Debtfreee DIGI January 2013

South Africa’s debt counselling magazine

KEEP

CALM AND GET DEBTFREE

January 2013 www.debtfreedigi.co.za

THE DEBT COUNSELLING INDUSTRY South Africa’s most popular site for debt counselling information and consumer advise for debt solutions.

Professional Indemnity - pi@thedci.co.za Life Cover - life@thedci.co.za Car Insurance - car@thedci.co.za Bank Cards - wellness@thedci.co.za Credit Reports - info@thedci.co.za

VISIT theDCI TODAY

www.thedci.co.za

DEBT COUNSELLING EXPLAINED Debtfree DIGI asked Debt Counsellor Octavia Hlatshwayo of Mzansi Debt Counselling to help explain the debt review or debt counselling process.

Debt Counselling is a process which was promulgated into law back in 2006. The Dept. of Trade & Industry conducted in-depth research to determine the causes of over indebtedness, reckless lending and better ways of dealing with debt. A decision was taken that Usuary Act and the Credit Agreement Act be withdrawn and be replaced with the new National Credit Act. The National Credit Regulator was the industry body tasked to regulate the entire credit market ie. Register Credit Bureaux, Credit Providers, Debt Counsellors and most importantly to ensure that they all conform and comply to the NCA. Debt review is part of the NCA in section 86 which allows a consumer with credit agreements with registered credit providers to apply for the restructuring of his/her accounts in an effort to alleviate the danger of having an impaired record, repossession of assets and still ensuring that debt obligation is fulfilled by the consumer. Once a consumer has consulted with a DC to discuss his/her financial status, a determination by the DC whether or not the consumer is over indebted. An over indebted

consumer will then formally apply by filling in application form through the DC disclosing his/her financial position. The DC will conduct income and expenditure assessment , propose new repayment instalments and terms to the consumer’s creditors. The DC will then refer the debt review application to a Magistrate to grant an order. Should all negotiations satisfy the court , an order will be granted and formal restructuring of all accounts will be finalised.

Required documents for the application are normally an ID Copy, 2 months bank statement, copy of credit report (the DC can help you get this) and Proof of Income. It is advisable that when one notices a negative imbalance in income and expenditure or if you start skipping or short paying accounts, that you immediately consult with a DC to seek a solution and recommend available remedies i.e revisiting your Budget , making adjustments in your life and possibly applying for Debt Review to safeguard your assets.

Debt Wise Solutions Debt review and distribution software.

Proud Software provider to DC Partner, Payment Distribution Agency.

https://debtwisesolutions.co.za

Administrators of the Debt Counselling Application Process

www.adcap.co.za

CONTENTS 07 Editors notes

Our Editor Zak King Speak his mind about what 2013 could hold for the industry.

09 News

All the latests events making headlines

14 You stole my money

18 Trillion rand coin?

20 Living on Less

Aircon vs open windows

22 Reduction in school fees

25 Announcement board

28 Debt counsellor profile

Octavia Hlatshwayo

30 Service Directory

All professionals have professional indemnity if the unforeseen happens.

Do you as a professional Debt Counselor have professional indemnity as stipulated by the ethical code?

contact us today for more information

0861 112 882 TELEPHONE 0861 112 882 FACSIMILE 086 605 9751 MOBILE 082 449 6856 andre@in2insurance.co.za

www.in2insurance.co.za

EDITOR’S NOTE The end of the year came and went in a blur.

You hardly had time to make a few resolutions before so much time had passed you had already broken them. Suddenly January is almost over. Wow, when did that happen?

While things have been relatively quiet on the debt counselling news front, business has been surprisingly hectic for Debt Counsellors so far this month. Many firms are reporting higher than ever numbers of consumers reaching out for help with their debt. This is not such a bad thing. Getting help is the first step on the road to financial rehabilitation. More rehabilitated consumers is better for the economy.

So many consumers await until their debt is totally out of control before looking for help.

It could be that more consumers are taking their debt serious and realising that sticking your head in the sand or borrowing from one creditor to pay another is not the best way to go.

2013 might just turn out to be ‘the year of the Debt Counsellor’. This months issue discusses one of the phrases that all Debt Counsellors hate to hear :”you stole my money”. Could SA mint a Trillion Rand coin like they were talking

about doing in the US? Check out the article and see how that would work. We also look at advise for cash strapped parents in regard to asking their school for a reduction in school fees. That’s in our Living on Less section along with some tips and bargains.

So before you go and break all your resolutions we hope that 2013 turns out to be a great year for all our readers and that this year you manage to take some big steps toward being debt free.

S im plicit y

Bitech is recognised as the leading Debt Counsellor software system supplier. 

Simplicity is rich in functionality and caters for all Debt Counsellor requirements effortlessly.



Simplicity is leading edge technology and Bitech stay at the forefront of development - we continue to lead the way!

Debt Review Software by

The Simplicity system is fully integrated with Hyphen PDA, which provides you, the Debt Counsellor, with an uninterrupted and efficient service with no manual intervention and in total control.

27(0)16 987as5004/ Bitech is recognised the leading Debt Counsellor software system supplier.

27(0)16 987 5006/ SomeCounsellor features ofrequirements the Simplicityeffortlessly. system are completely unique 27(0)16 987 2369  Simplicity is rich in functionality and catersfor all Debt unique, amongst others is the ability to create bitech.support@iafrica.com customised legal documentation instantaneously.  Simplicity is leading edge technology and Bitech stay at the forefront of development - we continue to lead the way!

Contact Bitech



www.bitechsystems.hypermart.net

 

27(0)16 987 5004/ 27(0)16 987 5006/ 27(0)16 987 2369

Bitech prides itself on its afterintegrated sales service and the PDA, The Simplicity system is fully with Hyphen support it provides Debt Counsellors asuninterrupted which provides you,tothe Debt Counsellor,- this withisan important as service the excellence the Simplicity product! and efficient with noof manual intervention and in total control.



Some features of the Simplicity system are completely unique unique, amongst others is the ability to create customised legal documentation instantaneously.



Bitech prides itself on its after sales service and the support it provides to Debt Counsellors - this is as important as the excellence of the Simplicity product!

Contact Bitech

bitech.support@iafrica.com www.bitechsystems.hypermart.net

p

d

a

Hyphen Technology (Pty) Limited is a member of the FirstRand Group 

Hyphen PDA is a division of Hyphen Technology (Pty) Limited, which is wholly-owned by the FirstRand Group - financial soundness is important when considering a PDA!



Hyphen PDA is at the top of its game and is unrivalled in the collections and payment space.

p

d

a

Contact Hyphen

 Hyphen PDA essentially operates with the use of banking 27(0)11 303 0060 extension 2 systems (iSeries PDA and Hyphen Technology (Pty)mainframe Limited is acomputers) member ofand thethe FirstRand Group Payments Engine are fully integrated - as a result you will seldom, ever, the of status of your collections or Limited, which is wholly-owned  Hyphen if PDA is aquery division Hyphen Technology (Pty) by the FirstRand Group pdaadmin@hyphen.co.za payments.

- financial soundness is important when considering a PDA!   

The reports areofeverything a Debt Counsellor Hyphen PDAgenerated is at the top its game and is unrivalled in the will need to manage the business reporting is immediate, collections and payment space. current and always available.

Hyphen PDA essentially operates with the use of banking

www.hyphen.co.za

Contact Hyphen

INDUSTRY

CONSUMER

NEWS FLASH For daily debt counselling news in 3 minutes or less visit www.debtfreedigi.co.za

NCR HAVE NOT APPOINTED CAPITAL DATA AS A PDA

In a recent Circular the NCR have announced that...the National Credit Regulator (“the NCR”) has not accredited Capital Software as a Payment Distribution Agency (PDA), and that it has not requested Capital Software to conduct any market research regarding the credit industry codes of conduct on its behalf.

The NCR has to date accredited four Payment Distribution Agencies to collect and distribute debt review funds on behalf of consumers namely: National Payment Distribution Agency; Consumer Protection Excellence; Hyphen Technology;and DC Partners. Debt counsellors are advised and requested to ensure that collection and distribution of debt review funds are done by these accredited PDAs. Failure to do so will be construed as non compliance to the conditions of registration.

2013 STARTS WITH A BANG

Though the month of January is only half way through, Debt Counselling firms are reporting increased numbers of applications for help this year compared to last year.

This is no wonder as country wide indebtedness levels have grown. Consumers have struggled to curb spending and have rather turned to loaning money to maintain their lifestyle choices. As the “average” South African takes on more debt they bring themselves closer

to financial disaster. Investec economist Annabel Bishop reports that the “average” SA household now has 31,8% more unsecured debt than a year ago. Neil Roets, CEO of the debt counselling firm Debt Rescue says that this January there had been more than double the number of deeply indebted individuals applying for relief through the debt review process compared to last year. TheDCI web portal also report higher than normal figures.

With “non stop” enquiries thus far this year.

DCASA REASSURE MEMBERS

The Debt Counsellors Association of South Africa have recently been the focus of some attention as their status as the leading Debt Counsellor association has come under threat with the NCR intent to withdraw it’s recognition of DCASA in terms of the industry code of conduct for Debt Counsellors.

In a statement to members and the public DCASA have said :’ DCASA has been part of the positive industry collaborations since 2007 and has delivered many creative solutions to Debt Counsellors and the debt review industry to streamline the statutory debt review process...

On 21 November 2012 the NCR threw a curve ball when they issued Circular 11. The cryptic nature of the circular made it impossible to understand the reasons, purpose and future vision of debt review...DCASA is a member of DRAC who engaged with the NCR in order to

NEWS CONT. understand the Circular and to seek possible solutions. This process is still ongoing. DCASA have said that if it is the intention [of the NCR] to remove the old 2009 Task Team Agreement this will increase systemic risks in the credit industry and will take debt review back to the chaotic times experienced prior to the implementation of the Task Team Agreement. ... The policy of constructive engagement to deliver result is the main reason why so many DCASA members have contacted DCASA during the last month to express confidence and appreciation...Based on economic realities more Consumers will need assistance in 2013 and DCASA members are prepared and ready to assist. For them it is business as usual.’

DEBT COUNSELLOR ASSOCIATIONS SPEAK OUT AGAINST THE NDMA, DCASA AND BAD PRESS FOR DEBT REVIEW

Various Debt Counsellor representative bodies have spoken out in support of the NCR and against what they say are recent slanted press releases about the NCR’s withdrawal of support for the industry codes of conduct: In a statement called “Debt Counselling Industry Strikes Back At “Interested Parties” and Press Puppets” They said that “The Debt Counselling Industry has united on all fronts to back the NCR’s intention to withdraw the codes and recognition from the NDMA, DCASA, PDASA and the Credit Ombud” . Industry associations and activists which include the Alliance of Professional Debt Counsellors (AllProDC), the Black Debt Counsellors Forum (BDCF), Debt Counselling Union (DCU) and the Debt Counselling Industry portal (the DCI), have united in support of the NCR and

their findings. The Alliance of Professional Debt Counsellors (AllProDC) has said that “Under new management, the NCR is seen to be reclaiming its statutory responsibilities, which includes keeping all interested parties such as debt counsellors, credit providers and consumers at arm’s length and to re-instate its jurisdiction over the debt review process and credit industry”. They feel that for years this industry has been” manipulated by certain Association’s and Bodies...” .The BDCF states, “we place on record that the negative publicity is a deliberate attempt to undermine legislative gains of our parliamentary system and negative publicity jeopardizes the opportunities and legal rights of the consumer to the detriment of the South African economy.” Adding it’s voice the relatively new Debt Counselling Union is of the opinion that “several sweeping statements have been made by DCASA, the NDMA and the press that are neither justified, nor substantiated.” All these associations concur that the “interested parties were not consumer driven but rather driven by money and power. They have attempted to deliberately mislead and hoodwink the public through misrepresentation in the press and have given deceptive information in an attempt to muddy the waters of the debt counselling industry.”

The group of Counsellors point to Gala Lunches held in Cape Town, Durban and Gauteng” whereby their attempt to entice a handful of reporters with false and misleading information has now led to the recent blasts of false reports. Certain reporters seem to be unusually influenced by the parties in question. They have failed to report objectively and have failed to correct mistakes that have been brought to their attention for many months. It seems as though this has been a deliberate smear

don’t be a twit

http://twitter.com/Debtfree_DIGI

campaign against the NCR, their findings and any activists who have stood up against BASA, the NDMA or DCASA’s tactics.” The BDCF notes “with disappointment the lack of impartiality the media orchestrates in support of shooting down successful legislation such as the NCA and that negative reporting is tantamount to irresponsible journalism.” “It is the opinion of the DCU that the NCR made the correct decision with regard to the codes.” “Credit providers would best serve their interests by adhering to the NCA instead of holding themselves to be above the law” says the All Pro DC. Deborah Solomon of theDCI agrees by stating that “five years on, the banks have only ever window dressed the debt counselling process and are still yet to embrace the idea and the law.”

She says those speaking out in favour of the NCR’s announcement “are now the voice of this industry and represent more than 85% of all practicing Debt Counsellors.” She goes further to say:” Our joint recommendation, on the alternative solution that these interested parties seek, would be to get the banks to start respecting, applying and abiding by the law.

This simple first step would solve at least 80% of all industry problems.”

BASA RENEGE ON THEIR WORD?

A short time ago there was a large upheaval about the situation in Marakana. In typical fashion the banks (BASA) quickly made promises it now seems they do not intend to keep. At the time the issues surrounding garnishee orders came to the fore and after a lot of media focus on the abuses and inaccuracies of the system BASA issued a statement saying they would not make use of these in the future.

African Bank & Capitec have now come out and admitted to their intent to continue using this system until someone shows them something better. In meetings with the National Treasury they have only agreed to start talks and run some focus groups and studies about other options but they have admitted to their intent to continue using these in the meantime.

The National Treasury are not impressed. The Treasury’s chief director for Financial Sector Development, Ingrid Goodspeed, told the media that the BASA statement was very clear in its wording in that signatories had committed not to use garnishee orders at all. Now they are going back on their word. It seems that this may once again simply have been a piece of media manipulation on the part of BASA members and that once again BASA have made promises it’s members don’t intend to keep. It will now probably be up to various outside parties to try force BASA to keep their word.

Daily news items on Debtfree DIGI. The news in 3 min or less. www.debtfreedigi.co.za

PAGE 18

LIVING ON LESS Reduced School Fees

NEXT PAGE 12

YOU STOLE MY MONEY

CONSUMER

�You stole my money�

There are few phrases that a Debt Counsellor ever wants to hear less than this particular unfounded accusation. It really cuts a Debt Counsellor to the heart when a consumer, that they have been helping, suddenly turns around and says these painful words. Unfortunately it seems that almost every Debt Counsellor in the country has faced this accusation at one stage or another.

called Debt Counsellors who took money from consumers and then did not deliver a service to consumers. This lead to them being removed from the profession and such occurrences have been rare since. The debt counselling field is now full of qualified professionals with lots of experience.

Why do consumers make this claim?

Mainly this accusation is made when consumers Why do some consumers feel this way and find a discrepancy between what they have what can Debt Counsellors do to avoid been paying and what a creditor tells them is consumers coming to this conclusion? their balance. In some cases consumers have It must be said that many years ago their been fed this story by devious collection agents were one or two examples of unscrupulous so or slanderous creditors. Also many consumers

think that Debt Counsellors actually handle may be in contempt of the order. their money somehow.

Debt Counsellors are neutral parties in the debt review process. They do not favour consumers How to avoid this accusation nor any particular creditor. They draft proposals It is important to educate consumers who to court and allow a magistrate to restructure enter the process to some of the challenges the debt. They facilitate the instructions as that exist. First off, if the Debt Counsellor per the court order to a Payment Distribution recommends that the consumer make use Agency and do not handle funds. Most spend of a Payment Distribution Agency to handle many hours trying to help creditors see the the money side of things then it needs to be benefit of accepting the plan and capturing clearly stated to the consumer that the Debt correct balances and account numbers. They Counsellor does not ever touch the consumers appear at court and help consumers with good money. This point cannot be over stressed. budgeting advice and counsel at a tough time Debt Counsellors create the plan and the PDA in their lives. When a consumer suddenly turns make payments. Due to poor service delivery by around after all this hard work and says: “ You PDA’s problems can arise and Debt Counsellors stole my money”, it hurts. So Debt Counsellors should not be shy to help consumers take the make sure your clients know who handles matter up with the NCR and to take legal action their money and consumers learn about the under the Consumer Protection Act against process and check on your creditors to ensure these service providers. that they are doing their part. Don’t believe a total stranger (from a call centre) who claims Consumers should also be made aware of the to be from a creditor and makes unfounded inadequacies of most credit providers software accusations over your Debt Counsellor who in showing debt review related matters. has been there for you for months and years.

Consumers need to be warned that many Learn all the facts before making such hurtful creditors including the large banks are very bad claims. at allocating funds from the PDA to the right Do not give a person claiming to be a Debt accounts (for some weird reason). This results Counsellor money without having visited their in discrepancies between PDA statements and office and seeing their certificate from the NCR creditor statements. displayed. Make sure you are able to contact These discrepancies should be detected as their offices via phone. Debt Counsellors early as possible. If a creditor does not provide should have a office land line and not just a a monthly statement to the consumer the Mobile number. Check on theDCI website or consumer should complain. Further once a on the NCR to ensure they are registered. Some consumer has their debt restructuring Court consumers choose to rather deal with Debt Order then 2 weeks after the Creditor has been Counsellors who use Payment Distribution served notice of the Court Order the consumer Agencies and don’t handle funds directly. should go draw a statement to ensure that the If asked to hand over funds on the first visit creditor is complying with the Order. If not the beware! matter should be taken further as the creditor

insurance done right Call us 086 126 6562 Marijke Wessels Portfolio Manager, Gauteng, KZN & Free State Mobile 082 729 3833 Email marijke.w@one.za.com Sam Haasbroek Portfolio Manager, Western, Eastern Cape & Northern Cape Mobile 082 550 7294 Email sam.h@one.za.com

www.one.za.com One is an authorised financial services provider – FSP 8783

Introducing 1Web e!

harg c f o E

FRE

Over the last few years we have witnessed numerous insurance companies enter the debt review industry. Given the fact that most Debt Counsellors are not FSB registered, the insurance aspect has been very challenging.

Considering the impact of insurance, or the lack there of, on an already struggling consumer, DC`s more often than not are faced with the question of insurance during the interview process and on an on-going basis.

DC`s have entered into various arrangements with insurers or brokers and referred this aspect of their business to them. This function is very much “outside� of the DC`s business and separated from their control, which in itself can add to their frustration.

Introducing 1Web, a system that enables you, the DC, to capture all relevant client info including financial obligations and commitments, and thereby obtain the cost of Credit Life insurance embedded into the agreement. Further to this, by the click of a button, the info is referred to a financial adviser who will call your client and discuss all his/her insurance requirements. The client however will always remain under your business profile which creates total transparency and control for you.

Various reports can be generated e.g. fee statements, credit control on premiums, claims, endorsements etc. This places you in total control of your client’s financial portfolio except for the FAIS aspect. Should a client not pay his credit life premium or vehicle insurance premium you will be the first to know which gives you the opportunity to liaise with credit providers from an informed position.

All this at no cost!

Please chat to one of the Portfolio Managers at One Insurance.

Could South Africa Mint

The minting of a “trillion dollar coin� has become a sensation in the US, with almost every major news publication reporting on it.

The minting of a trillion dollar coin has become a real and serious approach to alleviating the US debt crisis. It also provides insight into how other nations could possibly satisfy their debt as well.

for the US treasury to mint a coin or to print currency. This is the role of the Federal Reserve Bank. However, an exception is made for commemorative coins that are made out of platinum, and only platinum. The US Treasury would mint such a coin, place a value of R1 trillion dollars on it, and deposit it with the Federal Reserve Bank. The US government could then write cheques against that asset.

So the big question is this: Could South Africa Because the amount of platinum would be do it too? very small (probably just a few hundred grams), the value of the coin would therefore have the To begin that answer, it is important to know same effect as printing money. how and why a trillion dollar coin could be a reality in the US. Ordinarily, it is not possible Secondly, like the US dollar, the South African

a Trillion Rand Coin?

Rand is a currency that does not have a commodity backing it. This is known as “fiat” currency, which is derived from the Latin “let it be done” or “it shall be.” Thanks to this principal, the Federal Reserve Bank is already “doing it” by using a process called Quantitative Easing (QE). Currently they are printing US$85 billion per month.

It must be noted that currency is usually not created in this manner, and QE is always considered a drastic step. Not as drastic, however, as the “trillion dollar coin idea” which was eventually rejected by the Whitehouse, but not by scholars and lawyers.

In South Africa, cash and coins are minted and printed by the South African Reserve Bank. This money then becomes part of the reserve used by commercial banks to make loans to people and businesses. The issuing of ‘paper money’ (fiat currency) attracts a printing cost and a specialised tax to the government, referred to as a seignorage. For example, the purchase of a printed R10 note could equate to R0.75c in printing costs, and the seignorage would be R10.00 x 0.15% = R0.015. The total cost of the note would therefore be R0.765. The remaining value of the R10 note would be backed by “letters of credit,” in other words debt or loan agreements, made to and by banks. As such, receiving a loan form a bank is equivalent to issuing currency because only a small portion of money loaned actually existed with the bank when the loan was made.

The purchase of money by a commercial bank is only a book-entry in the accounts held at the South African Reserve Bank. Thus, a R1 billion note could conceivably be debited to XYZ Bank. So it is possible to print a R1billion note.

Zimbabwe issued notes of which one was ZD$1 Billion with an expiry date printed on the note.

The point I am making is this: Money is usually issued as debt. In other words, new money injected into the system must be borrowed into existence. Interest is charged on this borrowed money. With QE, or the minting of a trillion rand coin, that money would not necessarily be issued as debt. It would be created by our government and spent by our government without the need to ever repay it back. If the South African government were to consider this, there would be a furious debate as to its effect on the economy and the ability or necessity of a government to wield such power.

So, my short answer to the question can South Africa mint a trillion rand coin to pay its debts? … would be “yes.”

http://www.newera.org.za/

CONSUMER

LIVING ON LESS Times are tough and we all need to make our money stretch these days. As the cost of living increases it seems that, come the end of the month, there is always a little less cash left to enjoy life with.

The Living on Less is a section of Debtfree DIGI which looks at ways wise consumers can keep their living expenses down and save funds.

We also consider ways to still have some fun for less.

Living on Less is about spotting a great deal and letting others know.

It’s about changing our mind set to reflect the reality that times are tough and we need to get savvy.

Sure times are tough but you can still have fun while Living on Less.

CONSUMER

AIR-CON VS OPEN WINDOWS With summer here and warming us up, you may have wondered if it is best to run your Air-con or to rather roll your car windows down?

You might obviously choose one option or another but don’t jump to conclusions.

Well, many publications and even TV shows like Myth Busters have tried to get the answer to this question. The results have been confusing.

While using Air- con definitely uses more fuel than not using it, increased drag because of open windows also uses more fuel.

“Drag” is the force exerted on the car as it moves through the air. The rule of thumb is: the faster one goes the more the “drag” increases.

This means that you have to use more forward force, which in turn means using more petrol.

It seems the consensus is that if you are travelling in town at lower speeds, stopping and then starting and then stopping etc. it is best to ride with the windows down and the Air-con off. Then while driving at speed ( for example on the Highway) it is probably more economical (and better for your hairstyle) to run the Air-con.

ASK FOR A REDUCTION IN SCHOOL FEES

You may be struggling to cover all your costs.

Maybe you have had help from a professional like a Debt Counsellor in reworking your budget and have reduced all unnecessary spending. However what if you still cant make ends meet. Well, if you have kids at school and you are struggling to meet your obligations one option is to approach the school and ask for a school fee reduction.

Reduction or even exemption from paying school fees is included in the South African Schools Act of 1996. Chapter 3: Public Schools.

It has a fancy formula for working out who qualifies and a chart showing the level of reduction.

The formula looks like this: E = 100(F+A) C Explaining the formula Maybe the formula looks like gobbledygook to you at first but you can work it out with a little more info.

E = School fees as a percentage of the parents income. Ultimately the percentage relates to how much of a reduction you would qualify for.

F = Annual school fees for 1 child (if there are more than 1 child, the highest amount is to be used) A = Any additional amount that the parents have to pay to the school, over and above the school fees

C = Joint gross annual income of the parents Here is an example: F = School fees – R6000 per annum A = None C = Joint gross annual income of the parents R60 000 The result is E = 10% Reading Section 6(3) and the tables provided (see our reference section in this article from the Act) the result shows that these parents qualify for a 100% exemption of the school fees.

Maybe you won’t qualify for a full 100% exception but a reduction might be possible.

The most important thing you need to know is that this application needs to be done before the end of February. Talk to your school at once to see how you can apply.

South African Schools Act of 1996.

Chapter 3: Public Schools http://debtfreedigi.co.za/references/

to view the act click here

SPOTTED Perhaps you need to provide your kid with a cheap mobile phone to stay in touch or maybe your phone has been damaged or stolen. This month our staff spotted this good deal* on a pay as you go phone at Dischem.

R69 *Deal spotted during the month. The supplier may have changed their prices by the time we go to print. Go check it out to see for yourself if it is still available.

don’t be a twit

http://twitter.com/Debtfree_DIGI

DEBT COUNSELLORS ASSOCIATIONS ANNOUNCEMENT BOARD

DCU

No announcements

No announcements

No events pending

No events pending

www.dcasa.co.za

www.newera.org.za

No announcements NEXT MEETING 21st February 2013 Gauteng Contact: ohlatshwayo@bdcf.co.za

www.bdcf.co.za

No events pending

www.allprodc.org

DebtWise Tutorial DebtWise is constantly looking for ways to help our Debt Counsellors lives simpler. Our system now has improved SMS functionality. We look at 3 of the SMS options on our system.

Debt Counsellors can generate notification SMS’ while working on consumers Form 17.1 and 2s

The Form 17’s sms’s

1.

Applicant documents:

2.

Scroll down to “SMS”

Another otpion that Debt Counsellors have while using the DebtWise system is to send a consumer an SMS at antime using the SMS function All the DC has to do is select: Other Options and SMS, then you can choose the template you would like to use, by choosing from the dropdown box and choosing your template and click on “use” to allow the template to appear.

4. SMS function will pop up with a template that correlates with the specific document chosen:

(Please note that the template is editable and could be amended as required.)

An additional tick can be placed to send it to the secondary applicant/spouse, if required.

What if the expected payment from the consumer has not come in? Well now the DC can send a Default SMS for Non-Payment:

This SMS function is to make life easier for the Debt Counsellor to contact the client’s that are in Default and this template is also editable, for example, should it not be the client’s first payment, the word “first” can be removed.

Debt Wise Solutions Debt review and distribution software.

Proud Software provider to DC Partner, Payment Distribution Agency.

https://debtwisesolutions.co.za

DEBT COUNSELLOR PROFILE

Octavia Hlatshwayo Mzansi Debt Counselling www.mzansidc.co.za

How long have you been a DC? since February 2008. We are founder members of the Black Debt Counsellors Forum which seeks to address the imbalances in our industry and to promote Black Economic Empowerment.

Counsellors at the moment?

Debt Counselling is under threat hence the formation of the Black Debt Counsellors Forum which was formed as a result of VDMS pilot project driven by the NDMA. The other is the twin peak agreement between the National What did you do before becoming a Treasury and BASA which seek to offer DC? alternative to combat over indebtedness in I worked for STD bank, Ombudsman for our country. However of note is that the very Banking Services and then join the NCR in 2006 concerned party is the cause and contributor as a complaint officer. to over-indebtedness of consumers in our country by providing unsecure lending to Do you have a small/medium/large DC consumers which has risen in alarming rate. company?

Creditors such as banks they now offer debt Small. In 2008 I was the finalist in Talk Radio relief programmes to consumers and debt 702 Small Business Awards with Softline Pastel consolidation which is really not a solution to for exceptional customer service. address over-indebtedness as debt counsellors now are restructuring even consolidation loans What makes your business a success?

Passion is my drive as it makes me to believe Some creditors also approach consumers in what I do, no matter what challenges ahead offering them reduce payments as a result of me. Having been in the employ of OBS & decide to withdraw from debt review process.

NCR which focus on consumer rights and protection, has equipped me to stand and What advice do you have for consumers protect consumers despite challenges and just under debt review? focus Do not default while under debt review. If encountering problems with payment rather Where do you find new business? talk to your debt counsellor. Do not make This is a tough industry where survival of the separate arrangements with a credit provider business depends on monthly new applications before discussing with your DC. Contact your and as such marketing is vital however very DC as soon as your financial circumstances costly. When business was doing well, Mzansi changes for better in order to offer more to Debt Counselling made a mark by embarking your creditors thus reducing the terms. Refer on aggressive marketing which paid off slowly. all legal documents received while under Word of mouth is very powerful as we strive debt review process to your DC immediately. to provide the best service to our clients even Request and check your payment distribution though sometimes the system, NCA and report monthly in order to notify your DC if creditors do let us down. there is any discrepancy sooner than later Get your court order? Creditors only restructure What is the biggest challenge facing Debt accounts after receiving a court order

SERVICE DIRE DEBT COUNSELLING AA Debt Counselling Centre Anthea Johannes NCRDC531 Tel: +27 (0) 21 982 0522 Cell: +27 (0) 84 402 7032 Alan Watts NCRDC 962 NCR registered Debt Counsellor Tel: 084 4448439 Fax: 086 6501954 alan@active-debt-counselling.co.za www.active-debt-counselling.co.za Central SA Debt Counsellors 082 950 7806 Fax: 086 563 1621 Consumer Assist Johann Vermeulen Tel: 0861 628 628 Credit Matters 021 431 9100 info@creditmatters.co.za CS Debt Counselling Bernidene Smith NCRDC 764 057 352 4115/352 5000 Welkom - Free state Darran Manikam NCRDC704 debt@mailbox.co.za Debtbusters 0861 663 328 (NO DEBT) Debt Budget Tel: 021 824 8885 Debt Solve Debt Counsellors Office: 033 397 0945

DEBTINC NCRDC’s 1071, 1188, 1189.

Tel: (022) 713-2021 Fax: (022) 713-2028 Share Call: 0861 20 21 20 E-mail: Info@debtinclusive.co.za Website: www.debtinclusive.co.za SMS: HELP to 35075

Debt Rescue Neil Roets NCR DC 474 Cell: 083 644 7406 Tel: 0861 800 009 Fax: 086 523 0617 E-mail: admin@debtrescue.co.za www.debtrescue.co.za

DebtSafe 0861 100 999 Debt Serious We are serious about debt Vida Scheepers NCRDC1792 Po box 394, Garsfontein, Pretoria 0042 Fax no: 086 553 9403 vscheepers@mweb.co.za Debt Rehab Colleen Van Wyk(BCom, LLB) Debt Counsellor NCRDC2619 Tel: 083 290 0848 Tel: 011 740 7374 Fax: 086 716 9694 Website: http://debtrehab.co.za Debt eezy Your Debt Solution made Easy Ashley Carstens NCRDC858 Tel: 021 839 2809 Fax: 083 512 4160 / 086 665 9125 Email: debt.eezy@gmail.com Website: www.thedci.co.za

Debt Management & Counseling Services “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”

- Nelson Mandela Derry Burge NCRDC108 140 Irene Avenue, La Concorde, Somerset West, 7130 Tel: 021 855 5997 Cell: 074 177 5375 Fax: 021 855 1195 or 0865413200 E-mail: dburge@telkomsa.net Durban Debt Counselling Services Suite 112, 1st floor Union Club Building 353 Sm ith Street Durban, 4001 Tel: 031 301-7893 Fax: 031 301-5809 phumla.ngema@telkomsa.net

ECTORY Debt Counselling South Africa Cape Town Branch Tel: 021 919 66 94 Rod De Witt NCRDC831 Visit: www.debtcounsellingsa.co.za

Fair Finance Solutions Your debt is our priority Amanda Fair Registered Debt Counsellor NCR946 553 Jacqueline Drive Garsfontein Pretoria Tel: 0861 26 26 32 Fax: 082 921 7093 Cell: 086 564 3674 amanda@fairdebtcounselling.co.za www.fairdebtcounselling.co.za Fincorp debt Counsellors cc Cecilia Zwarts fincorpdc@yahoo.com Holistic Debt Counsellors info@holisticdc.co.za

Help-U-Debt (Parys) Marilouise 082 920 6249 Help-U-Debt (Vanderbijlpark) Herma 083 320 8303 Incentive Debt Counselling “Paving the way to a Debt Free Tommorrow” Darran Manikam NCRDC704 Tel: (031) 409 9379 Fax: (031) 409 1327 Cell: 0845898286 Branches: Phoenix and Shallcross Indigo debt counsellors CC Tel: 087 808 9734 Fax: 086 580 8675 indigodc@iburst.co.za MG Consulting Strand - Helderberg Area Telkom : 021 853 4537 Mobile Phone: 082 450 7459 Fax Number: 0866 220 690 E-Mail: info@mgconsulting www.mgconsulting.co.za

Helpdesk Debt Counsellors Allan Hoffman Tel: 0861 000 754 Help-U-Debt (Vaal Triangle) Wanine Tel: 082 445 3967 Help-U-Debt (Potchefstroom) Madra 083 390 3275

Mzansi Debt Counselling Octavia Hlatshwayo Tel: 011 868 1185 Fax: 0861 00 22 70 octavia@mzansidc.co.za www.mzansidc.co.za

The best angle to approach debt is the Triangle Caledon - Western Cape Contact Person: Yolande 8 Hoop Street, 7230 Caledon caledon@triangletrust.co.za Tel: 028 212 2537 Ceres - Western Cape Leyll str 61, 683 Ceres andre@triangletrust.co.za Tel: 023 312 1292 Fax: 023 312 2119 Worcester - Western Cape 71 Porter Street 6850 Longitude: 19.44305 Latitude: -33.64942 worcester@triangletrust.co.za Tel: 0233420576 Fax: 086656801 Bloemfontein - Free State 94 Zastron, 9301 Bloemfontein Contact Person: Yolande bloemfontein@triangletrust.co.za Tel: +27 51 448 2828 Fax: +27 51 447 9481 Viljoenskroon - Free State 35 Denyssen Street, 7230 Contact Person: Johann Olivier viljoenskroon@triangletrust.co.za Phone: +27 56 343 0352 Fax: +27 56 343 035 Welkom – Free State 329 Stateway, 9460 Welkom Contact Person: Susan Roux Email: welkom@triangletrust.co.za Tel: +27 57 352 6117 Fax: +27 57-352 2355

SERVICE DIRE EASTERN CAPE: DRS ALBANY Office: 041 373 9693 Email: dcfull@drssa.co.za BORDER REGION: DRS BEACON BAY Johan Pretorius Cell: 082 324 4038 Office: 043 748 1139 DRS BUFFALO CITY Herman Marias Cell: 082 378 3743 Office: 043 7210652 DRS KING WILLIAMS TOWN Herman Marais Cell: 082 378 3743 Email: herman@drssa.co.za DRS CRADOCK Office: 043 721 0652 DRS QUEENSTOWN Herman Marais Cell: 082 378 3743 Email: herman@drssa.co.za DRS MTHATHA Herman Marais Cell: 082 378 3743 Email: herman@drssa.co.za

DRS PORT ELIZABETH Derryn Fish Cell: 084 515 6135 Office: 041 453 8961 Email: derryn@drssa.co.za

DRS ALGOA Marius Weyers Cell: 083 497 3219 Email: marius@drssa.co.za

DRS SIDWELL EXPRESS Keith Le Roux Cell: 073 207 1675 Office: 041 451 0474 Email: Keith@drssa.co.za

DRS BOND CHOICE Andrea Atkinson Office: 041 393 7000 Email: andrea.atkinson@drssa.co.za

DRS SOMMERSET EAST Luther De Bruyn Cell: 082 568 2970 Office: 042 243 1107 Email: luther@drssa.co.za

DRS CENTRAL EXPRESS Derryn Fish Office: 041 373 9693586 2020 Email: derrynfish@drssa.co.za DRS DESPATCH Isabe Landman Cell: 072 337 3328 Office: 041 933 1189 Email: isabe@drssa.co.za DRS HUMANSDORP Morne Steyn Cell: 083 298 8182 Office: 042 291 0135 Email: Morne@drssa.co.za DRS NKONKOBE (Fort Beaufort) Bernadine von der Decken Cell: 083 2859289 Office: 046 645 1898 Email: bernadine@drssa.co.za DRS KIRKWOOD Keith Le Roux Cell: 073 207 1675 Office: 041 451 0474 Email: keith@drssa.co.za

DRS UTENHAGE Lynn Lindoor Cell: 083 7174 183 Email: Lynnl@drssa.co.za FREESTATE: DRS GOLDFIELDS (Welkom) Irvin Billy (Derryn Fish) Cell: 072 114 4427 Office: 081 319 0083 Email: Billy@drssa.co.za DRS MANGAUNG Amanda Johnson Office: 041 373 9693 Email: dcfull@drssa.co.za DRS FOREISTATA EXPRESS (Bloemfontein) Derryn Fish Office: 041 373 9693 Email: dcexpress@drssa.co.za

ECTORY DRS SOUTH FREESTATE Nelmarie De lange Cell: 079 236 3615 Office: 053 591 0734 Email: nelmarie@drssa.co.za GARDEN ROUTE:

DRS PRETORIA NOORD Office: 041 373 9693 Email: dcfull@drssa.co.za DRS ROODEPOORT EXPRESS Derryn Fish Office: 041 373 9693 Email: dcexpress@drssa.co.za

DRS DE AAR Veronique Louw (Derryn Fish) Cell: 076 382 2020 Office: 053 631 1189 Email: deaar1@drssa.co.za

DRS RUSTENBURG Amanda Johnson Office: 041 373 9693 Email: dcfull@drssa.co.za

DRS GEORGE Francois Van Zyl Cell: 079 522 1930 Office: 044 874 2820 Email: francoisv@drssa.co.za

KWA ZULU NATAL:

DRS EDEN (Hartenbos) Bruno Mertsch Tel: 042 291 1083/4 Email: brunom@drssa.co.za GAUTENG: DRS CENTURION EXPRESS Amanda Johnon Office: 041 373 9693 Email: dcfull@drssa.co.za DRS LYNNWOOD Junique Julius Office: 012 807 4339 Email: lynnwood1@drssa.co.za DRS PRETORIA EXPRESS Ben Vermeulen Cell: 082 442 8654 Office: 012 331 2145 Email: bverm@lantic.net

DRS GREYVILLE Vyas Juggernath Cell: 083 206 0300 Office: 031 309 8716 Email: vyas@drssa.co.za DRS KOKSTAD Melanie Louwrens Cell: 083 269 0424 Office: 039 727 1430 Email: melanie@drssa.co.za DRS MORNINGSIDE DURBAN Erica Mtshali (Amanda Johnson) Cell: 076 578 8660 Office: 031 301 5990 email ericah@drssa.co.za DRS PHOENIX Vyas Juggernath Cell: 083 206 0300 Office: 031 309 8716 Email: vyas@drssa.co.za

DRS PIETERMARITZBURG Sanele Zulu Cell: 083 543 3487 Office: 033 394 8319 Email: sanele@drssa.co.za WESTERN CAPE: DRS BELLVILLE Patricia Bekker Office: 021 948 8523 / 4 Email: patricia@drssa.co.za DRS DIAMOND Clive Palmer Office: 021 421 8563 Email: clive@drssa.co.za DRS TYGERBERG Craig Lakey Cell: 082 627 0957 Office: 021 945 4062 Email: craiglakey@drssa.co.za DRS WEST COAST Marius Coetzee Cell: 082 978 4407 Office: 022 713 3766 Email mariusc@drssa.co.za DRS SALDANHA Marius Coetzee Office: 022 713 3766 Email: mariusc@drssa.co.za DRS SOLUTIONS Christelle de Villiers Cell: 084 586 5600 Email: cdv@vodamail.co.za

SERVICE DIRE NDA Debt Counsellors Your Trusted Debt Counsellors Gary Williams (NCRDC 143) Tel: 034 315 3880 Fax: 086 612 4112 gary@ndad.co.za www.ndad.co.za

Penny Wise Debt Counselling Cathy Foster Debt Counsellor - NCRDC1977 Tel: (011) 794 9912 Fax: 086 719 3378 Mobile: 083 298 4467 Email: cathy@pennywise.co.za www.pennywise.co.za Rihanyo Debt Counselling (012) 804 50 57 SFA Debt Relief Consultants Adri de Bruyn NCRDC998 11 Market Street / Markstraat 11, Paarl, 7646 Tel: 021 872 1968 Fax: 021 872 2678 adri@sfadebtrelief.co.za Think Green Debt Counselling Sandi Pauw sandipauw@mweb.co.za Tel : 012 991 6638 Cell : 082 460 7800 Fax : 086 219 2615

U-Win Debt Counsellors Coreli Roos - NCR DC 509 Aliwal North, Burgersdorp, Bethulie, GariepDam, Smithfield, Springfontein Cell:079 626 66241 croos@global.co.za Zuné Coetzer Debt Counsellors NCRDC 1599 24 van der Stel Street, Dan Pienaar Bloemfontein Tel: 051-4364515 Fax: 086 5870 845 Email: zunecoetzer1@gmail.com SUPPORT SERVICES Staff Line Ndizani Executive Recruitment Cell no: 083 3028163 Direct Line: (011) 468 - 2150 E- Mail: saki@staffline.co.za

TRAINING Compuscan Academy 0861 51 41 31 www.compuscanacademy.co.za You & Your Money Western Cape: NCR Debt Counsellor Training: For a Cutting Edge Course with practical input contact: You & Your Money Dawn Jackson Dawnjackson.training@telkomsa. net Cell: 072 1769789 (021) 761 3287 FINANCIAL ABSA Customer Debt Repair Line 0861 005 901 Credit Ombudsman 0861 662837 Experian 011 799-3400 debtcounsel@experian.co.za

Information resources & services www.thedci.co.za Designtimes South Africa’s creative resource www.designtimes.co.za

Eric Streso Financial Planner B Juris LL B CFP MBA Tel: 0833273358 Fax: 086 612 7912 Fair Debt 0829019788 or 012-3772558 ray@fairdebt.co.za

ECTORY PACFIN Financial Solutions Head Office Tel: +27 11 9757445 Fax: 0865368783 36 Van Riebeeck road Kempton Park 1619 pieter@pacfin.co.za Monte Carlo Building No 8 Voortrekkerstreet Kempton Park 1619 Kempton Park Contact: Reyno Coetzee Tel: +27 11 3945363 Fax: 0866048002 Cell: +27 73 3690884 kemptonpark@pacfin.co.za Boksburg / Germiston Contact: Armand Posthumus Tel: +27 11 8921911 Fax: 0865620378 Nelspruit Contact: Ann Baker Tel: +27 13 7415559 Fax: 0880 1374 15559 Cell: +27 82 9024236 jeleroux@telkomsa.net Springs Contact: Wynand Mclachlan Tel: +27 11 8113728 Fax: +27 11 8113728 Cell: +27 83 2754014/5 wynmc@telkomsa.net

STD Bank Debt review Helpline Telephone: 0861 111 402 TransUnion 0861 482 482 Thinkmoney Financial comparison website Contact: Gareth Mountain Tel: 079 0996 798 www.thinkmoney.co.za WIZARD Vereeniging Making Mortgage Magic Wanine Smit Tel:+27 16 454 1132 Fax:+27 86 686 3678 Cell:+27 82 445 3967 www.wizard.za.com FINANCIAL PLANNING Eric Streso Financial Planner B Juris LL B CFP MBA Tel: 0833273358 Fax: 086 612 7912 LEGAL

Gooseberry Business Advisory Tel: 012 644 0589 Nedbank Debt Rehabilitation & Recoveries Services 0860 109 279

LUCID Attorneys Tel: 011 880 1100 Fax: 011 880 1101 Email: info@lucidsa.com www.lucidliving.co.za/attorney

O’Connell & Associates Attorneys at Law Keegan O’Connell k.oconnell@oalaw.co.za Tel 021 462 1663 Fax 0866 504 550 303 Millborough, 70A Upper Mill Street, Vreedehoek, Cape Town, 8000 Prinsloo & Associates Attorneys and conveyancers Nanika Prinsloo Farm Bergamot, Paarl 7620 P O Box 6199, Paarl 7620 14 Laing Street, Barrydale 6750 Cell: 072-8558-106 Fax: 086-623-5986 nanika@vodamail.co.za www.empowerlaw.co.za RM Brown and Associates 601 Pier House, 13 -17 Heerengracht, Cape Town Tel: 021 431 9127, f: 021 425 0875 Email: oliver@rmbrown.co.za

Karen van Staden Tel: 012 998 9117 / 012 993 2132 Scheepers Attorneys Fax: 086 721 6467 / 086 662 1153 Gerhard Scheepers Is it time to expand your Debt Counselling Email: karen@hauptearle.co.za schlaw@iburst.co.za practice? office@hauptearle.co.za Do you need specialist Attorneys with a national www.hauptearle.co.za footprint?

Do you need expert advice on how to protect your practice and your clients?

Are you informed about recent statutory and

DIRECTORY CREDIT BUREAUS Compuscan 0861 514 131 www.compuscan.co.za Computer Profile Bureau 0861 28 7328 www.c-p-b.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 Agiliti CC Colleen Van Wyk(BCom, LLB) Tel: 083 290 0848 Tel: 011 740 7374 Fax: 086 716 9694 Website: http://agiliti.co.za

Dont miss out on a single issue!

Experian www.experian.co.za Business- 0861 63 60 70 Consumer- 0861 10 5665 Micro Lenders Credit Bureau 0861 28 7328 www.mlcb.co.za TransUnion 0861 886 466 www.transunion.co.za XDS 0860 937 000 www.xds.co.za

If you want to subscribe, advertise or be listed in our directory please contact us! magazine@ debtfreedigi.co.za