consumer Tribunal issue both Debt Counsellors with a 

massive R500 000 fine, to send a message to the industry (both cases 

are being appealed to higher courts). 

Finance 

The world’s largest ever tax fraud case is exposed in Germany, 

and one of the smaller parts of the international Investec brand is 

implicated. The fraud is said to amount to over $80 Billion.

Space 

Thanks to Mr. Jeffrey Bezos, Captain Kirk is finally able to head to 

space aboard Blue Origin. Fortunately, no Klingons were spotted 

during the flight.


NOVEMBER 

Scandal 

Tennis star Peng Shuai accuses Zhang Gaoli, former vice Premier in 

China, of sexually assaulting her before disappearing. Shhhhhhh!!!!! 

Covid-19 

Someone unwisely updates the regular SA daily Covid-19 tracking 

stats of 868 positive cases, with a whole lot of old data in one 

giant lump sum. This pushes the actual daily infection stats up, in a 

seemingly massive spike of an extra 17 718 positive cases. Within a 

few days, scientists will coincidentally report that a new variant has 

been successfully identified in Botswana and South Africa. The variant 

will come to be called Omicron. 

The combination of Omicron’s ability to circumvent vaccines (and 

natural immunity after previous infection) and the recent fake spike 

shown in local Covid-19 stats, causes international panic. Several 

countries add SA to ‘no fly’ red lists, and the effect on the economy 

and travel industry is devastating. Bans will only begin to be lifted by 

December, by which time travelers will have already changed their 

travel plans. 

Deaths 

Former President FW De Klerk dies at 85 years of age.


NOVEMBER CONT’D 

Financial 

The SA Repo Rate goes up for the first time in years to 3.75%. 

Economists predict a series of future increases taking the rates up to 

5.5% over the next 24 months. 

3 more people are rounded up in arrests related to the VBS looting 

case, which will proceed in 2022. 

The NCR drop their case against credit provider Moneyline, who 

they had accused of taking advantage of thousands of vulnerable 

consumers. 

In another blow to consumers, credit provider Bayport won their 

Supreme Court Appeal (about adding lots of legal costs after 

judgments). The Stellenbosch Law Clinic is now considering taking 

matter to the Constitutional Court on behalf of consumers. 

The World’s Taxiest Man 

This year, the world’s richest man Elon Musk, decided to pay tax. 

Going onto Twitter, Elon causes his usual chaos, asking if he should 

pay tax and stirring up the hornet’s nest (incidentally messing with the 

share prices of the very shares he was going to buy and sell). Over the 

course of a few weeks, Elon cashed out shares (and bought a bunch 

more) and become America’s biggest private tax payer ever, paying 

R175 Billion in one go.

Photo by Steve Jurvetson https://www.flickr.com/photos/jurvetson/40705940233


DECEMBER 

Climate Change 

After a hard political year of upheaval, the traditionally very dry Sudan, 

which has been facing extreme drought, recorded flooding. Over 

850 000 people were impacted or displaced during the extensive 

flooding. 

Legal 

Former President Jacob Zuma, who was pardoned for medical 

reasons, is ordered back to jail. The court also orders that the time he 

has spent out of jail at home, will not count towards his sentence. 

Entertainment 

Despite a global pandemic Spider- Man: No Way Home enjoyed the 

3rd all time highest opening weekend, taking in around $587 Million 

worldwide (only beaten by 2 of the Avengers movies).


2021 

1N NUMB3R5 

Rand/Dollar 

Bitcoin 

Bitcoin began 2021 at 

$40 000 

which was 

significantly higher 

than it had started 

2020, prior to 

lockdown at only 

$9000 (for one). 

During the year, the 

price rose to 

$61 000 

before dropping 

down to an end 

of year figure 

of around 

$48 000. 

At the start of 2021 

it cost you 

R14.59 

per US Dollar. This 

figure dipped during 

the year as the 

Dollar performed 

poorly, and the 

Rand did well 

getting as low as 

R13.42 

This was short lived 

however, and after 

that dip it began 

steadily climbing 

back up to over 

R16.00 

per Dollar. 

Brent Crude 

Oil 

A barrel of Oil began 

the year at 

$53.60 

(which was much 

higher than in 2020) 

and ended the year 

up over 

$79.92 

at the end of 

November, before 

taking a bit of 

a knock over 

concerns caused by 

Omicron.

Electricity 

South Africa 

experienced over 

2,416GWh 

of load-shedding in 

2021. 

This is significantly 

higher than the two 

previously worst years 

1,798GWh 

in 2020 and 

1,332GWh 

in 2019. 

Petrol Prices 

Amid some 

controversy about 

how the petrol price 

is calculated, the 

inland price of petrol 

began 2021 at 

R14.69 

per litre. By the end 

of the year, this had 

shot up to a rather 

controversial 

R20.07 

per litre. 

Food Prices 

The UN food 

and agricultural 

organisation 

reported that food 

shot up to a 

10 year high 

globally, 

with an average 

global increase of 

36%.


TAKE AWAYS 

What do we take away from a year like 2021? 

We learned that SA politics bears an uncanny likeness to the American 

political system. True, in America people are doing so well they are 

walking out of their jobs en mass, while here in SA millions are sitting 

unemployed. Still, with former Presidents dominating the news, and 

riots on the streets, things are surprisingly similar. 

We learned that Covid-19 is likely to be around in one form or 

another over the years ahead. On the plus side the billions of doses of 

vaccine given and tracking of results has been able to provide lots and 

lots of data about the virus, variants and treatment. 

We learned that some people, including some of the richest people, 

are looking outward to the stars (or at least Mars) for a brighter future 

and chance for humanity, while others are looking inwards towards 

the Metaverse where people will be able to escape online, into a 

Ready Player One type world. 

We also learned that global climate change conferences are probably 

not going to produce the needed results until the biggest countries 

are literally on fire half of every year. Still, they did manage to include 

the word ‘coal’ into a document this year at COP26 so, small victories.

Many of us also realized that trying to force everyone back to work 

like things were before the Pandemic is probably not realistic. In the 

US, they saw this in a big way with the “Great American Walk Out”. 

People are fed up with being taken advantage of. 

We also learned that given half a chance, people will run out during 

an airborne pandemic to the mall, to watch superhero movies or to 

buy discounted items on Black Friday. 

In a repetition of 2020, we sadly also saw how divided society is over 

issues surrounding the pandemic. Authorities came head to head with 

protestors, and people are struggling to find a meaningful balance of 

their own rights and those of others. 

So, 2021 helped to further shatter the picture of stability that 

governments and society prefer to project. The mid-year Days of 

Shame riots in SA, proved how volatile people can be if they do not 

have work, and opportunities to better their lives readily available. The 

military coups and near coup in the US shows how fragile the system 

actually is. It’s all a bit scary. So, try to take care of your mental health. 

No doubt you had a tough time during 2021, but hopefully you also 

had highlights along the way. Having acknowledged that… it’s done 

now, it’s all over. Take a deep breath, you can relax. Don’t let this 

article stress you out. You made it, well done, you survived 2021.

DEBT 

COUNSELLING 

THE NOBLE 

PROFESSION

DEBT COUNSELLING – THE NOBLE PROFESSION 

ANSWERING 

THE CALL 

Since 2007, when the National Credit Act came into 

effect, thousands of people have registered with the 

National Credit Regulator (NCR) as Debt Counsellors. 

Over the years the NCR have vetted and registered around 3000 

different people across SA as Debt Counsellors. Unlike credit 

providers, credit bureaus or Payment Distribution Agents (PDAs) 

Debt Counsellors are not registered as companies but rather as lone 

individuals who have the necessary experience and training to assist 

financially stressed consumers. 

And let’s be clear, ever since 2007 there has been no shortage of 

people in financial distress. The world had hardly recovered from the 

2008 great recession before Covid-19 hit in 2020. 

Thousands of distressed consumers who were trapped in the rather 

horrible collections process facing harassment or the loss of assets 

have been able to turn to experts for help.


IT’S CHEAP AND 

IT WORKS 

Given the relatively low rates that Debt Counsellors 

charge for their professional services it is clear that the 

vast majority of Debt Counsellors are in the profession 

simply to offer help and relief to consumers. 

In the past, consumers would have to try turn to lawyers or other 

mediators to try help them negotiate with creditors and often were 

overwhelmed by run away costs or a lack of cooperation by credit 

providers. The 2007 National Credit Act flipped that on its head, 

forcing credit providers to play ball and come to arrangements with 

consumers or having the courts make such arrangements for them 

instead. 

The journey has not all been roses, of course. Debt Counsellors soon 

realized that in order to help people effectively they would have to 

also run a successful practice, balancing the needs of a low profit 

margin business with the challenge of helping those who are in 

financial distress and have poor financial habits.


IT’S A BALANCING ACT 

Stressed consumers often look to Debt Counsellors as 

a knight in shining armour who can remove all their 

financial woes with the wave of a wand. 

This is of course, unrealistic. Rather, Debt Counsellors play a role 

balancing the consumers’ needs with the credit providers’ rights while 

also assisting the courts in making debt restructuring easy. 

Working successfully in the industry means managing consumer 

expectations and trying to maintain good relationships with those who 

you sometimes have to argue against at Court. It’s a tricky balancing act.


THE LEGAL SIDE 

OF THINGS 

Sadly, the SA court system has fallen far short of initial 

expectations of how they would embrace debt review. 

Often Magistrates would shy away from restructuring 

debts and would rather try force consumers and credit 

providers to negotiate and settle matters outside court 

on their own. 

It was also expected that Magistrates and Judges would refer almost 

all matters about credit accounts to Debt Counsellors and make good 

use of this resource. Instead many courts initially shied away from 

dealing with debt review matters for years, some still have the habit 

of nitpicking and country wide the legal side of debt review is still so 

complicated after one and a half decades that legal fees often outstrip 

the professional fees of the Debt Counsellor. 

Still, this has not prevented Debt Counsellors from reaching out 

to help consumers and offering them what relief they can through 

this amazing process. It is one of the most advanced in the world 

and though somewhat underutilized it offers a dignified way for 

consumers to realistically deal with their debt (and for credit providers 

to collect debt with few costs). Working with expert attorneys Debt 

Counsellors have figured out how to help consumers through the 

convoluted legal system.


EDUCATING 

CONSUMERS 

The NCR is the party that is officially tasked with 

educating consumers about the debt review process. 

Many feel that more efforts in this area could always be 

made and even today, after so long, many people do 

not really understand how debt review works. 

Still, Debt Counsellors have set up websites, begun sms campaigns, 

email campaigns, Facebook and Whatsapp groups and eagerly shared 

information with the media. 

This effort is made to reach the public with the message that they do 

not have to let their debt run away, they do not have to be stressed by 

collections agents and they do not have to live a life in debt. This is often 

done at great expense to the Debt Counsellor to find and assist those 

who face these pressures.

DEBT REVIEW 

LESSON #2 

Did you know that you can move your 

December debt review payment to come off 

earlier? This can help you avoid spending any 

of your debt repayment funds by mistake. Talk 

to your PDA or Debt Counsellor.


SMALL OR LARGE 

Some Debt Counsellors weather the storm on their 

own trying to help as many as they can fit into their 

busy days. 

Others club together and work as a team to assist those who need 

help. Either way the NCA sets out the same steps that are needed to 

help consumers. 

Regardless of what size practice is involved, the goal is the same: to 

take on a financially distressed client and help them to get out of debt 

so that they no longer need the services of a Debt Counsellor. Debt 

Counsellors are happiest when their clients no longer need them.


THE BENEFITS 

When you have a lot of debt life is just stressful all 

the time. It can be really hard to sleep at night. It can 

be even harder to talk to family members about your 

situation. Conversations about small expenses can 

quickly escalate into full blown fights and screaming 

matches. 

When you have lots of debt you constantly worry about your friends or 

your boss finding out. You hate to answer unknown caller phone calls 

so, you don’t. You live in dread of receiving scary post from your credit 

providers. It is not a great way to live. 

Getting help from a trained professional can bring incredible relief. It 

can help ease the pressure almost immediately. Suddenly you are able 

to sleep at night and even talk to your family about spending. Knowing 

that your debt is taken care of through debt review you can focus on 

effectively managing your monthly spending based on your budget. It is 

liberating. 

It is life changing and it is possible because of the hard work of Debt 

Counsellors and the debt review process.


THANK YOU DEBT 

COUNSELLORS 

To those thousands of people who are working hard 

every day to assist consumers through the debt review 

process at one of the hardest times in human history, 

we say: 

Well done on pursuing this 

truly noble profession.

TALK IS CHEAP 

MUCH CHEAPER 

THAN GOING 

TO COURT

TALK IS CHEAP MUCH CHEAPER THAN GOING TO COURT 

MEDIATION 

There are many forms of mediation which can help to 

resolve disputes. 

It can be about really big geopolitical matters (like peace in the Middle 

East) or a smaller dispute e.g. cutting down a tree growing between two 

properties. The scope for mediation is very wide, and it is an effective 

way for people to resolve problems.


ARBITRATION 

Sometimes the mediation process can work a lot like 

a court, where both parties present arguments to 

an expert, and the expert (Arbitrator) makes a final 

decision. 

Many people might recognize this type of mediation from the work of 

organisations like the CCMA (who handled many labour related disputes).


COURT ANNEXED 

MEDIATION 

Since the court system is so busy these days, new 

laws have been passed that makes it necessary for 

everyone going to court, to explain if they have been 

for mediation about their matter or not. 

If the parties say no, then they must explain why not. 

The idea, is to get more people to mediate matters, instead of litigate 

them. This is a growing trend, and the other the courts will promote 

when they have lots of cases.

ONLY 

R5999 

5 DAY ONLINE 

Mediation Training 

Register for five day training and get 

one year Panel Membership and one 

short program free. 

REGISTER NOW sheena@adr-networksa.co.za


ALTERNATIVE 

DISPUTE 

RESOLUTION 

When parties have a dispute about a matter that falls 

under the National Credit Act (eg. there is a dispute 

about certain fees on an account or the balance 

showing on a credit account) then consumers 

can engage the services of an Alternative Dispute 

Resolution Agent. 

Now this is not debt review, or debt counselling because that covers 

when someone is unable to pay several credit providers what they are 

demanding. Alternative dispute resolution is more related to a single debt 

or dispute. 

ADRAs have yet to find their place in the market, but they are able to 

help sort out a dispute between a credit provider and a consumer. If 

the consumer has debt they can’t pay, then they will be pointed to a 

Debt Counsellor instead. Many feel that there is a lot of room for Debt 

Counsellors and ADRAs to work together, when end balance disputes 

arise, or if consumers are not being given statements or original 

documentation.


DEBT MEDIATION 

The head of FNB’s debt review department once told 

Debt Counsellors at the Debt Review Awards Gala that 

an organisation called the National Debt Mediation 

Association was set up by credit providers (many years 

ago) to try divert consumers away from the legal 

protection of debt review. 

This is why the words Debt Mediation leave a bad taste in the mouth 

of many Debt Counsellors. If consumers have a problem paying their 

debts then they need to approach a Debt Counsellor and avoid anyone 

advertising this type of “mediation” online.


SCAMS 

It is true that there are scams out there. Scammers 

often target those with debt problems. 

Some people hold themselves out to be mediators, who can handle debt 

restructuring (which since 2007 can only be done via Debt Counsellors). 

Some consumers have unfortunately been tricked. 

So, how can consumers protect themselves? Normally, all it requires is 

some homework. A quick Google search, a visit to Hello Peter, visiting 

the NCR’s online data base (of ADRAs), associations like ADR Network SA 

have a panel of registered members where consumers can choose from. 

All these steps can help.


TALK ABOUT IT 

Many large issues can be resolved by talking about it in 

a constructive way. 

It is sometimes hard to find an effective way to do this where both 

parties give one another time to really justify and promote their 

viewpoint. The structured, organized and fair mediation process offers 

such a setting. 

So, the next time you find yourself butting heads with a supplier, a service 

provider, a credit provider or even a family member, consider making use 

of a mediator to help resolve the matter.

DEBT REVIEW 

LESSON #3 

One of the biggest skills a person in debt 

review has to learn is the ability to say 

“No” to family and friends: 

No, you cannot pay that bill for them; 

No, you cannot sign surety for them; 

No, you cannot afford to lend them money; 

No, you won’t be spending money on 

fancy gifts and eating out.

Don’t forget to laugh. 

Things can always get worse!

December 2021 IDM Special Edition

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