Debtfree Magazine Issue #12 of 2021 by Debtfree Magazine

SURVIVING 2021

YOU

MADE

IT! Issue 12 of 2021

EXCELLENCE IS DOING ORDINARY THINGS EXTRAORDINARILY WELL – John W. Gardner

WHAT MAKES US EXCELLENT? / Unimpaired and automated PDA systems / Integration with top-ranked Debt Counsellor systems / Enhancing Debt Counsellor efficiency and sustainability / Best customer support in the country – queries are resolved within 24 hours / Strong compliance and best-industry-practice implementation is at our centre

Call Chris van der Straaten Head of Hyphen PDA | 082 557 0437 Or call our friendly support centre on 011 303 0060 - Option 2 or visit our website www.hyphenpda.co.za

CREDIT PROTECTION

Have you applied to go under debt review? Are you restructuring your monthly expenses? Would you like to insure your debt? Why not insure all your outstanding accounts in a single ONE Credit Protection Policy?

Have you applied to go under debt review? Are you restructuring your monthly expenses? Would you like to insure your debt? BENEFITS OFFERED:

• Death – we settle the account

Why not insure all your outstanding accounts in a single ONE Credit Protection Policy? • Temporary Disability – we pay your installment for 12 months • Permanent Disability – we settle the account

BENEFITS •OFFERED: Critical Illness – we pay your installments for 3 months

• Death •–Retrenchment we settle the–account we pay your installments for 12 months • Temporary Disability – we pay your installment for 12 months

At a rate ofDisability R2.95 per R1000 unsecured/short-term • Permanent – we settle the account credit and R2.00 per R1000 on mortgages and you can now insure your debt for less.

• Critical Illness – we pay your installments for 3 months • Retrenchment – we pay your installments for 12 months

The following financial obligations or debt can be covered on the ONE Credit Protection Policy: • Credit Cards

At a rate of •R2.95 per R1000 unsecured/short-term credit and R2.00 per R1000 on mortgages and you can now insure your debt Overdrafts for less.

• Personal Loans • Home Loans

• Retail Accounts The following financial obligations or debt can be covered on the ONE Credit Protection Policy: • Rental Agreement

• Credit Cards

• Maintenance Orders

• Overdrafts

• Personal Loans For further information please speak to your Broker, Debt Counsellor or alternatively contact your regional ONE office. • Home Loans

• Retail Accounts 0861 266 562 admin.debt@one.za.com • Rental Agreement

• Maintenance Orders

Terms and Conditions Apply

For further information please speak to your Broker, Debt Counsellor or alternatively contact your regional ONE office. ONE Insurance Underwriting Managers (Pty) Ltd Reg No. 1996/008987/07. Authorised Financial Services Provider FSP8783 VAT No. 4370160501

0861 266 562

Products underwritten by Old Mutual Alternative Risk Transfer Limited, a licensed Life Insurer.

FROM THE EDITOR What a year. I don’t know about you but I feel tired. Like, lie in the lounge in my pajamas tired. Like, it is sunny outside and the beach is down the road but I just wanna lie inside and watch Netflix like it’s the first week of lockdown tired. Now that may sound very lazy but it has been a long and busy year and we accomplished a lot this year. I am sure you feel that way too. Even with the pandemic raging, the demands of work have slowly increased and at the same time it feels like you end up spending more each month at the shops just to buy what you did last month. Now if you are like me, you probably enjoy dipping your toes into a little news every day. Sadly this year the good news stories have been few and far between. I am glad they found that little girl who went missing in Australia and I am glad some of those desperate people made it out of Afghanistan on that last flight but overall it has not been a great year for news...unless you like volcanoes or are watching vaccination figures. In that case it has been impressive to see what can be done when there is a financial incentive to deal with a problem and the problem is immediately obvious. Not so much if the problem is a slow warming of the planet that will destroy life for your kids. Then the results are a little less than impressive.

This issue we have a look at some of the stand out events of the year and what they teach us about ourselves and the world we live in. Now it is impossible to cover every story from all over the planet (and beyond) but we have picked out some highlights and lowlights for you. They are sure to bring a smile to your face or maybe a tear to your eye. We hope that the year has been kind to you. Even if it wasn’t, it has come to an end now and you can put it behind you. For some that will mean a few days off relaxing and maybe enjoying the outdoors or maybe fixing that cupboard door in the kitchen you just have not go to. For others, like me it will mean turning the phone off and ignoring your family and friends for a few days. Hey, don’t judge me. It will just be for a day or two and then I will Zoom with them again I promise. So, find whatever it is that you need to do to recharge because 2021 is done and you survived it. Hopefully, 2022 will be the year that your plans come together and you are able to make large strides towards becoming totally debt free.

FREE BOOKLET

FOR DEBT COUNSELLORS TO SHARE

How do you leave Debt Review? How do you have the Credit Bureau remove the Debt Review listing on your credit report? Leaving Debt Review Is Not As Simple As To Simply Stop Paying. Consumers can only leave the debt review process at certain times and in certain ways. This free e book will help you navigate this process and avoid many of the common mistakes people make when wanting to leave debt review. If you are curious about how you can leave debt review properly and with no risk to your assets then be sure to download and read this free booklet

DOWNLOAD AND SHARE

DEBT REVIEW LESSON #1

December and January are months where many people struggle to stay in debt review because of the temptation to over spend or because of higher than expected expenses. Be careful and make sure to pay your debt review.

PROFESSIONAL DEBT COUNSELLING ATTORNEYS Assisting With Debt Review Matters Nationwide WESSEL SYMINGTON TEL: 021 872 1968 w e s s e l @ s t e y n c o e t z e e . c o . z a w w w. s t e y n c o e t z e e . c o . z a

South Africa’s Leading Debt Solutions Provider

Wessel Symington Steyn Coetzee Attorneys ‘‘The reason Zero Debt are industry leaders is that they get 80% acceptances on their initial proposals to credit providers, right away. They also make excellent use of the DCRS proposal system in negotiations with credit providers. Zero Debt regularly succeeds in convincing credit providers to reduce their high interest rates down to less than 5% on their client’s debts. This means that Zero Debt clients obtain their court orders and can pay off their debts quickly. They ensure dedicated clients get their clearance certificates and are soon able to start their debt free life. Zero Debt’s team are very experienced and highly professional. They work hard to ensure clients are totally debt free at the end of the debt review process.’’ 087 701 9665 help@zerodebt.co.za www.zerodebt.co.za NCRDC1142

CONTENTS SURVIVING 2021 : YOU MADE IT DEBT COUNSELLING THE NOBLE PROFESSION

TALK IS CHEAP MUCH CHEAPER THAN GOING TO COURT

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

SERVICE DIRECTORY

DISCLAIMER Debtfree Magazine considers its sources reliable and verifies as much information as possible. However, reporting inaccuracies can occur, consequently readers using this information do so at their own risk. Debtfree Magazine makes content available with the understanding that the publisher is not rendering legal services or financial advice. Although persons and companies mentioned herein are believed to be reputable, neither Debtfree Magazine nor any of its employees, sales executives or contributors accept any responsibility whatsoever for their

activities. Debtfree Magazine contains material supplied to us by advertisers which does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Debtfree Magazine team. No person, organization or party can copy or re-produce the content on this site and/or magazine or any part of this publication without a written consent from the editors’ panel and the author of the content, as applicable. Debtfree Magazine, authors and contributors reserve their rights with regards to copyright of their work.

CONSUMER FRIEND USES SOFTWARE TO ENSURE

POPIA COMPLIANCE! - Secure system-to-system data transfer (no human contact) - Elimination of data exposure from the use of email - Data specification is fit for purpose

POPIA COMPLIANCE IS CRUCIAL THIS YEAR!

We are the champion in your corner!

DebtBusters provides a remedy for financially stressed consumers through effective debt relief solutions. Over 1 million South Africans who are facing tight budgets and are struggling with debt, have come to DebtBusters looking for a financial solution.

086 999 0606 info@debtbusters.co.za www.debtbusters.co.za

NCRDC2484

SURVIVING 2021

YOU

MADE

IT!

YOU MADE IT This year is almost behind us, you made it, well done! Maybe you were unsure if you were going to be able to cope with all the stress and drama, but you have successfully made it through this year, and now, 2022 is around the corner. What stands out for you about 2021? It could be the time you got ill, or lost your job, or got hired for a new job. Maybe you suffered a loss in your family, or celebrated a new addition to your family. Perhaps you will recall how America fell apart on a grand scale, or the rioting and looting here in SA, during the middle of the year. Perhaps 2021 was the year that you finally decided to get a grip on your finances, and entered debt review. Whatever the case, this second year of a global pandemic is a year that none of us will soon forget. Let’s take a look at just some of the key events of 2021, and try to put the last 12 months into context.

SURVIVING 2021 YOU MADE IT

JANUARY Politics Trump loses the elections, and Biden is elected as the next American President. Kamala Harris is sworn in as Vice President. The year got off to a real bang, with the near death of the American democratic system. Angry supporters of an ousted President stormed the US Capitol, goaded on by political messages and chaos ensued. Things teetered on the edge for a while, with the country being the closest it has come to civil war for hundreds of years.

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

SURVIVING 2021 YOU MADE IT

FEBRUARY Politics There was a military coup in Myanmar, which sparked many protest marches and sadly many deaths throughout the year.

Space NASA was excited to successfully land the Perseverance Rover on Mars. Over the next months, they would also launch a flying drone, and capture many exciting images of the red planet.

Debt Review The NCR’s Credit Industry Forum (CIF) continued to look into the professional fees charged during debt review. Because the National Credit Act and regulations do not have any official fees, this remains a tricky area for the industry with different organisations, associations and even the Regulator weighing in. Law societies, in particular, feel that their members’ rates for legal work done on debt review matters cannot be set by other parties.

Lockdown SA moved to an adjusted level 1 lockdown as reported Covid-19 cases drop to low daily figures.

SURVIVING 2021 YOU MADE IT

MARCH Politics The SA Budget speech announces conservative spending plans, and is met with favour for not making empty promises about pie in the sky political projects. Failing state owned enterprises do not have the usual buckets of cash thrown at them, despite their ongoing appeals for support. Overall it is heralded as a success.

Banking After some time, another round of arrests are made in connection with the giant VBS Bank looting scandal.

International Supply Chain What happens when you try park a giant container ship sideways in the Suez Canal? The world’s supply chain implodes, as it takes ages to move the massive Evergiven container ship. The prolonged blockage of this crucial sea route, adds to the disruptions caused by Covid-19 on the world’s supply chain.

Deaths Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini dies at 72 years of age.

SURVIVING 2021 YOU MADE IT

APRIL Politics A military takeover in Chad heralds a period of political unrest across the African region. Other countries like Mali, Guinea and Sudan will also face such political upheaval during 2021, with many other governments (Like Eswatini and SA) facing protests or armed attack

Banking VBS personal banking clients are relieved to learn they can recover much of their money via Nedbank.

Covid-19 The world passes the 1 billion vaccines mark. The majority of these vaccines however are concentrated in 3 countries: USA, China & India.

Deaths Prince Philip (married to the long time queen of the UK) dies at the age of 99.

South Africa’s

leading Debt Counsellors since 2007

Start getting out of debt today! www.creditmatters.co.za

Just got out our national of Call debt! call centre on

086 111 6197

Call our national call centre on

086 111 6197

www.creditmatters.co.za

NCRDC19

SURVIVING 2021 YOU MADE IT

MAY Debt Review A discussion paper about the possibility of combining the old administration and the newer debt review process gains a lot of industry attention. The paper is riddled with antiquated and problematic suggestions. Debt Counsellors, who have had a very limited say, up to this point, make a big effort to comment on issues.

Space China lands the Zhurong Rover on Mars, and proceeds to drive around capturing images and taking samples. Martian commuters are distressed as this suddenly doubles road traffic on the planet…

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

SURVIVING 2021 YOU MADE IT

JUNE Cryptocurrency In a big move, El Salvador decide that as a country, they will begin to use Bitcoin as one of the country’s legal tender (they also use the US Dollar). Elsewhere in the world, regulators with the help of banks, try to figure out how they can regulate cryptocurrencies and claim tax. Locally based, Africrypt implodes as the founding members go into hiding after claiming they were hacked. Billions are said to be missing (though later that figure will end up actually being much smaller).

Scams The NCR is a target of a scam, as messages are sent to Debt Counsellors that the NCR have changed their banking details (they didn’t) and yearly fees can be paid into the new account. Many consumers also fall for similar scams, when suddenly told that their payment distribution agent (PDA) has changed their bank details (they haven’t and won’t).

Covid-19 The world passes the 3 billion vaccine mark. The high number of vaccinated allows for increased studies into the effectiveness and side effects of the vaccine. The need for booster shots becomes clear.

We’re not back, we never left. NPDA is now iPDA.

As one of the four licensed Payment Distribution Agencies in South Africa, we work with several hundred DC’s, paying several thousand creditors and managing payments for thousands of consumers. We still offer a range of benefits and controls that make the way you serve your clients faster, cheaper and more intuitive. For more information or a free demo, visit us at www.ipda.co.za.

SURVIVING 2021 YOU MADE IT

JULY Data Protection The Protection of Personal Information Act came into full effect after a 12 month grace period, started in 2020. The Act is designed to protect people from harm by protecting and regulating the use and storage, as well as sharing, of personal data. So, don’t forget to lock your computer, with all that sensitive data on it before walking away from your desk.

Climate Change It is wildfire season in California, with daily temperatures at record highs. Since April, fires have been raging and they reach a peak midyear. It will cost around $3 billion to manage these fires, which are larger in size than some countries. A heat wave, caused by global climate change, sweeps across the North Western US and Canada and over 1400 people in snowy Canada die as a result. In Europe, flooding in Germany causes massive damage, and calls into question the country’s future ability to deal with extreme weather.

SURVIVING 2021 YOU MADE IT

JULY CONT’D Legal After the issue has been brewing for a long time the Constitutional Court finds former President Jacob Zuma to be in contempt, and orders a 15 month jail sentence. Supporters are outraged and protests are planned.

Crime What starts off as small protests about the jail sentence of Former President Jacob Zuma, quickly devolves into mass criminal looting. Hundreds of thousands of people break into stores to steal everything they can. Xenophobic attacks, vandalism and arson are committed on a grand scale. Stand offs between citizens and security forces verse thieves and looters are seen across KZN and Gauteng. The riots end up costing the economy around R50 billion. Police later report on many influential people who encouraged the criminal behavior. Over 3400 people are later arrested. Tragically, almost 350 people lost their lives.

Assassination The President of Haiti, Jovenel Moise is shot down while sleeping. Over 28 people will later be arrested in connection with the crime.

POPI-PROOF your PROCESSES WITH DREX Secure system-to-system data transfer (no human contact) Elimination of data exposure from the use of email Data specification is fit for purpose

DID YOU KNOW? ^^

The President of South Africa has proclaimed the POPIA commencement date to be 1 July 2021. POPIA applies to any company or organization processing personal information in South Africa. Fines for non-compliance with POPIA can range up to 10 million ZAR (South African rands). POPIA defines personal information broadly as any information relating to not only a living person, but also a company or legal entity.

^ ^

SURVIVING 2021 YOU MADE IT

AUGUST Politics A new South African Finance Minister is announced as the President appoints Enoch Godongwana to the post, to replace Tito Mboweni who had held the post since 2018. With the departure of the last of the US forces across Afghanistan after 20 long years, Taliban forces surge across the country, and Afghani government offers its surrender in August. A refugee crisis plays out at Airports in Kabul and Mazar-e-Sharif, as many are desperate to escape the new regime.

Disasters The troubled country of Haiti is hit by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake, causing severe damage. In Greece, wildfires rage across the country as a result of climate change.

SURVIVING 2021 YOU MADE IT

SEPTEMBER Entertainment Squid Game. What can one say about this South Korean drama, where desperate people will put their lives on the line for cash. It nearly broke Netflix becoming number 1 on Netflix in only 10 days. Incidentally, 23 year old Mr. Beast broke YouTube with a live reenactment of the game show, featuring real prize money of $456 000 and garnered over 175 million views in just a few days in December 2021.

Politics The military capture and arrest of President Alpha Conde’ in a coup d’état in Guinea. The former President had recently pushed for constitutional changes to allow him to stay in office for a third term, despite wide spread protests in 2020. Former President Jacob Zuma receives a medical parole, and is allowed to go home. The decision is met with excitement from supporters, and suspicion from the international community.

SURVIVING 2021 YOU MADE IT

SEPTEMBER CONT’D Disasters There are many active volcanoes on the planet, but in September the Cumbre Vieja volcano on the Spanish island of La Palma, (it is one of the Canary Islands up near Morocco) blows its top, and carries on doing so for the next 3 months. The resultant lava flow wipes out 3 000 homes and businesses, as ash rains down across the island.

Meta-verse While weathering the storm of an employer whistleblower, Facebook announces it is changing its name (and focus) to META. This sparks a gold-rush type hype for all things related to the Meta-verse, virtual real estate sales, and a boom in the sale of NFTs. People soon forget all about the whistleblowers pesky claims about privacy rights, or hate speech, or whatever.

Scandal The release of the Pandora Papers exposes how many of the world’s wealthiest and influential people have been hiding money and financial interests. The Papers expose politicians in office, corporate leaders and Royal families. The documentation will be used by tax officials and police around the world, to bring charges against many of those exposed.

SURVIVING 2021 YOU MADE IT

OCTOBER Politics Sudan jumps on the band wagon with a military coup of its own, while nearby in Ethiopia, the Tigray war rages on with an estimated 10 000 casualties and counting. Somalia is repeatedly accused of secretly joining in the conflict.

Health The World Health Organisation (WHO) endorses the first ever malaria vaccine. Malaria claims over 400 000 people a year (90% in Africa).

Debt Review After prolonged battles, the NCR won cases against Debt Counsellors Zahid Adams and Clark Gardner. In their ruling on the cases, the National Consumer Tribunal issue both Debt Counsellors with a massive R500 000 fine, to send a message to the industry (both cases are being appealed to higher courts).

Finance The world’s largest ever tax fraud case is exposed in Germany, and one of the smaller parts of the international Investec brand is implicated. The fraud is said to amount to over $80 Billion.

Space Thanks to Mr. Jeffrey Bezos, Captain Kirk is finally able to head to space aboard Blue Origin. Fortunately, no Klingons were spotted during the flight.

SURVIVING 2021 YOU MADE IT

NOVEMBER Scandal Tennis star Peng Shuai accuses Zhang Gaoli, former vice Premier in China, of sexually assaulting her before disappearing. Shhhhhhh!!!!!

Covid-19 Someone unwisely updates the regular SA daily Covid-19 tracking stats of 868 positive cases, with a whole lot of old data in one giant lump sum. This pushes the actual daily infection stats up, in a seemingly massive spike of an extra 17 718 positive cases. Within a few days, scientists will coincidentally report that a new variant has been successfully identified in Botswana and South Africa. The variant will come to be called Omicron. The combination of Omicron’s ability to circumvent vaccines (and natural immunity after previous infection) and the recent fake spike shown in local Covid-19 stats, causes international panic. Several countries add SA to ‘no fly’ red lists, and the effect on the economy and travel industry is devastating. Bans will only begin to be lifted by December, by which time travelers will have already changed their travel plans.

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

SURVIVING 2021 YOU MADE IT

NOVEMBER CONT’D Financial The SA Repo Rate goes up for the first time in years to 3.75%. Economists predict a series of future increases taking the rates up to 5.5% over the next 24 months. 3 more people are rounded up in arrests related to the VBS looting case, which will proceed in 2022. The NCR drop their case against credit provider Moneyline, who they had accused of taking advantage of thousands of vulnerable consumers. In another blow to consumers, credit provider Bayport won their Supreme Court Appeal (about adding lots of legal costs after judgments). The Stellenbosch Law Clinic is now considering taking matter to the Constitutional Court on behalf of consumers.

The World’s Taxiest Man This year, the world’s richest man Elon Musk, decided to pay tax. Going onto Twitter, Elon causes his usual chaos, asking if he should pay tax and stirring up the hornet’s nest (incidentally messing with the share prices of the very shares he was going to buy and sell). Over the course of a few weeks, Elon cashed out shares (and bought a bunch more) and become America’s biggest private tax payer ever, paying R175 Billion in one go.

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

SURVIVING 2021 YOU MADE IT

DECEMBER Climate Change After a hard political year of upheaval, the traditionally very dry Sudan, which has been facing extreme drought, recorded flooding. Over 850 000 people were impacted or displaced during the extensive flooding.

Legal Former President Jacob Zuma, who was pardoned for medical reasons, is ordered back to jail. The court also orders that the time he has spent out of jail at home, will not count towards his sentence.

Entertainment Despite a global pandemic Spider- Man: No Way Home enjoyed the 3rd all time highest opening weekend, taking in around $587 Million worldwide (only beaten by 2 of the Avengers movies).

SURVIVING 2021 YOU MADE IT

2021 1N NUMB3R5

Rand/Dollar Bitcoin

At the start of 2021 it cost you

Bitcoin began 2021 at

R14.59

which was significantly higher than it had started 2020, prior to lockdown at only $9000 (for one).

per US Dollar. This figure dipped during the year as the Dollar performed poorly, and the Rand did well getting as low as

$40 000

During the year, the price rose to

$61 000

before dropping down to an end of year figure of around

$48 000.

R13.42

This was short lived however, and after that dip it began steadily climbing back up to over

R16.00 per Dollar.

Brent Crude Oil A barrel of Oil began the year at

$53.60

(which was much higher than in 2020) and ended the year up over

$79.92

at the end of November, before taking a bit of a knock over concerns caused by Omicron.

Electricity

Petrol Prices

South Africa experienced over

Amid some controversy about how the petrol price is calculated, the inland price of petrol began 2021 at

2,416GWh of load-shedding in 2021.

This is significantly higher than the two previously worst years

R14.69

in 2020 and

per litre. By the end of the year, this had shot up to a rather controversial

in 2019.

per litre.

1,798GWh 1,332GWh

R20.07

Food Prices The UN food and agricultural organisation reported that food shot up to a

10 year high globally, with an average global increase of

36%.

SURVIVING 2021 YOU MADE IT

TAKE AWAYS What do we take away from a year like 2021? We learned that SA politics bears an uncanny likeness to the American political system. True, in America people are doing so well they are walking out of their jobs en mass, while here in SA millions are sitting unemployed. Still, with former Presidents dominating the news, and riots on the streets, things are surprisingly similar. We learned that Covid-19 is likely to be around in one form or another over the years ahead. On the plus side the billions of doses of vaccine given and tracking of results has been able to provide lots and lots of data about the virus, variants and treatment. We learned that some people, including some of the richest people, are looking outward to the stars (or at least Mars) for a brighter future and chance for humanity, while others are looking inwards towards the Metaverse where people will be able to escape online, into a Ready Player One type world. We also learned that global climate change conferences are probably not going to produce the needed results until the biggest countries are literally on fire half of every year. Still, they did manage to include the word ‘coal’ into a document this year at COP26 so, small victories.

Many of us also realized that trying to force everyone back to work like things were before the Pandemic is probably not realistic. In the US, they saw this in a big way with the “Great American Walk Out”. People are fed up with being taken advantage of. We also learned that given half a chance, people will run out during an airborne pandemic to the mall, to watch superhero movies or to buy discounted items on Black Friday. In a repetition of 2020, we sadly also saw how divided society is over issues surrounding the pandemic. Authorities came head to head with protestors, and people are struggling to find a meaningful balance of their own rights and those of others. So, 2021 helped to further shatter the picture of stability that governments and society prefer to project. The mid-year Days of Shame riots in SA, proved how volatile people can be if they do not have work, and opportunities to better their lives readily available. The military coups and near coup in the US shows how fragile the system actually is. It’s all a bit scary. So, try to take care of your mental health. No doubt you had a tough time during 2021, but hopefully you also had highlights along the way. Having acknowledged that… it’s done now, it’s all over. Take a deep breath, you can relax. Don’t let this article stress you out. You made it, well done, you survived 2021.

CollectNet

collect / review / disburse

Welcome to our world of

efciency and

automation

Why choose us? New generation technology Fully automated and integrated Dedicated support for DC business growth Knowledgeable staff with extended support hours CollectNet

collect / review / disburse

Tel: +27 12 140 0602 | Email: info@collectnetpda.co.za | Web: www.collectnetpda.co.za

DEBT COUNSELLING THE NOBLE PROFESSION

DEBT COUNSELLING – THE NOBLE PROFESSION

ANSWERING THE CALL Since 2007, when the National Credit Act came into effect, thousands of people have registered with the National Credit Regulator (NCR) as Debt Counsellors. Over the years the NCR have vetted and registered around 3000 different people across SA as Debt Counsellors. Unlike credit providers, credit bureaus or Payment Distribution Agents (PDAs) Debt Counsellors are not registered as companies but rather as lone individuals who have the necessary experience and training to assist financially stressed consumers. And let’s be clear, ever since 2007 there has been no shortage of people in financial distress. The world had hardly recovered from the 2008 great recession before Covid-19 hit in 2020. Thousands of distressed consumers who were trapped in the rather horrible collections process facing harassment or the loss of assets have been able to turn to experts for help.

DEBT COUNSELLING – THE NOBLE PROFESSION

IT’S CHEAP AND IT WORKS Given the relatively low rates that Debt Counsellors charge for their professional services it is clear that the vast majority of Debt Counsellors are in the profession simply to offer help and relief to consumers. In the past, consumers would have to try turn to lawyers or other mediators to try help them negotiate with creditors and often were overwhelmed by run away costs or a lack of cooperation by credit providers. The 2007 National Credit Act flipped that on its head, forcing credit providers to play ball and come to arrangements with consumers or having the courts make such arrangements for them instead. The journey has not all been roses, of course. Debt Counsellors soon realized that in order to help people effectively they would have to also run a successful practice, balancing the needs of a low profit margin business with the challenge of helping those who are in financial distress and have poor financial habits.

DEBT COUNSELLING – THE NOBLE PROFESSION

IT’S A BALANCING ACT Stressed consumers often look to Debt Counsellors as a knight in shining armour who can remove all their financial woes with the wave of a wand. This is of course, unrealistic. Rather, Debt Counsellors play a role balancing the consumers’ needs with the credit providers’ rights while also assisting the courts in making debt restructuring easy. Working successfully in the industry means managing consumer expectations and trying to maintain good relationships with those who you sometimes have to argue against at Court. It’s a tricky balancing act.

DEBT COUNSELLING – THE NOBLE PROFESSION

THE LEGAL SIDE OF THINGS Sadly, the SA court system has fallen far short of initial expectations of how they would embrace debt review. Often Magistrates would shy away from restructuring debts and would rather try force consumers and credit providers to negotiate and settle matters outside court on their own. It was also expected that Magistrates and Judges would refer almost all matters about credit accounts to Debt Counsellors and make good use of this resource. Instead many courts initially shied away from dealing with debt review matters for years, some still have the habit of nitpicking and country wide the legal side of debt review is still so complicated after one and a half decades that legal fees often outstrip the professional fees of the Debt Counsellor. Still, this has not prevented Debt Counsellors from reaching out to help consumers and offering them what relief they can through this amazing process. It is one of the most advanced in the world and though somewhat underutilized it offers a dignified way for consumers to realistically deal with their debt (and for credit providers to collect debt with few costs). Working with expert attorneys Debt Counsellors have figured out how to help consumers through the convoluted legal system.

DEBT COUNSELLING – THE NOBLE PROFESSION

EDUCATING CONSUMERS The NCR is the party that is officially tasked with educating consumers about the debt review process. Many feel that more efforts in this area could always be made and even today, after so long, many people do not really understand how debt review works. Still, Debt Counsellors have set up websites, begun sms campaigns, email campaigns, Facebook and Whatsapp groups and eagerly shared information with the media. This effort is made to reach the public with the message that they do not have to let their debt run away, they do not have to be stressed by collections agents and they do not have to live a life in debt. This is often done at great expense to the Debt Counsellor to find and assist those who face these pressures.

DEBT REVIEW LESSON #2

Did you know that you can move your December debt review payment to come off earlier? This can help you avoid spending any of your debt repayment funds by mistake. Talk to your PDA or Debt Counsellor.

DEBT COUNSELLING – THE NOBLE PROFESSION

SMALL OR LARGE Some Debt Counsellors weather the storm on their own trying to help as many as they can fit into their busy days. Others club together and work as a team to assist those who need help. Either way the NCA sets out the same steps that are needed to help consumers. Regardless of what size practice is involved, the goal is the same: to take on a financially distressed client and help them to get out of debt so that they no longer need the services of a Debt Counsellor. Debt Counsellors are happiest when their clients no longer need them.

DEBT COUNSELLING – THE NOBLE PROFESSION

THE BENEFITS When you have a lot of debt life is just stressful all the time. It can be really hard to sleep at night. It can be even harder to talk to family members about your situation. Conversations about small expenses can quickly escalate into full blown fights and screaming matches. When you have lots of debt you constantly worry about your friends or your boss finding out. You hate to answer unknown caller phone calls so, you don’t. You live in dread of receiving scary post from your credit providers. It is not a great way to live. Getting help from a trained professional can bring incredible relief. It can help ease the pressure almost immediately. Suddenly you are able to sleep at night and even talk to your family about spending. Knowing that your debt is taken care of through debt review you can focus on effectively managing your monthly spending based on your budget. It is liberating. It is life changing and it is possible because of the hard work of Debt Counsellors and the debt review process.

DEBT COUNSELLING – THE NOBLE PROFESSION

THANK YOU DEBT COUNSELLORS To those thousands of people who are working hard every day to assist consumers through the debt review process at one of the hardest times in human history, we say:

Well done on pursuing this truly noble profession.

PREMIUM DATA SECURITY & POPI ADHERENT MARKET LEADING SUPPORT & CUSTOMER SERVICE ACCURATE, REAL TIME REPORTS

WWW.DCPARTNER.CO.ZA PDA@DCPARTNER.CO.ZA

DEBT MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE

Reliable & Efficient Workflow & Task Management iDOCS & DREX integrated Easy Debicheck capturing & management

Finwise is the most comprehensive, dynamic and fully automated debt management system in the market. The Finwise system is free of charge, and comes with a dedicated and committed support network. INFO@FINWISE.BIZ WWW.WEB.FINWISE.BIZ

We pay when your clients can't The importance of oﬀering your clients protection from falling behind with their Debt Review repayments during unforeseen circumstances is now more evident than ever before.

More cover and more security for your clients & you, the Debt Counsellor. Contact us for a presentation on how a partnership with to Click CreditGuard protects your st a e u q Clients & gives you, Re tion a t n the Debt Counsellor, e Pres peace of mind.

CreditGuard oﬀers an innovative Credit Life Insurance Policy.

Reﬁ ne you oﬀ r va er in lue g y -p ou r r

Unemployment or Inability to Earn an Income Other Than as a Result of Disability Beneﬁt *

re security Mo

. s MORE by client w on iti vie os t Re

op b De er ov

Mo re

Specifically designed for the South African Debt Review market, our tailor-made benefits are available at an affordable cost to your clients:

Maternity Benefit * Death Benefit * Accidental Death Benefit * Permanent Disability Benefit * Temporary Disability Benefit * Critical Illness Benefit * Identity Theft Benefit**

The CreditGuard Credit Life Insurance Policy is underwritten by Guardrisk Life Ltd (FSP 76) and administrated by Siyavika Risk Solutions (FSP 44999). CreditGuard is brought to you by Emisha Software (PTY) Ltd | 2016/281371/07

All beneﬁts are subject to Exclusions and Waiting Periods * Guardrisk Life Product | **Non-Guardrisk Life Product

Contact Details: www.creditguard.co.za Email: Tel:

info@creditguard.co.za 083 252 8410

TALK IS CHEAP MUCH CHEAPER THAN GOING TO COURT

MEDIATION There are many forms of mediation which can help to resolve disputes. It can be about really big geopolitical matters (like peace in the Middle East) or a smaller dispute e.g. cutting down a tree growing between two properties. The scope for mediation is very wide, and it is an effective way for people to resolve problems.

TALK IS CHEAP MUCH CHEAPER THAN GOING TO COURT

ARBITRATION Sometimes the mediation process can work a lot like a court, where both parties present arguments to an expert, and the expert (Arbitrator) makes a final decision. Many people might recognize this type of mediation from the work of organisations like the CCMA (who handled many labour related disputes).

TALK IS CHEAP MUCH CHEAPER THAN GOING TO COURT

COURT ANNEXED MEDIATION Since the court system is so busy these days, new laws have been passed that makes it necessary for everyone going to court, to explain if they have been for mediation about their matter or not. If the parties say no, then they must explain why not. The idea, is to get more people to mediate matters, instead of litigate them. This is a growing trend, and the other the courts will promote when they have lots of cases.

ONLY

R5999 5 DAY ONLINE

Mediation Training Register for ﬁve day training and get one year Panel Membership and one short program free.

TALK IS CHEAP MUCH CHEAPER THAN GOING TO COURT

ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION When parties have a dispute about a matter that falls under the National Credit Act (eg. there is a dispute about certain fees on an account or the balance showing on a credit account) then consumers can engage the services of an Alternative Dispute Resolution Agent. Now this is not debt review, or debt counselling because that covers when someone is unable to pay several credit providers what they are demanding. Alternative dispute resolution is more related to a single debt or dispute. ADRAs have yet to find their place in the market, but they are able to help sort out a dispute between a credit provider and a consumer. If the consumer has debt they can’t pay, then they will be pointed to a Debt Counsellor instead. Many feel that there is a lot of room for Debt Counsellors and ADRAs to work together, when end balance disputes arise, or if consumers are not being given statements or original documentation.

TALK IS CHEAP MUCH CHEAPER THAN GOING TO COURT

DEBT MEDIATION The head of FNB’s debt review department once told Debt Counsellors at the Debt Review Awards Gala that an organisation called the National Debt Mediation Association was set up by credit providers (many years ago) to try divert consumers away from the legal protection of debt review. This is why the words Debt Mediation leave a bad taste in the mouth of many Debt Counsellors. If consumers have a problem paying their debts then they need to approach a Debt Counsellor and avoid anyone advertising this type of “mediation” online.

TALK IS CHEAP MUCH CHEAPER THAN GOING TO COURT

SCAMS It is true that there are scams out there. Scammers often target those with debt problems. Some people hold themselves out to be mediators, who can handle debt restructuring (which since 2007 can only be done via Debt Counsellors). Some consumers have unfortunately been tricked. So, how can consumers protect themselves? Normally, all it requires is some homework. A quick Google search, a visit to Hello Peter, visiting the NCR’s online data base (of ADRAs), associations like ADR Network SA have a panel of registered members where consumers can choose from. All these steps can help.

TALK IS CHEAP MUCH CHEAPER THAN GOING TO COURT

TALK ABOUT IT Many large issues can be resolved by talking about it in a constructive way. It is sometimes hard to find an effective way to do this where both parties give one another time to really justify and promote their viewpoint. The structured, organized and fair mediation process offers such a setting. So, the next time you find yourself butting heads with a supplier, a service provider, a credit provider or even a family member, consider making use of a mediator to help resolve the matter.

What if... YOUR CLIENT’S VEHICLE IS STOLEN OR WRITTEN OFF? • Is he properly insured? • Could the insurer repudiate the claim due to his debt review status? • Since he cannot get more credit, how does he replace his vehicle?

Meliorleaf is the first and only specialist in insuring the assets of people in debt review. We genuinely protect your clients… in partnership with you.

CALL US NOW 010 141 2799 | www.meliorleaf.co.za

MAXIMISING INSURANCE RELATED INCOME

PARTNERSHIPS How does the partnership between Meliorleaf and Debt Counsellors work? We keep you advised regarding your clients to ensure they are covered properly, and remain covered. We regularly remunerate you, depending on what you choose to do: Some debt counsellors want to be actively involved in arranging and managing insurance relationships, and we equally share commissions earned. Some debt counsellors are registered Financial Services Providers who can advise their clients and provide a full brokering service, thereby being entitled to earn the full commission. Meliorleaf understands that some debt counsellors cannot, or do not want to be actively involved, but still want their clients to be properly insured: For these debt counsellors, Meliorleaf can offer a fully outsourced turnkey solution. What’s more, we will still provide you with ongoing remuneration on all active policies.

Are you interested in partnering with Meliorleaf? Call Sean or Elmarie today on 010 141 2799 CALL US NOW 010 141 2799 | www.meliorleaf.co.za

Enjoy the break. See everyone in 2022 or on the Facebook chat.

www.allprodc.org

Debt Counsellors Collective Do you need representation with the NCR? Would you like to submit recommendations to the CIF? iDDC can help Email: alanm@moneyclinic.co.za

We hope all o enjoy the end down and ge a busy

our members d of year shut et to rest after y year.

We wish all our members a relaxing holiday season.

www.dcasa.co.za

NDCA are ready to help consumers who are struggling with debt. Visit our site for more information ndca.org.za

We appear in the following courts and act as a correspondent for Dc’s and their attorneys. ATLANTIS BELLVILLE GOODWOOD CALEDON CAPE TOWN WYNBERG CERES GRABOUW

HOPEFILED KHAYELITSHA KUILSRIVER MALEMSBURY MITCHELLS PLAIN MOORREESBURG PAARL PIKETBERG

ROBERTSON SIMON’S TOWN SOMERSET WEST STELLENBOSCH STRAND TULBAGH WELLINGTON WORCESTER

Please contact adri@kempdebruyn.co.za to enquire about our fees.   

+27 (21) 200 5644 adri@kempdubruyn.co.za 21 Station Street, Paarl, 7646

DEBT REVIEW LESSON #3

One of the biggest skills a person in debt review has to learn is the ability to say “No” to family and friends: No, you cannot pay that bill for them; No, you cannot sign surety for them; No, you cannot afford to lend them money; No, you won’t be spending money on fancy gifts and eating out.

Careers & Vacancies

At IDM, the sky is the limit! If you want meaning and purpose from your work, IDM is the place. We oﬀer a wealth of opportunities for diverse work experience and personal and professional growth within a supportive and vibrant culture. Take a look at our careers page for more information: https://www.idmgroup.co.za/careers/

www.idmgroup.co.za

Debt Counselling Practice, Debtor Wellness, is looking to bring on board additional Debt Counsellors and qualiﬁed administration staﬀ (who would work under the direct supervision of NCR registered Debt Counsellors) to work with the team.

Debt Counsellors: DEBT COUNSELLOR – DC MANAGEMENT The DC needs an excellent understanding of the entire Debt Review process and the various duties performed throughout TCDW as well as the compilation of a Debt Review Court Application and the processes followed at the National Consumer Tribunal ("NCT") and the Magistrate's Court. DEBT COUNSELLOR – CLIENT CARE The DC must know and understand all Debt Counsellor tasks as set out in the NCA and task team agreement, work closely with clients.

Branch: Victoria Gate Please submit your application to hr@tcdw.co.za and note that contact will be made with shortlisted candidates only.

Administrative Staff: Admin staff will work under direct supervision of a NCR registered Debt Counsellor and perform only admin functions. DATA CAPTURE - NEW BUSINESS File and control all incoming mail under the applicable client and forward mail to the correct area. Work closely with the relevant Debt Counsellor to capture and/or check incoming certificate of Balances (COB’s), data capture on the Maximus Debt Counselling system. FINANCIAL WELLNESS PROFESSIONAL – NEW BUSINESS An extensive knowledge in financial wellness is essential. MANAGER: CLIENT CARE Manage and coordinate inward queries received from credit providers, credit bureaus, the regulator, consumers and PDA’s. DEBICHECK CLERK – CLIENT CARE Process all DebiCheck transactions and contact clients where necessary for them to authenticate the DebiCheck request received from their bank.

SERVICE D

CLICK THE C

DEBT COUNSELLORS

SUPPORT SERVICES

TRAINING

FINANCIAL

INSURANCE