QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER April – June 2013 ‘2013 and Beyond’ Edition
CONTENTS A WORD FROM THE CEO 04 THE NDMA – 2013 AND BEYOND 06 CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT 08 CONSUMER EDUCATION REPORT 13 INDEBT CASE STUDY 16 MEDIA REPORT 18
A WORD FROM THE CEO
After 5 years of being an implementation agency for the credit industry and after travelling a road filled with many challenges and rewards, the changing regulatory landscape has necessitated that the NDMA review its role. Following extensive consultations with industry, government departments, our partners and other stakeholders the NDMA looks forward to new opportunities presented by our current evolving status and our new business focus. Admittedly, events during the quarter under review presented a rocky road filled with much uncertainty and questions over the future of the NDMA. However, like a phoenix rising we are happy to report that we are well on the road to a brighter future and are looking forward to taking advantage of the solid foundation we have laid as a trusted and effective mediator, provider of tested consumer education initiatives and other consumer empowerment initiatives. We are therefore excited at the opportunity of having an enhanced presence and the provision of a wider service offering for South Africa’s financially embattled consumers. Underpinning and informing the future focus of the NDMA will be Advocacy & Research as we aim to play a fundamental role in informing and influencing credit policy and practice by analysing our case work and developing policy position papers, advocating for change, and educating consumers. Before delving into what the future holds, it would be ideal to zone into the contributions made by the ‘old NDMA’ to the credit industry. With the assistance of the NDMA, the credit industry made significant progress in the process enhancements to the statutory debt counselling process to provide for the consensual resolution of debt review cases within a very short timeframe. Through the NDMA, the following was achieved: • The standardised formats of data and correspondence in debt counselling cases were implemented by most credit providers including all the banks and have mostly been systemised. • The industry made great strides forward in working together and agreeing on common solutions. This was achieved through the formation of a joint industry forum comprising of Debt Counsellors, Credit Providers and Payment Distribution Agencies (PDA’s). This joint forum was hosted on a monthly basis under the auspices of the NDMA and concerned itself with the resolution of operational debt review issues that could be utilised as voluntary guidelines;
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• The industry made a substantial contribution to the extension of the capacity of the NDMA and the Credit Ombud to mediate and adjudicate cases that could not be resolved through mediation. This reduced the number of cases that had to be resolved through the courts making it cheaper both for the consumer and the credit provider. From 1 January 2011 to end May 2013 the NDMA mediated more than 6000 cases; handled more than 5500 enquiries and handled more than 40 000 calls to its helpline. The NDMA has consistently found in favour of the consumer in more than 70% of cases with an outcome. • The central system (DCRS) with the agreed debt restructuring rules was developed and operationalised in record time (by March 2011), approximately four months after the Code of Conduct was finally agreed. The industry restructuring rules represent major concessions by the credit industry where they sacrifice fees and interest in order to reduce the consumer’s debt burden. Proposals based on the industry debt restructuring rules agreed to by the broader credit industry are being consented to where received. To date more than 60 000 applications representing more than 300 000 credit agreements were processed with an average solve rate of more than 70% and reported acceptance rate of more than 80%. • The development of a Central Data Switch (CDS) which was meant to be used by all stakeholders within the debt review landscape to automate the data exchanges currently in play is well advanced. The main objective of the data switch was to increase efficiency and improve communication between participants/ users of the central data exchange; enable real-time delivery of data thus accelerating turn-around times; reduce risks and errors on data exchanged; improve the quality of data exchanged; assist in the monitoring and collation of stats and assist with the tracking of matters. • Effective consumer education initiatives that reached millions of consumers were implemented. One of the programs was implemented in collaboration with the World Bank and has been hailed internationally as an effective program that contributed to consumers changing their behaviour and managing their debt responsibly. Various tools were also developed to contribute to consumer education. Consumer education was also made possible through collaboration with various institutions including the NCR, Soul City, the World Bank, South African Savings Institute, Provincial Consumer Affairs Offices, Sector Regulators and the media. • Annual and quarterly reports were published to ensure transparency regarding the work of the NDMA as well as provide statistics, case studies and other information to inform the market about challenges with the debt review process and its impact on consumers. Through these reports the NDMA called for affordability guidelines to be introduced, proper enforcement of the NCA to be implemented, the abuse of debt enforcement mechanisms to be paid attention to, additional options and remedies to resolve debt stress to be piloted and for consumer education efforts to be improved. • Credit provider compliance awareness workshops were conducted nationally and awareness sessions were held with individual credit providers. Conferences and a credit summit was also held to raise the debate relating various credit related issues.
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THE NDMA – 2013 AND BEYOND WHAT ROLE CAN THE “NEW” NDMA PLAY? Over the past five years the NDMA has grown from strength to strength and has performed well in relation to the industry mandated functions within very difficult regulatory and industry dynamics. It has established itself locally and internationally as a credible and trusted mediator in the eyes of consumers, debt counsellors, government agencies, sector regulators, NGOs, academics, the media and donor agencies. This trust has been demonstrated by the continued demand for the NDMA’s helpline and financial hardship solution services and the continued commitment by major stakeholders to continue to partner and work with the NDMA. The NDMA is run by a team of dedicated individuals who are experts in debt mediation, have integrity and are motivated by the drive to serve and make a difference to consumers who approach us for assistance. The foundation that has been laid over the past five years can therefore continue to yield positive results to the bottom lines of individuals and households who find themselves in financial difficulties. The main form of criticism levelled against the NDMA has been that the NDMA lacks independence. While the mediation role of the NDMA was free from undue industry influence, this perception would never go away unless the NDMA took the bold step to divorce itself from perceived industry influence. This it has done by agreeing with industry that going forward, the NDMA will not be the implementing agency for industry as was envisaged in the previous Code. Secondly industry will not fund the operations of the NDMA nor dominate its board. This will however not prevent industry from funding specific projects through arm’s length agreements, especially for consumer education projects. In designing and implementing the new services the NDMA will be informed by the following principles: a) The empowerment of the consumer through the provision of independent, transparent and tailored information and solutions to address or prevent financial hardship from a behaviour change perspective within the confines of the NCA and other relevant legislation; b) The preservation of the human dignity of and respect for the consumer finding him/ herself in an involuntary financially compromised situation; c) The prevention (if possible) of the recurrence of such a situation through an ongoing educational rehabilitative supportive interventions to enable consumer’s re-entry into the credit market in the shortest time possible;
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d) The highest standards of service, innovative, and sustainable solutions for the market backed up by sound business and ethical principles within a non-profit model; and e) Informed contribution to finding and shaping solutions through advocacy using its casework and research to influence policy and practice; In order for the NDMA to be repositioned the following has been put in place: a) The NDMA will transition into an independent non-profit entity that provides various services to consumers of credit in line with the NCA and other relevant legislation, b) The NDMA will be self-sustainable through offering a combination of donor funded, sponsored and income generating services on a cost recovery basis; c) The governance model has been revised to divorce the NDMA from the credit industry, meaning that the board will not contain industry association representatives but individuals appointed in terms of their skill, knowledge and standing in the community; d) The ownership and management of the Debt Counselling Rules Engine (DCRS) and the Central Data Switch (CDS) will be transferred to industry. This transition means that the NDMA will cease to be a representative, governance and facilitative national structure that carries any responsibility regarding the implementation of industry obligations in terms of any approved Code. It will become a fully independent operational entity that executes services relating to preventative and rehabilitative measures for credit active consumers. The NDMA has come a long way and learning’s from the past five years have provided a strong foundation for the organisation to grow and continue to contribute to the responsible granting and consumption of credit in South Africa, with a focus on consumers’ access to redress, education and effective debt rehabilitation remedies. In coming up with the above model the NDMA consulted with various stakeholders within and outside government. We wish to thank everyone for their support and valued inputs and look forward to forging new relationships as we reposition ourselves to ensure we continue to make a difference to the lives of South African consumers.
Magauta Mphahlele CEO NDMA 7
CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT HELPLINE STATISTICS The Service Initiation team’s report contains statistics for telephone inflow, enquiry inflow, telephone enquiries and SMS call backs.
HELPLINE STATISTICS
5168
The telephone statistics presented represent the calls made and received through the Helpline and dealt with by the Service Initiation team for quarter 1 (Q1) and quarter 2 (Q2).
4000
3000
6222 8239
5000
2318 3071
Quarter 1
3904
6000
Quarter 2
2000
7 8
1000
0
Unanswered Calls Highlight: 24% increase in total calls for Q2 2013
8
Total Calls Recieved
Total Calls Made
Total Calls
These statistics reflect regular service calls to and from consumers, with a trend of the outbound calls being the highest. Looking closely at the histograms, we see that there was a 24% increase in the total number of calls for Q2 2013 (8 239) compared to Q1 2013 (6 222).
The increases are due to the following reasons: a) Vigorous follow up attempts by the Service Initiation team which has resulted in more consumers being contacted. b) Multiple SMS call backs as in most cases it took more than one call to get hold of consumers. c) InDebt television program call backs resulting in multiple calls to consumers.
b) Less media coverage in terms of awareness and press releases through different platforms e.g. TV, Radio, consumer awareness campaigns; and
Quarter 1
3904
a) The change in the market after the new code was implemented on 1 May 2013;
5500
5000
4500
3750
3000
2250
1500
750
7 8
c) The June numbers decreased showing trends similar to Jan, Feb, Mar despite Mar, Apr, and May only having 19 workings days.
Quarter 2
2318 3071
The number of calls received decreased in June (832) by 24% when compared to May (1 092). The decrease in June can mainly be attributed to:
5168
During Q2 the Service Initiation team made 5 168 calls to consumers which is a 24% increase when compared to Q1 (3 904) 2013. The most significant additional channel being the SMS facility which was implemented in February 2013.
0
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Ca lls
an
sw ere
dC alls
Re
Ca lls
cie
ved
Ma
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CATEGORIES OF TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES RECEIVED The largest number of enquiries was from consumers requesting information regarding General Enquiries, Garnishee Orders, Financial Difficulties, Credit Bureau enquires and Debt Review process.
Quarter 2 Quarter 1 General Enquiries
249
114 84
Financial Difficulties
11 Garnishee Orders
67
42 Credit Bureaus
61 67
Debt Counselling
50
Payment Arrangement
21 Debt Consolidation Loans
104
35
30 26 20 18
Admin Order Complaints Against Attorneys
8
Summons
13
12 13
Cell Phone Providers
7 6
Vehicle Dealers/ Service Matters
5 7
Interest Dispute
5
Insurnace Matters
13
4 1 4
Balance Dispute Furniture
12
3 7
Settlement Amount
2 1
Pension Fund
1 0
Holiday Packages
1 4
Other
0
67 250
200
150
125
100
75
50
25
0
As indicated in the graph above there has been an increase of 17% in Q2 (653) of consumers seeking information when compared to Q1 (542). General enquiries still remain high when compared to other categories in both quarters.
ENQUIRY RESOLVED AND PENDING There has been a 13% increase in Q1 (648) of request form sent when compared to Q2 (561) of which Q2 (1539) requests were resolved when compared to Q1 (971) which increased by 36%. There was a decrease in the number of telephonic enquires resolved in June (271) when compared to March (294). Query converted to complaint increased in the month of April (328) and May (467) when compared to February (188) and March (132). Majority of these accounts belong to bulk disputes/complaints which have been resolved by the service initiation team in Q2.
Date
Jan
Feb
Mar
Q1 Total
Apr
May
Jun
Q2 Total
Teleponic Enquiries
90
136
294
520
173
234
271
678
Enquiries Converted to ...
91
188
132
411
328
467
32
827
FH Matter Resolved
40
0
0
40
22
10
2
34
Enquiries Resolved
221
324
426
971
523
711
305
1539
Resolved Quarter1
221
Resolved Quater 2
324
971
426
523
711
1539
305
1800
1600
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
REFERRED CASES There has been an increase in cases referred in Q2 (468) when compared to Q1 (287). Credit Ombud, Credit Bureau, NCR and Credit Providers are dominant when it comes to cases referred. The Credit Ombud is the highest with (139) in Q2 when compared to (66) in Q1 followed by NCR (103) for debt counselling, Credit Providers (88) and Credit Bureau (73). These increases in Q2 show the type of information consumers are seeking from the NDMA Helpline.
Quarter 2
139
Credit Ombud
66
Quarter 1 NCR / DCASA Refer to Credit Provider (CP)
41 73
Credit Bureau
32 29
Debt Collectors Council
7
103
85 88
18 21
Service Providers \ National Consumer Cimmission (NCC)
10
Law Society
16
6 6
Motor Industry Ombudsman
2 1
Ombudsman for Insurance Administration \ Legal Aid
0
Municipality
0 1 0 1
Rental Housing Tribunal
10
150
125
100
75
50
25
0
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SMS CALL BACK STATISTICS There has been a 3% increase of SMS call backs in Q2 (353) when compared to Q1 (343). The increase was driven by different media sources used to make consumers aware of our services. The majority of consumers are unreachable as their phones are on voice-mail which shows that they are mainly available after working hours. Different mediums were used in the both Q1 & Q2 and there was an increase in terms of responses received through Lesedi FM, Website, Press Releases, Taxi - Rank Poster, Radio Pulpit, Drum Magazine, Call me Cards, Leihlo la Sechaba, and unspecified.
Quarter 2
89
Consumer unreachable
Quarter 1
51
Complaint form and financial hardship sent to consumers
70
109 97
General enquiries
59 19
Consumer was referred to the Credit Ombud & Credit Bureau
33 52
Duplicate
19 Debt review matter
10
Consumer requested Consolidation
10 5
Administration
19 16
9
Unemployment
9
20
150
125
100
75
50
25
0
DISPUTE RESOLUTION The changing landscape necessitated that the NDMA to move away from the dispute resolution work done as part of our responsibilities under the Code of Conduct. Since May the team has had numerous meetings with stakeholders and they have been wrapping up and closing out on all cases and activities. During Q2 a total of 227 new cases were received of which the largest number was 122 for April and the numbers for May and June 73 and 32 respectively. The reduced inflow of disputes was expected due to the new Credit Provider Code of Conduct implementation in May 2013. The NDMA engaged with Credit Providers and agreed to a responsible referral process for new cases received to ensure that consumers and other stakeholders were not impacted negatively and the reputation of all the stakeholders not damaged. All disputes reported to the NDMA were resolved and the referral process is efficiently being executed. The team is looking forward to contributing and being an integral part of the new NDMA strategy and the exciting future of the NDMA.
DCRS The NDMA was responsible for managing the DCRS on behalf of the Credit Provider Industry and it was decided that this responsibility will be transferred to the Banking Association (BASA) after completion of a due diligence process which is in process. There was a total of 44 DCRS specific requests received from January to June 2013 and all the cases were concluded by mid July 2013. The NDMA’s responsibilities included: • Resolving DCRS service requests which included disputes, enquiries and complaints which originated mostly from Debt Counsellors followed by Credit Providers; • Developing and executing the DCRS improvement strategy; • Administrator functions; • Conducting DC and CP training; and • Reporting. All new DCRS service requests will be dealt with by Caroline Smith and the NDMA has agreed to confirm the referral with the complainant to ensure a smooth transition. The NDMA can confirm that all responsibilities have been handed over to BASA effective from mid July 2013. 12
CONSUMER EDUCATION REPORT NDMA SUPPORTS HEARTLINES MOVIE CAMPAIGN ‘NOTHING FOR MAHALA’ Nothing for Mahala , a movie on values and money, hits the big screen on the 4th of October in cinemas around South Africa, and is brought to the public by the award winning NGO Heartlines. The NDMA is proud to be a part of this project through its collaboration with Heartlines. The campaign is anticipated to reach and impact 12million people and will promote the NDMA and its services by screening a 3.5 second billboard of our logo and contact details at the end of the film. We will also be featuring in the campaign’s marketing, publicity, and media initiatives, and will participate in their training events. Nothing for Mahala examines an unlikely friendship between a young, misguided and money-hungry property agent, and a disillusioned old man. This comedy unveils an underlying propensity for good, and the sometimes long, heartwrenching, and dangerous road it takes to get there. The prevalence of over-indebtedness, unsecured lending, corruption and economic instability in our society, coupled with the growing need to measure one’s value in material things has driven Heartlines to produce their latest multimedia project. South Africans are reaping the consequences of their current attitudes and culture around money, which is something Heartlines is addressing. Nothing for Mahala aims to start a national dialogue that will challenge South African’s attitudes to money, backed by a campaign that will provide the tools to deal with money better. The campaign aims to reach at least 12 million people and positively change their attitudes, behaviours and skills related to earning, saving, spending and giving money away. This will impact on major social issues including crime, corruption, over-spending and job creation. It will also need to give people the tools to handle their money more wisely and to get out of debt. The project is being undertaken in partnership with other leading organisations in the sphere of financial literacy. In addition, those with resources are challenged to give more of their time, money and skills to help those who need it most. As the face of the campaign, through his roles in the movie, lead actor Thapelo Mokoena is hoping that this new role will have a deeper impact on the viewing public. Mokoena, who has played in roles in the UK series Wild at Heart and local series Generations, as well as a stint presenting Fear Factor is keen to spread this message and drive meaningful dialogue on these issues.
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FILMING OF INDEBT SEASON 2 IN FULL SWING! Production of SABC 1 reality show, InDebt is now in full swing with the months of April and May seeing the completion of the first 3 episodes of this 13 series show. Produced by acclaimed production house, Ochre Media, producers of the popular E-TV soapie, Scandal, InDebt Season 2 will be on our television screens from the second week of October 2013. Following the successful production of Season 1 and as a result of the mutually beneficial relationship carved during Season 1, the NDMA and Ochre Media entered into a collaborative partnership yet again for Season 2 of this unique reality series. The key components of the partnership include availing the services of the NDMA’s Consumer Education Specialist, Thoko Nchabeleng to be the host of the series under the title of ‘Debt Doctor’. The NDMA also provides assistance to characters featured in the series who are sent to the NDMA offices by the Debt Doctor to seek mediation assistance with their credit providers. The intervention is recorded on site at the NDMA offices with the NDMA’s Senior Case Officer, Elias Shamatla tasked with the responsibility of conducting successful interventions on behalf of the character. Commenting on her experiences so far, Thoko had the following to say: “With a 9 member crew running around Gauteng, we have become a formidable team. Just as much as we love doing what we do, there is never a day without its tale. Meeting different characters along the way, having to “think on the go” so they have confidence in this exposed type of assistance to their situation is definitely not easy’’, she says. The team is scheduled to wrap up recording at the end of August, do in-studio voice-overs in September, and then go on air in 2014.
WHO EXACTLY IS THE DEBT DOCTOR? The Debt Doctor is a no-nonsense consumer educator who helps people get out of debt by reviewing their financial standing and drawing up a plan. This plan is tailored to each character’s unique situation so no plan is the same. She focuses on the things that matter most and that will get relief the quickest. Thoko is a professional educator, speaker, motivator, facilitator, assessor, and moderator. She found her true passion when she started facilitating financial wellbeing programmes and was able to put her Diplomas in Accounting and Personnel Management to good use. Thoko is always looking at the bigger picture and is committed to changing lives, families and communities by helping people understand finances better. Ever passionate about financial matters, Thoko embraces every opportunity to create awareness and offer motivation for people to reach financial wellbeing. Thoko loves making waves in an industry that strives to empower the man on the street.
The Debt Doctor busy at work
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“
Success does not consist in never making mistakes but in never making the same one a second time George Bernard Shaw
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INDEBT CASE STUDY: SINGLE MOTHER OF TWO WHERE IT ALL STARTED: The recession that seemingly threatened everyone’s home and sense of security never affected this woman; it was between the years 2007 and 2008. Content and warm in the arms of her husband while surrounded by her children she was certain of a bright future. What followed slowly stripped her of an identity but also reminded her that the one she had might have not been her own. The other woman in their lives succeeded in firstly seducing her husband and father of her two sons now 16 and 12 years old. a) In 2009 her car started giving her trouble meaning she had to use money that she did not have. b) Then it got worse when her husband finally moved out during the soccer frenzy of 2010. c) She felt immense pressure being newly single with two young boys to take care of. d) The bread almost snatched off the table, her employer was then liquidated but luckily absorbed by another company which is now her current employer. In 2011 she became a permanent employee. What felt like a new start wasn’t enough, she explored ideas for extra income. Living off her credit cards was the first debilitating step. Then she bought a small truck to be used for test driving new drivers. She had someone else manage this for her and as a result she could not keep up with payments and so had the vehicle auctioned off. she attempted to do this herself with no success. This was an unregistered business. She is currently upgrading her studies doing project management; paid for by her employer! Her debt spiral started showing when she failed to keep up with payments for her Megane and found herself having to make arrangements for reduced instalments with the financing bank. Instead she took an option presented to her for a new Mazda 3 from a dealership that gave her 2months free instalments and only start paying in the 3rd month! In the meantime, the bank started claiming the shortfall of almost R60k after the truck was sold at an auction. Another Bank now handles her car and home loan. Through her EAP she was advised by an ICAS counsellor to utilize a certain Debt Counselling Firm, which she deems not entirely helpful. Having undergone debt review she still received a call from the Bank saying they have been granted a court order to repossess her car any day. She lives in Daveyton and works in Bryanston and also attends evening classes with her vehicle. She wrote to In Debt to help her as she felt that no one is prepared to come to her rescue!
THE IN DEBT JOURNEY: The objective of this journey is to give the character an opportunity to explore all avenues available to get relief from their financial hardship by giving them tasks that are related to what they are going through thereby realising the difference this can make. 16
TASKS FOR CONSUMER TO RESOLVE PROBLEM: a) DC process, where is it? Can she find out if she has a court order? If not why? If so, how come the repossession? b) Car repo: the VAF, can they substantiate the actual action e.g. Court order? How much has she paid, was this agreed to with the DC? If not, how can these be reversed? c) She owes more to one bank in the form of secured debt! Can she pay them a visit to hear how they can assist? d) Sending her to NCR to lay a formal complaint that she is unhappy with the DC process! If her car is threatened, what more her other unsecured debt – home loan? e) If she is concentrating on the car, then she might get surprises in the form of garnishee orders, while she thinks all is well! She needs to get her CREDIT REPORT and be sure that her Debt Counselling process shows. f ) Did she ever check the statements with PDA? How far has she paid! g) Balances that are lower than R3k will need to be paid as soon as possible! h) Back to her partner, is he maintaining the kids? She needs to get up and follow the due process so she can access what is due to her sons! i)
Does she understand that there could be “stuff” that she needs to get rid of? E.g. 2nd micro-oven, old clothes, etc.
j)
She said she has two outside rooms and one is occupied by her younger brother who is a student, can she get a tenant for the other one!
k) Apply for a School Fees Exemption for her two sons so she can be relieved from the R6k p.a. at R600 pm.
RESULTS: a) Debt Counselling Firm : They included Bank VAF even after the response from the creditors advised to exclude! Her matter is still not presented at court yet she is far more than 60days under Debt Counselling! Not what she would like to hear! b) Bank sent the sheriff with the Johannesburg High Court order to uplift the vehicle! InDebt to the rescue! She needs to go directly to the Bank! c) Bank decides to give her back the vehicle and reverse their court action at no cost to her except that she needs to remain under DC and pay R2 000 per month. So the DC must re-do the proposal! Good news! d) She got a tenant for R600 per month as additional income! e) H er ex-husband agrees to assist by paying off the school fees as soon as she can get the outstanding balance from the financial clerk at the school. He also offers to buy winter clothing for them, she is closing the clothing account, and there is definitely no need to buy clothes on credit when he is taking over this responsibility. f ) She is reducing her grocery bill from R2 000 per month to R1 200 so she uses the R800 to start paying off the divorce attorneys at least R400 per month and the outstanding transport fee for her sons.
IN DEBT OUTCOME TOTAL INCOME [ R16 378 + R 1000 ex-husband’s contribution + R600 rent income
R 17 978.00
LESS : LIVING EXPENSES
R 11 358.00
CREDITORS AND OTHER DEBT
R 4 849.00
EQUALS SURPLUS
R1 771.00
DEBT COUNSELLING STATUS: Debt Counselling Firm has indicated an intention of obtaining a court date soon so she gets her DC court order and is protected!
CONCLUSION: This case study is regarded as one of the successful ones among debt review cases we have done so far!
CHARACTER EPISODE Her episode has been shot as number 6 but not finalised. Changes are envisaged as per the SABC’s decision after final viewing! 17
MEDIA REPORT MEDIA Radio Pulpit: This radio station commands a Christian community of 158 000 listeners and this continually gives us an opportunity to reach out and continue to educate the communities. It is exciting to report that we have done almost 10 slots with them, where different topics have been covered i.e. debt management to over indebtedness and options thereof. It also needs to be noted that these interviews are currently done by Elias Shamatla, in place of the consumer education specialist who is currently occupied with the filming of InDebt. Thobela FM: Our Tuesday night slots with this station continue at 10:20pm -10:55pm where we discuss a number of topics within the industry. Their listeners also call in with specific questions that they have. Other radio & TV stations: Our organisation is continually receiving requests for interviews of topical issues e.g. credit amnesty, at any given time and we pride ourselves in honouring and partaking in those. Radio stations like Radio 702; Lesedi FM, television stations like eNCA, and SABC 1’s midday news, are confident that they their requests for comments on current topics are always welcomed.
EXHIBITIONS Once again, we got an opportunity to represent our organisation in two exhibitions over the period under review. The first one was at the NUMSA National Bargaining Conference held at The St George’s Hotel and Conference Centre in Irene, Pretoria on 17th & 18th April 2013. This was attended by almost 600 delegates who came from all over SA. Although not all of them visited our stall, the fact that we were strategically placed gives us confidence that delegates will remember our organisation and the message we stand for when they are faced with any debt related challenges. At the end of the two day exhibition, about 40 of the attendees took their time outside the conference to come chat and engage with us on their personal debt related challenges. The second exhibition was with the Government Communications (GCIS) in conjunction with the Office of the Premier (Gauteng) at Ekangala: Masakhane Community Centre on 9th March 2013 where we were met by a very friendly community. A total of 120 people visited our stall, asking various questions. 18
WORKSHOPS Ekurhuleni Metropolitan: April saw the completion of the Ekurhuleni World Consumer Month Celebrations. On the 9th April, we attended the Springs Municipal Employees Session with a total of 583 attendees and the 11th April 2013 we were in Germiston with 952 attendees. These were well organised and we must congratulate the organisers for this initiative. We hope that the employees will put to good use the information that we shared with them. YMCA - Pretoria: We received an invitation to participate in a workshop organized for Young Mamelodi Christian Adults on the 10th April 2013 on the topic of Debt Management. This is a group of young adults between the ages of 24 -32. They go to this centre twice a month whenever they are off duty to run workshops that uplift some of their unemployed peers and also approach organisations like the NDMA to speak to them on matters that affect them. We spent almost 4hrs with a group of 33 young adults. We can confirm that this was a very lively question and answer session after the presentation, where a lot of uncertainties were clarified. A good example was the question of building a good credit record, how does one do that and also why does the creditor reject or decline a credit application based on the fact that one does not have a credit record. The Limpopo Department of Economic Development: The NDMA attended workshops on the 14th and 17th May at Bela-Bela and Mokgopong respectively. These workshops were well organized, with the Bela-Bela group consisting of 53 attendees coming from health, NGO’s and ordinary community organisations in the area. The Mokgopong group comprised of employees of the Nature Reserve only, totalling 23 attendees. We also used the opportunity presented to issue our PCM SMS cards, shopping bags and the newly acquired budget record books and all attendees were happy to go away with a change of attitude towards debt, money and spending habits that they vowed to share with all their family members, acquaintances and friends.
SESSIONS Eastern Cape: Department of Economic Development 30th and 31st May 2013: This was organised in two separate venues i.e. Somerset East and Port Elizabeth at the Army Base. There was a total of 81 attendees, with 41 and 40 respectively, targeting government employees. Three organisations were present, namely NDMA; Council for Debt Collectors, and ABSA. The NDMA addressed issues of debt management as well as the options available to assist consumers while touching on debt counselling’s pro’s and con’s. The Western Cape Department of Correctional Services in Goodwood on 24 June 2013. A total of 223 attendees, under 35years of age, attended the event and comprised of prison warders and the youth from neighbouring schools. The sessions were very well organised and well attended. There were six external organisations invited, namely NDMA, Council for Medical Schemes, NCR, Youth Development Agency, Old Mutual, and ABSA. They also invited a motivational speaker, Mr Simo Mpungose from In Touch Seminars who spoke passionately about young people and their dreams! All organisations had an opportunity to present for 30mins to the audience and talk about their role in the consumer space. We were also provided with tables to display our marketing material and used the opportunity to interact directly with attendees.
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