May 2011 Debtfree DIGI

Debtfree South Africa’s debt counselling magazine

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ap C rn e t s e W 1 SA 1 0 A ll 2 DC i t 7 200

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May 2011 www.debtcounsellingsa.co.za

CONTENTS 02

Editors notes

03

News

06

DCASA Western Cape implodes

08

Reader poll

12

New DCA

14

Open letter

16

I have a dream

21

Service directory

EDITOR

future of debt counselling in SA will be. Last month we discussed how the courts had ruled that section 129 matters could potentially be excluded from the debt review meaning less money for the majority of credit providers included in the review and longer repayment terms for consumers. Now the industry may face a ruling in the FNB v Collet case which could change the standing on terminations while debt review matters are awaiting hearings.

The industry is yet again in a state of flux and with many DC’s struggling to work together there is no united voice on these critical issues. (see our article on Pandemonium in Parow) The NCR’s acting head Mr Peter Setou has taken “special leave” amidst rumour and conjecture that there may be large issues involved and an investigation to follow. Whether he will return is in doubt. (see the news section) All this of course happens behind the scenes and consumers may not even know about all these developments and rightly so. Let DC’s worry about all that. For those under review rather make sure your payments are on time that your DC is kept up to date and that you are making your payments and progressively working towards getting debt free...despite living in interesting times.

An ancient eastern curse was to wish upon an enemy that they live in “interesting times”.

Well, these are interesting time indeed. DCASA Western Cape faces challenges, there are new Debt Counsellor Representative bodies At least we can all say we are not bored. appearing, Court cases that may reverse positive precedents, problems with leadership We hope you enjoy all the news and opinions at the NCR and not to mention the DTI’s new in this months magazine. proposed fee structure changes and DC regulations up for comment.

All these recent changes have left some consumers and DC’s alike wondering what the

INDUSTRY

CONSUMER

NEWS FLASH DCASA Western Cape pandemonium At the DCASA meeting in Parow, Cape Town on the 19th of May 2011 chaos ensued as all but two of the steering committee stood down. At the monthly meeting of DCASA Western Cape in Parow. The Chairman, Deputy Chairman and Treasurer and a further member of the committee all, not only resigned their membership on the committee but also indicated that their membership with DCASA has come to an end. After their announcements they left the meeting in protest to what they describe as frustration at the way that the DCASA NEC deal with the provincial branches.

They were followed in their protest walk out by several members of the crowd. While the meeting continued, it was a subdued and introspective group of DC’s who remained wondering what had just happened and what this means for the future of DCASA western Cape. See our in-depth look at what happened and some of the reasons behind all the commotion on page 6.

Trouble at the top Peter Setou of the NCR has taken what they are calling “special leave”. Mr Setou has been acting as temporary head of the NCR since Gabriel Davel left in 2010. Mr. Davel had not yet been replaced and now Mr. Setou is no longer at the NCR. There is much conjecture and allegations in regard to why he has had to take special leave but the NCR have declined to comment on the reasons. The reasons will

no doubt come to light over time but for the immediate future it seems unlikely that Mr. Setou will be back at work soon. For now Mr. Obed Tongwane, the Complaints manager will be standing in for him. With so many parties within the industry throwing complaints at the NCR perhaps there is no one more suited to handling this role. Whatever the reasons it is clear that the NCR faces challenges in finding new leadership. The NCR have issued the following Statement in this regard: NATIONAL CREDIT REGULATOR STATEMENT MAY 2011 Peter Setou, senior manager, education and strategy of the National Credit Regulator (NCR) has taken special leave with immediate effect. Obed Tongwane, manager complaints, will be overseeing Setou’s role in his absence until further notice. Further comment is not appropriate at this time and the NCR will notify stakeholders of developments when prudent.

Form 17.7 The NCR and DRAC have been working on a standard form which consumers and DC’s can send to credit providers when a consumer changes services from one DC to another. This is a not too uncommon event which many credit providers struggle to capture effectively on their system. This causes much confusion and often times unnecessary complications.

The NCR have been developing what is slated to be called a Form 17.7 document for some time. There is no indication of when this

document will be published by the NCR (or would like to assure you that we are currently probably DRAC.) attending to the matter. We do apologize for any inconvenience. Kind Regards DC Partner.

“Voluntary Withdrawal from Debt review” on Credit reports - no more.

After review and ruling by the Ombud, Credit Bureaus will no longer even feature information for any amount of time when a consumer leaves debt counselling voluntarily. It was ruled that to do so would not be correct and could prejudice the consumer even if this was left in place only for a short period of time. Now, as originally, there will be no trace of consumers who leave debt review on any credit bureau.

Listings will be removed within 5 days of the DC updating the NCR debt help database.

Goodwood Magistrate Court already call for consumer affidavit All DC’s having matters in the Goodwood Magistrates Court area in Cape Town advised to supply an affidavit from the consumer as to how they found themselves in financial difficulty. DC’s and attorneys appearing without such affidavits face postponements to procure such. Interestingly though not called for in the NCA, the proposed new regulations for Debt Counsellors from the DTI mention a similar concept.

DC Partner PDA Appoligise for mistake sms DC Partner PDA recently sent out some sms’ to clients which said they had not made payment when in fact they had. This caused some concern. Recently they sent out this apology: Please take note that we are aware of the problem with the Default sms system and we

Proposed new debt counselling fee structure posted in the Government Gazette for comment The recent call for comment on the proposed changes to the fee structure for debt counselling has met with two major responses.

One from BASA who seem to have now gone back on their commitment in November 2010 to this proposed fee structure during the NCR Task Team findings last year and a second comment (objection) from the Society for Debt Counsellors who have proposed an alternative fee structure. Due to these comments it is now unlikely that the proposed fee structure change will be effected immediately.

DTI Call for comment on proposed Debt Counselling Regulations The DTI have issued proposed Regulations for comment by 15 July 2011. The regulations were published before the NCR even heard about the matter and they were unavailable for comment. Please feel free to read them and submit your comment either via your Association or individually. Email comments to tmavhuthugu@thedti.gov.za

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INDUSTRY

PANDEMONIUM IN PAROW AS DCASA WESTERN CAPE IMPLODES

At a regular meeting of the Debt Counselling Association of South Africa (DCASA) in the Western Cape what promised to be “just another meeting” turned into pandemonium as member after member of the local steering committee of DCASA stepped down from not only their position on the committee but also told the stunned audience they would be resigning from the association.

After the dust had settled only two members of the committee remained, the rest having left the meeting. Though the members of the audience demanded to know the reasons for their resignation, the former Chairperson, Deputy Chair, Treasurer etc. all refused to comment, stating that the meeting venue had been booked and paid for by DCASA and as such they felt it would be inappropriate to use DCASA time and resources to discuss the matter. After the meeting an open letter (as included in this issue) was sent out. It sets out various complaints and concerns as expressed by these former DCASA members and others country wide.

The letter was sent primarily to the Minister of Trade and Industry but also went to various other parties including the SAPS, Debt Counsellors and even the Office of the President.

When DIGI spoke to the former Western Cape Chairperson, Simon Barkenhuizen he said that “debt counselling is going down” and that if something was not done soon the industry would “be in the control of large corporate debt counsellors and credit providers”.

The Former Deputy Chair stated that he was “very concerned about the agenda of the NEC” (National Executive Committee of DCASA) and he expressed that he had “absolutely no confidence in the Chairperson of the NEC” A common complaint that was repeatedly

told to DIGI by these former members as well as former members from other regions of SA is frustration at DCASA in Gauteng “doing whatever they want” and each region of DCASA not having equal say in the future of DCASA. The Western Cape committee which was only elected locally into position a few months back have experienced difficulties getting support and information from “head office”. “We have been fobbed off... not consulted. We have been totally ignored by the crowd in Jo’berg” said the former Deputy Chair. One example given was of the Western Cape Committee asking about funds and not receiving any information for over 4 months. With nearly 300 members previously paying in R300 per month this is a burning issue. If local DCASA committees don’t know what’s happening with the funds then will the average member?

What’s the BIG DEAL? DCASA has been around pretty much since 2007 when debt counselling got going. It is an organisation which represents Debt Counsellors. Over time more than 300 debt counsellors have joined this association.

Obviously there are many more Debt Counsellors than this in South Africa but up till recently the National Credit Regulator (NCR) has not made it compulsory to belong to an association.

However with the Credit Ombud now stepping in to help manage disputes and complaints within the industry between consumers, service providers, credit providers and DC’s each of the role players in the industry has been tasked to form self regulating bodies with codes of conduct that the Ombud can then also enforce. This is obviously a good thing, as disputes can and will be handled swiftly within

the industry. The Codes of Conduct will place some measure of control in an industry that is in a state of flux.

DCASA has been, as with so many new developments within the industry, at the forefront of the proposed “code of conduct” for DC’s. They have proposed a code to their members and require that all members sign the code. Thus far the NCR has made signing the code of conduct, that was drafted by DCASA and amended (slightly) by the NCR, voluntary.

This code of conduct has not come about without some conflict. Many DC’s who do not belong to DCASA have felt that the code of conduct excludes those in the public who need debt counselling most. They say that the code in part contradicts the spirit of the NCA. This is because the code requires DC’s to adopt voluntary extra steps and guidelines in the process and encourage DC’s not to help consumers who’s current situation will not allow for a speedy debt repayment plan in a “reasonable” period. While not defining what a” reasonable” repayment term is, many dislike even the mention of this in the code of conduct that the NCR are currently circulating and asking DC’s to sign.

Others have issue with the Code of Conduct more for it’s origin than its content. Many members of the National Executive Committee of DCASA all work for the same companyOctogen. Octogen is a company that has been involved in the industry since early days and has close working ties to the NCR. For example the NCR uses this company to do industry training courses.

Debtfree DIGI spoke to two newer debt counsellors in the Western Cape who related that they were advised by some fellow DC’s not to join DCASA simply because of its ties

to Octogen. This may seem strange to some/ Surely you would want to be associated with an organisation that has close ties to the industry regulator as well as good relationships with Credit Providers at the highest level they say.

However many feel that these relationships are too close and that as a result debt counselling is getting “hijacked by the banks”.

In times not too distan,t people have been asked to leave DCASA meetings for disturbing proceedings with allegations and accusations against committee members and their link to Octogen. “Who pays your salary?” was a common cat call.

Where some see voluntary concessions from credit providers for using software provided by the banks to calculate how to distribute available funds as something that makes life easier for DC and consumer alike, others see this as the banks dictating how funds should be used. They feel that this is solely the obligation of the DC and the courts without any interference or imput from the banks.

Obviously as previously discussed in this magazine this calculation software is only one of many options available to DC’s for their calculations. One DC firm who has run 1000 customers figures using this software have found that it is helpful in speeding the process and helping resolve the matter in around 48% of cases. While not the be all and end all that is quite a reasonable percentage. One former member of DCASA from KZN (who was asked to leave the association) suggests that the issue could be put to bed if only 1 member from a single firm could be a member of the DCASA NEC. This idea has not been implemented nor does it look likely to. The DCASA NEC is elected by paying members at regular meetings. So others say if DC’s are not voting for different

NEC members then the current committee is representative of the collective will of DCASA. Recently the formation of another association called the Society for Debt Counsellors (SDC) really brought these long standing rifts in the DC community to the fore. Its appearance with a lower membership cost and different view for a code of conduct preceded (by a short while) DCASA’s creation of a “cheaper” membership option. DCASA state that the formation of this cheaper option was not a reaction to the SDC but rather an attempt to encourage more DC’s to join and be part of the association.

Unfortunately these cheaper members cannot vote on any of DCASA’s strategies or policies.

However it is a much more affordable option.

Thus far of the nearly 300 DCASA members around 76 DC’s have chosen this option. These things need to be considered especially if the NCR will not let a DC continue to practise without belonging to an association.

Where to next?

Speculation abounds as to whether the former members who have now abandoned DCASA Western Cape will form a united body along with the SDC or more likely an independent body. To date these former DCASA members have advocated the formation of a “forum” which might later become an association. (see letter and article in this issue for more details).

Could this be the rebirth or revitalisation of a proposed Independent Debt Counselling Association?

The SDC have as yet not officially met with DCASA to discuss working together, though DCASA has repeatedly stated that they have invited them to do so. Former members of DCASA who have attended the NEC meetings reveal that the SDC is spoken of lightly at such

DCASA meetings though. This does not bode well for future co-operation. There has been talk of the SDC co-operating with the new Debt Counselling Forum but not necessarily combining into one association.

Recently DCASA has been growing in numbers ironically while many DC’s are choosing to leave the industry. At least this growth has been the case till now. Now some are asking will DCASA W. Cape survive? Well, sadly this is not the first time members of DCASA W. Cape have stepped down. It has happened before and in a sad twist of fate, until recently, there has been a lot of optimism among DC’s in the area regarding the way forward together as DC’s and DCASA. It may be that a number of DC’s leave DCASA to join another association or to wait out the storm that seems to be brewing. However DCASA themselves are optimistic for the future of the W Cape branch.

After all there is such a high concentration of DC’s in the country is in the Western Cape. As to which association will be their voice...only time will tell.

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INDUSTRY

A NEW DEBT COUNSELLORS ASSOCIATION? Following the huge meltdown at last weeks DCASA Western Cape meeting a gathering was called by like-minded non DCASA and former DCASA members on the 25th of May. Meeting at the same venue as had been used the previous week by DCASA many of the same faces could be found at this meeting. A modest crowd of around 25 attended with many others calling or having mailed to express their support. This may seem like a small number but keep in mind that many DCASA meetings in

this province are attended by a similar number and now that so many of these 25 attendees have or will resign membership that number will be greatly reduced.

The meeting was opened by Simon Barkenhuizen who welcomed all and gave a brief background as to why he and other members of the former W Cape DCASA committee had stepped down. He expressed his concern that DC’s were not united in the face of credit provider pressure. He and other

former committee members expressed their concerns and told of how they had entered DCASA knowing the challenges and wanting to try effect change within DCASA and the industry from within. They told the audience that they had not been successful in this intention. This they said was “because of a higher power in DCASA calling the shots”.

They were not making religious reference but referring to a particular individual on the NEC. Simon told the audience: “We want each and every Debt Counsellor to have a say... not a handful or just the Boss”.

Though concern was raised over avoiding having a ridiculous situation in which there were 10 associations in the industry many attending expressed disappointment with DCASA. The discussion lead to a discussion of the formation of a new association. The formation of a Forum for Debt Counsellors was advised in which DC’s could all have a say in regard to forming a new association including a constitution and election of a full committee.

For the meantime Simon Barkenhuizen was nominated and elected as chairperson of this “Forum”. Adrie de Bruyn was elected as the Secretary. Many others offered their services.

“Our main vision is that we want to get back to the Act” (the National Credit Act) said the newly elected Chairman.

Advicate Barkenhuizen (a former DCASA member) who had flown in for the meeting from the Eastern Cape also spoke about the “open letter” which had been sent out to various parties. He told those attending that he had been contacted and informed that the letter has successfully stirred up the hornets nest and that Ms Ntuli Zotwa of the Office of the Minister of Trade and Industry had been appointed to investigate the claims and

concerns raised in the letter. Ms Ntuli was on the short list of former candidates to fill the roll of the industry Regulator. She is thus well informed on the industry.

Advocate Barkenhuizen discussed developments in other regions of SA in regard to forming a new association. He informed the audience that over 30 DC’s in KZN and around 10 in Limpopo as well as an undefined number of others in the Eastern Cape had also recently left DCASA and were looking at combining efforts. While they would be invited to join in the Forum he said that “matters will be done on a province by province basis... for now”.

The roll of the NCR and PDA’s in the industry was discussed as well as the proposed new fee structure up for comment at the moment.

Concerns were raised that “debt counselling is now for the rich and the poor are marginalized”.

A call for getting “back to basics” was made.

For now the Forum has no official name (though Independent Debt Counsellors Association was mentioned more than once) nor is there an association being formed at present. However calls were, made for association names and suggestions regarding a constitution and membership fee structure suggestions indicating that an association is soon to be put in place.

Of the nearly 2000 registered DC’s in the country only around 300 to 400 belong to an association. Which is less than half of the number of DC estimated to actually be practicing. Meaning that there is a big need in the industry for associations that fill the needs of the missing DC’s. Will this developing association do so? Well, in the words of John Steyn : “We need to get involved or this thing will not work”.

INDUSTRY

CONSUMER

OPEN LETTER Open letter to The Minister of Trade and Industry, Republic of South Africa Dear Minister Four years after promulgation of the National Credit Act 34 of 2005, Debt Counselling is on the brink of extinction and the situation is getting worse progressively.

It is true that the National Credit Act is not a masterpiece of jurisprudence, but the basic framework is firm and secure as entrenched in sec 3 of the National Credit Act, as well as in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.

The gradual movement away from the purpose of the act in which the National Credit Regulator was instrumental, culminated in a twisting of the intention of the act, eventually reaching the opposite goal, where the interest of Corporate Debt Counselling, Credit Providers, Payment Distribution Agencies and lawyers are served to detriment of the consumer. The original purpose of the act: to level the playing field between consumer and Credit Providers disintegrated.

The debt counselling process was hijacked by corporate Debt Counselling in conjunction with the Debt Counselling Association of South Africa and the National Credit Regulator.

The cunning strategy followed by these unscrupulous entities almost amounts to high treason and contributed to the fact that more than 70 debt counsellors left the industry during March alone.

The noble idea of the Act to protect the consumer, especially the lower echelons of consumers, was totally disregarded. Instead of keeping the lower income consumer in the

main stream economy, he is now effectively side-lined and eliminated. The idea of “not qualifying for debt review” was fabricated in the unhealthy alliance between corporate Debt Counselling, DCASA and the National Credit Regulator.

The cunning strategy by DCASA to oust competition by altering their membership fee structure and the enforcement of a one sided and biased Code of Conduct is unethical and shocking. They effectively nullified all opposition with the help of the NCR. We humbly request urgent answers, as well as a forensic audit, of the following burning issues:1 What happens to the 90 000 Debt Review enquiries that the NCR receive every month?

2 What happens to the enquiries for Debt Counselling at the major Credit Providers?

3 Why were PDA fees increased and why were consumers and debt counsellors purposely excluded from any comment?

4 Why is the NCR protecting PDA’s vigorously and in opposition to any workable alternative which will be to the benefit of the consumer and Debt Counsellors?

5 Why are corporate Debt Counsellors meretriciously allowed to be involved in business activities that are clearly against the NCA and a conflict of interest?

6 Why does DCASA, in conjunction with the NCR, reject and oppose all workable alternatives so vigorously and undemocratically?

7 Why did the NCR fail to institute Regional Credit Regulators as required by the NCA? 8 What happened to the National Loans

Register that should have been established as required by the NCA? 9 Why does the NCR victimise DC’s who direct enquiries regarding irregularities to them?

10 Why did DCASA purposely exclude some of its executive members from meetings about irregularities?

11 Why does the core of DCASA’s National Executive Committee consist of representatives from corporate Debt Counselling especially OCTOGEN? 12 What happens to files of debt counsellors who were forced out of business by collusion of these unscrupulous entities?

13 How much money was paid to Octogen, DCASA and PDA’s for training and related/ other activities?

Debt Counsellors of SA want to serve their country by revisiting the original purpose of the Act as stated on the home page of the National Credit Regulator’s website “The act requires the regulator to promote the development of an accessible credit market, particularly to address the needs of historically disadvantaged persons, low income persons and remote, isolated or low density communities.” reiterating that Debt Counselling should be for the benefit of all South Africans irrespective of race, creed or colour.

We humbly request urgent investigation into this matter to prevent a national crisis by: 1 Minister of Trade and Industry 2 NPA 3 SAPS 4 Public Protector.

5 Competition Commission.

6 Trade Unions 7 Equality Court 8 Consumer Forum The general health of our economy at large and the marginalised consumer in particular, is at stake.

The National Credit Regulator must revisit the purpose of the National Credit Act as clearly stated in section 3 and 12, without fear favour or prejudice.

Hopefully this open letter will serve as motivation to encourage the National Credit Regulator to have the courage to make the necessary changes that are so urgently needed.

Yours in Debt Counselling, Pp Concerned Debt Counsellors Adv. Anton Barkenhuizen Chambers / Kamers 310 Capitol Building 545 Govan Mbeki Ave North End Port Elizabeth 6000 PO Box/Posbus 27288 Greenacers 6057 T elephone (041) 484 2844 Mobile 084 449 7944 Facsimile 086 212 4813 law@concerneddebtcounsellors.co.za anton@axxess.co.za

INDUSTRY

I HAVE A DREAM Dear Fellow Debt Counsellors “At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person.

Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” ~ Albert Schweitzer We would like to say Thank You, to all our fellow Debt Counsellors, who responded to our “Open Letter” and expressed their solidarity in this matter.

We live in exiting times indeed. The response to the “open letter” was overwhelming. Debt Counsellors who were on the verge of “giving up”, decided to “bite the bullet” and keep on trying because, they can now see “a light at the

end of this seemingly very dark tunnel”.

Now is the time to act, and act decisively.

Never again, will we entrust our future and the wellbeing of the South African Consumer, to incompetent, biased and self-serving people.

Because of the aforementioned concerns and anomalies addressed in the “open letter”, we wish to propose the formation of a “Debt Counsellor Forum” as an interim measure, based on the following reasons and goals: • Continued membership to DCASA has been made impossible due to the anomalies referred to.

We want our society back! DCASA was initiated

by Debt Counsellors, for Debt Counsellors.

We want to rid the organization of those elements, who hijacked the society, for their

own self-serving interests, while purging the organization of honest, dedicated, committed and highly competent people.

• The formation of a Forum is inexpensive, easy to set up and maintain with less administration implications. • The formation is done in a Democratic manner, through the full participation by all debt counsellors. • A Forum, can be converted into an Association or other form of organisation, by consensus, at any time. • The formation of the Debt Counselling Fraternity, was as a result of the needs of over-indebted consumers and the need for Government to assist them. The National Credit Regulator, structured to facilitate this intervention through a specific, unbiased and regulatory code-of-ethics, had become a system of collusion and corruption and had totally deviated from the purpose as set out in the National Credit Act. • The Alternative option therefore, is to severe our ties with these corrupt organizations and organize ourselves, outside the authority of the National Credit Regulator, while conforming to all the regulations and guidelines contained in the National Credit Act. • We also propose the creation of a Fidelity Fund, to assist Debt Counsellors.

We place a very high premium on Integrity and endeavour to be diligent in our actions, adhering to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996), the National Credit Act (Act 34 of 2005), the Consumer Protection Act (Act 68 of 2008) and other relevant legislation and regulations.

We are committed to an unbiased and objective to all parties in the Debt Review

process, without fear, favour or prejudice.

We endeavour, to vigorously protect and promote the Integrity of the Debt Counsellor Fraternity and will provide a Service Par Excellence to consumers.

Your active participation in the successful formation and implementation of the proposed Forum, is of utmost importance.

Please forward your ideas, suggestions and proposals to us as soon as possible. This includes a name for the Forum, Logo and a Vision and Mission Statement. We can only be successful as Debt Counsellors, if we have a strong and “collective” voice.

Together, we WILL bring about a positive change.

Yours, in Debt Counselling.

Chambers / Kamers 310 Capitol Building 545 Govan Mbeki Ave North End Port Elizabeth 6000 PO Box/Posbus 27288 Greenacers 6057 T elephone (041) 484 2844 Mobile 084 449 7944 Facsimile 086 212 4813 law@concerneddebtcounsellors.co.za anton@axxess.co.za

A BONE TO PICK- WHEN WAS THE PROPOSED DCASA CODE OF CONDUCT SIGNED? As covered in this magazine and on the news blog debtcounsellingsouthafri camagazine.blogspot. com DCASA made a proposed code of conduct for its members for comment over several weeks before it was finally voted on

by DCASA members in March 2010.

It is now alleged by former DCASA members that in fact Paul Slot (the chairperson of the DCASA NEC) had actually

signed off on the Code on the 6th of December well in advance of this date.

Does it make a difference? You decide.

Your comments

magazine@debtcounsellingsa.co.za www.debtcounsellingsa.co.za

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Cell: 082 378 3743 Office: 047-5323356 Email herman@drssa.co.za EASTERN CAPE: DRS ALBANY Office: 041 365 5857 DRS ALGOA Craig Wheetman Cell: 083 299 0311 Office: 041 364 1888 Email david@drssa.co.za DRS BOND CHOICE P.E. Office: 041 393 7000

BORDER REGION: DRS EAST LONDON Office: 043 7212 656 DRS KING WILLIAMS TOWN Harry Light Cell: 082 573 5803 Office: 043 643 3024 Email: harry@drssa.co.za DRS CRADOCK Herman Marais Cell: 082 378 3743 Fax 045 838 6572 Email cradock@drssa.co.za DRS QUEENSTOWN Herman Marais Cell: 082 378 3743 Office: 045 838 9764 Email herman@drssa.co.za DRS MTHATHA Herman Marais

DRS CENTRAL 041 586 2020 Email leon@lynxsa.com DRS DESPATCH Office: 041 933 1189 DRS HUMANSDORP Office: 042 291 0135 DRS KIRKWOOD EXPRESS Office: 087 8080 500 DRS PORT ELIZABETH Office: 041 453 8961 DRS SIDWELL EXPRESS Office: 041 451 0474 DRS SOMMERSET EAST Luther De Bruyn Office: 042 243 1107

Email zune@drssa.co.za SOUTH FREESTATE Office: 053 591 0734 GARDEN ROUTE: DRS GEORGE Office: 044 874 2820 Email francoisv@drssa.co.za GAUTENG: DRS PRETORIA CENTRAL Ivan Mabuthu Cell: 082 266 6210 Office: 012 320 8304 Fax: 012 320 8388 drspretoriacentral@drssa.co.za DRS CENTURION EXPRESS Office: 012 653 0127 DRS HARTEBEESPOORT Office: 012 253 1231 DRS LIMPOPO CENTRAL Office: 015 297 1387 DRS PRETORIA NOORD Office: 012 546 2187 DRS ROODEPOORT EXPRESS Office: 011 472 4171 DRS RUSTENBURG 083 740 4620 DRS ZAMBESI EXPRESS Office: 012 7555 225

FREESTATE:

KWA ZULU NATAL:

MANGAUNG Zune Coetzer Office: 051 436 4515

DRS MORNINGSIDE Ericah Mtshali Cell: 076 578 8660

Office: 031 301 5993 email ericah@drssa.co.za DRS DURBAN NORTH EXPRESS Office: 031 584 6305 DRS GREYVILLE Office: 031 309 8716 DRS KOKSTAD Office: 039 727 1430 DRS PHOENIX 082 374 7040 WESTERN CAPE: DRS BELLVILLE Office: 021 948 8523 / 4 DRS DIAMOND Office: 021 421 8563 DRS TYGERBERG Office: 021 945 4062 DRS WEST COAST Marius Coetzee Cell: 082 978 4407 Office: 022 713 3766 Email mariusc@drssa.co.za Debt DRS SALDANHA Office: 022 714 3939 DRS SOLUTIONS 084 586 5600 Ramonti Debt Counselling Jacob Ramonti - NCR DC 932 Cell : 082 962 4537 Fax: 086 658 7627 Email:ditsamai@yahoo.co.uk Soweto

U-Win Debt Counsellors Coreli Roos - NCR DC 509 Aliwal North, Burgersdorp, Bethulie, GariepDam, Smithfield, Springfontein Cell:079 626 66241 croos@global.co.za Rihanyo Debt Counselling (012) 804 50 57

SUPPORT SERVICES Staff Line Ndizani Executive Recruitment Cell no: 083 3028163 Direct Line: (011) 468 - 2150 E- Mail: saki@staffline.co.za Blank Design For all design and marketing needs including websites, brochures, business cards etc.

Steve Rosenberg steve@blankds.com 083 700 2020 www.blankds.com Designtimes South Africa’s creative resource www.designtimes.co.za

FINANCIAL ABSA Customer Debt Repair Line 0860 356 356 Credit Ombudsman 0861 662837 Experian 011 799-3400

debtcounsel@experian.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 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 Gooseberry Business Advisory Tel: 012 644 0589 Nedbank Debt Rehabilitation & Recoveries Services 0860 109 279 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 Brett Carnegie Attorneys Tel: +27 (21) 4470332 Fax: +27 (21) 4470338 Mobile: +27 (0)82 320 6099 www.carnegielaw.co.za Suite 23(B) Unit 8 Waverley Business Park Mowbray 7700 Scheepers Attorneys Gerhard Scheepers schlaw@iburst.co.za LUCID Attorneys Tel: 011 880 1100 Fax: 011 880 1101 Email: info@lucidsa.com www.lucidliving.co.za/attorney Ludick Attorneys bev.ludickattorneys@gmail.com 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 Docex 138 Cape Town t: 021 431 9127 f: 021 425 0875 e: lodea@rmbrown.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

CREDIT BUREAUS Compuscan 0861 514 131 www.compuscan.co.za Computer Profile Bureau 0861 28 7328 www.c-p-b.co.za 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

OTHER Association of Debt Recovery Agents: 011 781 3337 www.adraonline.co.za

Banking Ombud 0860 800 900 www.obssa.co.za

Ombud for Short term Insurance 011 726 8900 www.osti.co.za

Credit Bureau Association 011 886 8519 www.cba.co.za

Pension Funds Adjudicator 021 674 0209 www.pfa.org.za South African Fraud Prevention 0860 101 248 www.safps.org.za

Credit Providers Association 011 789 6825 www.cpa.org.za Department of Trade and Industry 0861 843 384 www.thedti.gov.za Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Ombud 012 470 9080 www.faisombud.co.za Financial Services Board 012 428 8000 www.fsb.co.za Furniture Traders Association 011 789 6770 Legal Resources Centre 011 836 9831 www.lrc.org.za Long Term Insurance Ombud 021 657 5000 www.ombud.co.za Micro Finance South Africa 012 345 0809 www.mfsa.net Motor Industry Ombud 012 841 2945 www.miosa.co.za National Credit Regulator 0860 627 627 www.ncr.org.za

The Banking Association 011 370 3500 www.banking.org.za SA FRAUD PROTECTION SERVICE (FREE SERVICE) www.safps.org.za 0860 101 248

common challenges. The Workshop is conducted over a full day.

Delegates are requested to arrive by 8.30 for a 9am sharp start.The workshop is free of charge as part of the NCR’s commitment to debt counselling. Please RSVP as soon as possible to Veronica le Roux at veronica@octogen.co.za. Seating is limited and bookings will be taken on a first come first served basis. We look forward to taking your booking. If the course is fully booked and you wish to attend then you will be placed on a waiting list. This list will be used to fill seats as a result of cancellations and those that do not get placed will be booked first on the next workshop in that area.

TRAINING Otogen DC training For NCR The NCR have sent the following invitation to DC’s in the George area for further training. Dear Debt Counsellor. We have the pleasure in inviting you to a debt counselling workshop on 03 June 2011 in George. The workshop will be presented by Octogen and will cover a variety topics related to your practice. This will include an update on the latest events in the debt counselling industry and insight into many of the issues you encounter on a daily basis.

Only registered debt counsellors may attend this workshop, which will afford you an opportunity to interact with your local colleagues in debt counselling and so discuss

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