Debtfree Magazine December 2019

Page 1

SOUTH AFRICA’S DEBT COUNSELLING MAGAZINE

ARE YOU READY TO BE

DEBT FREE December 2019 www.debtfreedigi.co.za


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December is here and once again we ask ourselves where did the year go? That’s not to say we are not all a little exhausted after a tough year. The year has been a tricky one for most of us. Economically it has also been a tough one. Eskom is such a mess and SAA is in business rescue.

that the rest of us can relax. Like crime, retail never takes a break. The end of the year sales are going on and people need to be in the stores to help us all buy, buy, buy.

It is amazing to think that after Black Friday and all those sales there might still be some cash in our wallets and purses. This is, of course, where the danger of December rears its head. It is easy to get swept up in all the excitement and blow your budget. Not that SA is alone in having Please beware. some tricky times. The Americans are upset with their President. The This issue we talk about leaving debt Brits are still confused about getting review and being debt free. Are you out of the EU. China and the States ready? We hope the articles help have been going back and forth you think about what it will be like with trade wars and in some parts to get out of debt. Just imagine how of the world people are dying due great that will be. to actual wars. So, life is complicated and the end of year break promises just some respite from all the craziness, kind of how the Rugby and Miss Universe provided us with some distractions and brought a smile to our faces. We all deserve a little break. Spare a thought for all those who will work through the end of the year and even all the public holidays so

We hope you enjoy the news, reviews and helpful tips too. We also hope you enjoy your break. You deserve it. Stay focused and make your payment this month. Hopefully it is one of the last few you ever have to make before you reach your goal of being totally debt free.


FROM THE

E D I T O R



ARE YOU READY TO BE DEBT FREE?

DANGEROUS DECEMBER

DEBICHECK

NEWS

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.

C O N T E N T S

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ARE YOU READY TO BE

DEBT FREE


Love Vector created by freepik - www.freepik.com


ARE YOU READY TO BE DEBT FREE? When going through the debt review process or even just dealing with debt it is a goal of everyone to get out of debt as soon as possible. The dream is to be debt free and never have to deal with this type of stress ever again. It is interesting then that so many people who go through many years of the debt review process often end up coming back to their Debt Counsellor again to ask for a second debt review. In some cases this even happens within the same year as the person just finished their first debt review. It seems that these people were not really ready to be debt free. Are you?




ARE YOU READY TO BE DEBT FREE?

AFTER ALL THAT HARD WORK The day that you get your official clearance certificate saying that all your debts are paid up and the credit bureaus are wiped clean is a day to be celebrated. It is the culmination of many months, possibly years of hard work. You may have thought about that day for some time. The danger is that you may not be realistically thinking about that day. It is like when someone dreams of their wedding day but never thinks about actual married day to day life. You may be dreaming about being debt free but not actually thinking about what you will do once you have no more debt.


ARE YOU READY TO BE DEBT FREE?

THE VERY NEXT DAY For many people who finish debt review and find themselves debt free the first thing they want to do after paying off debts for 5 years or more is‌get some more debt. It is amazing that after all that stress and anguish they immediately want to get back into the same situation that drove them into debt review. Now, there may be some valid reasons to take on some new debt. For example, you may have been driving the same car for many, many years under debt review and it may now be starting to fall apart. It may no longer be that safe for you and your family. Perhaps you have been renting for many years and now want to look to buy your own place. This can be an exciting goal that has motivated you throughout your debt review and is now finally a possibility.




ARE YOU READY TO BE DEBT FREE?

DON’T ABANDON THE SAVINGS LIFESTYLE While under debt review you are asked to change to a cash lifestyle. You are asked to rather save towards expenses than rely on credit all the time. This can be tricky at first but eventually should have become a way of life. This is a good habit that should continue after your debt review ends. If you have been paying the “average” debt review payment of around R2500 each month and suddenly finish paying off all your debts then you will find that if you save for 2 months you will have R5000 waiting. Save for 4 months and that becomes R10 000 It is amazing how quickly it adds up. If you were paying even more then you could save towards a massive deposit on something like a car in only a few months. The longer that you can stretch out and wait to make that purchase the bigger the funds on hand will be. This can keep down the amount you need to borrow for such a purchase. You may even find that you can buy for cash what you thought you needed credit for.


ARE YOU READY TO BE DEBT FREE?

DON’T JUST DAYDREAM It is good to think about what you will do when you are finally out of debt. But it should not be just vague daydreaming. You should have specific goals in mind. You should picture what you will do with your budget every month. Decide now what you will save and what you are saving towards. Do you deserve a holiday? Where will you go? How much will travel cost you? Where will you stay? How much will you save each month towards that goal? Will you have to take leave? Be specific and it will help you remain realistic and prepared.


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ARE YOU READY TO BE DEBT FREE?

PREPARE FOR THE UNEXPECTED One of the things that probably contributed towards your needing debt review in the first place was an unexpected expense or expenses. Sudden medical bills or a car accident can see you in financial distress over night. When you leave debt review you should keep in mind that this kind of thing can happen again. This time you need to be ready. Plan now for how much you want to have in a savings account to cover such a cost and set aside funds each month when your debt review is over towards this emergency fund.


ARE YOU READY TO BE DEBT FREE?

GET READY TO BE DEBT FREE If you start to mentally prepare yourself now for the day that you will be totally debt free it will help you stay focused and avoid missing any debt review payments. It will also help you when you leave debt review. Sure, it might be nice to splurge a little that first month after debt review. Go to a restaurant and party with the family. Gifts for everyone but then you should have set goals in mind to stay debt free. Make them realistic goals and plan now for how you will budget in the future when you have no more debt. Keep on making those monthly debt review payments and soon you will be totally debt free.


DEBT REVIEW SCHOOL If a friend asks for a quick loan be sure that it will not stop you from making your debt review repayments if they never give the money back.



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Take Back Control Of Your Finances We provide a remedy specifically for over-indebted consumers which involves restructuring of debt payments, lowering interest rates and fees and lengthening payment terms. Debt Counselling could be the best gift you give yourself.

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JANUARY TIP

BACK TO SCHOOL Buying lots of back to school items for your kids in January can be very expensive. If you have been saving each month of the year towards these annual expenses while under debt review then you should be fine. This is one of the benefits of sticking to the budget your Debt Counsellor works out with you. If you have not got enough saved and are worried about buying everything you need and still making your debt review repayment at the end of January, then remember that you can split up some of the shopping over time. You could buy some of the items in Jan and then some more in Feb or even later in the year (like winter uniforms or sports outfits). Be sure that you do not miss a debt review repayment and lose everything you have worked so hard for this far. It will make life much worse for your children than having to wait a few weeks for some school items will.


T HE BI G

COU RT CAS E


A very important court case was held this year to help clarify how much attorneys can charge consumers who owe credit providers money. The ruling is set to help millions of South Africans save lots of money and stop collections attorneys from bleeding vulnerable consumers dry. Here is who was involved, why it matters and how it might save you a lot of money.


THE BIG IN DUPLUM COURT CASE

THE BIG COURT CASE The big court case revolved around both an old and newer law that limits how much credit providers can add to your bill once you start to miss payments. Though these laws were in place some collections agents were charging consumers much more than these laws seem to say is possible. Poor consumers in particular have ben hard hit by “garnishee orders� (or EAOs) and big bills for many, many years due to extra legal collections fees being added to what they owe credit providers.


DEBT REVIEW SCHOOL If Friends or Family ask you for a loan rather suggest a professional NCR registered credit provider who does that for a living.



THE BIG IN DUPLUM COURT CASE

WHO WAS INVOLVED? The people who brought the matter to court were the Stellenbosch University Law Clinic and Summit Financial Partners. They were representing a group of consumers who had been victims of greedy collections agents. The people who opposed the matter were mainly collections agents and their associations like the Council for Debt Collectors and Micro Finance South Africa. Also some of the larger credit providers were part of the court case such as the major banks and the Banking Association of South Africa. The Interested parties included government departments like the National Credit Regulator (NCR) and even government ministers like the Minister of Trade & Industry and the Minister of justice & Correctional Services. Also involved were various Law Societies from across the country.


THE BIG IN DUPLUM COURT CASE

WHAT IS IN DUPLUM? When a person starts missing payments on a debt a credit provider can start to add fees and interest to the account. This old Roman & Dutch law put a limit on the debt to stop it from going over double the balance from the last time you made payments. Debt at the time you miss a payment x 2 = total you can be asked to repay. If you miss more payments the amount resets to double that figure each time. In Duplum = Double


THE BIG IN DUPLUM COURT CASE

WHAT IS NCA SECTION 103(5) IN DUPLUM? This newer law is part of the National Credit Act (NCA) and is sometimes called the ‘super’ in duplum law. This law made it so that if you default on a debt you only ever have to pay double the figure at the time that you miss that first payment. It includes all fees and collections costs as well. The collections agents in this case were arguing about what fees and cost are part of the calculation since they like to earn as much as possible when collecting debts. Debt at the time you miss a payment x 2 = total amount you will ever have to repay over time including fees and interest, even if you miss some more payments along the way.


THE BIG IN DUPLUM COURT CASE

ABUSE OF THE SYSTEM To show how collections agents are abusing the system you can just look at one of the many consumers involved in the court case. This poor consumer borrowed R700 from a credit provider but began to miss payments. The credit provider quite rightly then added interest and fees to the account and eventually handed the matter over to collections agents. The collections agents then began to pester the consumer into making many payments over time and collected the massive total of R 5100 from the consumer over time. The sad part is that after all these payments and all this time due to extra fees and charges the consumer’s account still shows that they owe R600 on the account. Can this possibly be correct and fair?



DEBT REVIEW | CREDIT LAW | LITIGATION CONTRACTS | FAMILY LAW | WILLS & ESTATES

KIM ARMFIELD

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Did you know that Debt Mediation can be done legally? Contact us to find out how. Tel: 021 949 1758 | 084 702 3760 info@legalwc.co.za | w w w.capeat torney.co.za


THE BIG IN DUPLUM COURT CASE

THE LAW CLINIC’S ARGUMENTS The Stellenbosch Law Clinic argued that even though Section 1 of the National Credit Act doesn’t use the current popular term ‘legal fees’ it does refer to a general term namely ‘charges’. In Part C of Chapter 6 where it talks about enforcement by legal proceedings it includes going to court. This means that the currently used term legal fees would naturally be part of collections costs. They pointed out that credit agreements have entire sections that talk about how the credit provider has the right to sue the consumer through the courts for the money owed and this would naturally include legal costs. So collecting on a judgment is part of the original contract agreement. They also argued that once a judgment is granted for a debt it would not be right due to extra costs and fees to suddenly simply ignore this limit and let the figure go more than double. This would include costs granted by the court.


THE BIG IN DUPLUM COURT CASE

THE COLLECTIONS ATTORNEYS ARGUMENTS There were a lot of different arguments submitted by different collections agents and parties. Some of them were completely the opposite of the next collections agent. This made things rather confusing, disjointed and inconsistent. It seems that all the different parties could not agree on what should and shouldn’t be included and why. One key point in the collections agent’s arguments was that when a consumer starts missing payments they take the matter to court. The court then grants a judgment and in their opinion this ends the original credit agreement. They then feel that the collections process from that point is a new legal matter and new fees should be added with no limits set. The court was not convinced and pointed out that the legal process of getting a judgment to collect is set out in the original contracts and only happens because of these contracts.


The collections agents argued that the lawmakers of the National Credit Act did not want to change the old laws. The courts pointed out that the NCA Section 103(5) even mentions that the new laws would replace old ones. Although these arguments simply made the collections agents look greedy and money hungry at the cost of poor consumers it is good to know, however, that not all credit providers were opposed to the application. Many, including the banks, agree with the suggestions that were being made by the Law Clinic. Man vector created by dooder - www.freepik.com


THE BIG IN DUPLUM COURT CASE

THE COURT RULING The Court ruled in favour of the consumers and said that even though credit providers have been asked , in the past , to curb their greedy collections people, vulnerable consumers are still been badly taken advantage of. The ruling leans in favour of consumers and will no doubt cost credit providers some money but it is in line with the spirit of purposes of the National Credit Act. The Court ordered that the credit providers refund the consumers involved based on the proper way of working out how much they owe taking NCA Section 103(5) In Duplum into account. It also made 3 declaratory orders about collections costs being part of NCA Section 103(5) and when this applies.


Declaratory Order A a) it is declared that collections costs as referred to in Section 101(1) (g), as defined in Section 1, and as contemplated in Section 103(5) of the National Credit Act, Act 34 of 2005 includes all legal fees incurred by the credit provider in order to enforce the monetary obligations of the consumer under a credit agreement charged before, during and after litigation.

Declaratory Order B b) it is declared that section 103(5) of the National Credit Act, Act 34 of 2005 applies for as long as the consumer remains in default of his/her credit obligations, from the date of default to the date of collection of the final payment owing in order to purge his default, irrespective of whether judgment in respect of the default has been granted or not during this period.

Declaratory Order C c) it is ordered that legal fees, including fee of attorneys and advocates, in as much as they comprise part of collection costs as contemplated in section 101 (1) {g} of the National Credit Act, Act 34 of 2005, may not be claimed from a consumer or recovered by a credit provider pursuant to a judgment to enforce the consumer’s monetary obligations under a credit agreement, unless they are agreed to by the consumer or they have been taxed.


THE BIG IN DUPLUM COURT CASE

WHY THIS IS GOOD FOR CONSUMERS Many consumers have been hit with ridiculous bills for even small debts that they were not able to keep up payments on. Many have had garnishee orders (EAOs) granted against them that have been running for years well over the In Duplum limit. Collections agents have just piled on collections costs without end and trapped these consumers in poverty. People have been stuck paying for things like loans for TVs and couches for a decade or more long after the item is no longer even usable any more. This is just unfair and greedy. A new class action suit may now be launched to try get collections agents and credit providers to refund affected consumers across the country. Regardless of if or when this happens, credit providers are now going to have to be swift to start the collections process or they will face losing out


on possible fees. Rather than let consumers run into trouble on multiple accounts this may move consumers to seek help from Debt Counsellors sooner rather than later. No more will collections agents be able to dispute the fact that legal fees and collections costs are part of the safety net that the law created in Section 103(5) In Duplum. This means that troubled consumers should not be over paying for the debts that they have.



DEBT REVIEW SCHOOL

Ever wondered how your income compares to the majority of South Africans? Are you rich or poor compared to everyone else? Wonder no longer, you can use this interesting online tool from the South African Labour & Development Research Unit:

If asked for a loan feel free to ask for information about the persons income, monthly expenses, www.saldru.uct.ac.za/incomeother debts and how much they comparison-tool/ have to repay the loan & when. Ask for it in writing.

It will reveal where you score (based on your income) compared to other South Africans. You simply capture one or two figures and it will show you on an easy to understand graph.


What if...

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MA XIMISING INSUR ANCE RELATED INCOME

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

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NEWS SUPREME COURT RULES ON LEWIS CLUB FEES & WARR ANTEES In 2016 after an extensive investigation into Lewis Stores the National Credit Regulator (NCR) approached the National Consumer Tribunal (NCT) to get Lewis to stop charging club fees and asked for them to be fined and consumers refunded. The NCR felt that the club fees being charged were not allowed for in the NCA and must therefore be illegal and should be refunded. They were also worried that the so called extended warranties offered were actually meaningless and useless to consumers since

many products already have warranties built in for the time of the credit agreement. At the time, the investigation and allegations had a very negative effect on Lewis share values. In 2017 the case eventually went before the NCT who ruled in Lewis Stores favour. The NCR then appealed the matter to first High Court (who were not interested) and then eventually the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA). This month the SCA ruled that Lewis does not force consumers to belong to the club and that these fees are thus not part of the cost of credit. Therefore these fees do not fall under the NCA. The judge said that just because consumers are invited to join the club during the credit application phase did not automatically make it part of the cost of credit. They also ruled that the NCA specifically allows credit providers to provide extended warranties and so these were also not in contravention of the Act even if the credit agreement ended before the warranties did.



Die Republiek van

SKYT AFRICA Hi Almal, Ten tye van die verskyning van die tydskrif en hierdie rubriek het die jaar 2019 gegroet, verby finish en klaar. Dit was n jaar sal uitstaan vir verskeie redes, en bes moontlik om die verkeerde redes. Vir die eerste keer in ons geskiedenis is staatsbeheerde entiteit onder sake redding geplaas. Die SAL/SAA n eens trotse besigheid wat ons landsvlag op die stertvin die wĂŞreldwyd vertoon het. Was die agt dae lange staking die finale spyker in die doodskis? Kan die entiteit enigsins gered word, wil iemand daar doer bo in die lug in vliegtuig wees wat besit word deur n bankrot eienaar? Prasa en Transnet, ons eens trotse spoorweg is net so diep in die moeilikheid, spore word gesteel, hoogspanningdrade word gesteel en passasierswaens word vernietig. Treine loop nie meer betyds nie, verlede week was die Shosoloza meyl tussen Pretoria (Tswane) en Kaapstad meer as 24 uur laat, een van die bittermin kere wat die trein wel die reis voltooi was en passasiers nie met busse verder aangery was nie.


Eskom, nou hier is n tameletjie waar niemand meer weet wie om te glo nie. Gedeeltes van Tswane was vir 10 dae sonder krag, kos is vrot en die moermeters in die rooi. Was daar sabotasie of nie, wie weet, maar wat soos n paal bo die water uitstaan is dat dit n tikkende tydbom is, gaan die krag aanbly? Tik-tok! Die dam en pyplyn wat Cullinan, Rayton en omliggende gebiede van water moet voorsien is stukkend. Nie sommer net stukkend nie dit gaan 8 maande neem om te herstel, intussen is daar geen water nie. Terloops die merske diamant wat in Koningin Liesbet se kroon of so iets pryk kom van Cullinan af. Kan dit enigsins erger gaan in 2020? Wel na die afgelope beraad van die vakbond NUMSA verklaar hulle hoof indoena Irvin Jim dat 2020 die jaar van massa aksie gaan wees. Pleks daar aan idees gewerk word wat die ekonomie bevorder beplan hulle vir drie dae hoe om dit verder ten gronde te dryf. Moontlik moet ek meer positief oor ons land hier aan die suidpunt van Afrika en nie soos Rip van Winkel in n diepe en langdurige slaap wil verval tot alles weer klopdisselboom is nie. Daar is goeie mense in hierdie land, baie goeie mense. Aan elkeen wat die afgelope jaar my artikels gelees en geniet het baie dankie. Mag elkeen van julle n wonderlike 2020 beleef, mag die krag aanbly, die water vloei en die beursies dikker wees. Groete en ons praat weer volgende jaar, Christo Christo Hattingh Kyk gerus my LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christo-hattingh-351a52130/ * Seriously please do let us know if you found this article to be funny/offensive/amusing/interesting feedback@debtfreedigi.co.za


HOW DO YOU COMPARE? Ever wondered how your income compares to the majority of South Africans? Are you rich or poor compared to everyone else? Wonder no longer, you can use this interesting online tool from the South African Labour & Development Research Unit:

www.saldru.uct.ac.za/income-comparison-tool/

It will reveal where you score (based on your income) compared to other South Africans. You simply capture one or two figures and it will show you on an easy to understand graph.


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

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Contact us to become a member

Check out our Facebook page. We encourage all registered DC’s who are not affiliated with an association to join so that DC’s get the opportunity to influence decisions taken by the NCR.

We wish all our colleagues and members a nice vacation. See you in 2020.

www.allprodc.org


See everyone in January after a well deserved break.

www.bdcf.co.za

October saw our last regional meetings till early 2020. Members are asked to help warn consumers about “get out of Debt Review� scams. Please use our new consumer article sent via email. www.dcasa.co.za

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


DEBT REVIEW SCHOOL

Ever wondered how your income compares to the majority of South Africans? Are you rich or poor compared to everyone else? Wonder no longer, you can use this interesting online tool from the South African Labour & Development Research Unit:

If lending money to a friend or even family be sure to get the arrangement down in www.saldru.uct.ac.za/incomewriting and ask 2 friends to comparison-tool/ sign as witnesses. This helps everyone remember the repayment It will reveal where you arrangement exactly score (based on your without any confusion. income) compared to other South Africans. You simply capture one


PROFESSIONAL DEBT COUNSELLING ATTORNEYS TEL: 021 872 1968 1 1 M A R K E T S T R E E T, PA A R L w w w. s t e y n c o e t z e e . c o . z a



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Credit Matters South Africa’s Leading Debt Counsellors 14th Floor, The Pinnacle Cnr Strand & Burg St Cape Town Tel: 086 111 6197 Fax: 021 425 6292 info@creditmatters.co.za

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016 423 3029 082 812 5442 info@resolutiondebt.co.za

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Pay off your debt in the shortest possible �me. Expert free confiden�al advice at first consulta�on Protect your assets from repossession Save money without taking a loan Stop threatening calls & le�ers Start living your life again

082 927 7324 petra@streamlinedebt.co.za www.streamlinedebt.co.za PETRA SWANEPOEL : NCRDC1963

Get your own dedicated Debt Counsellor from beginning to end. Our team of friendly & efficient support staff are ready to answer your ques�ons.

021 204 4711 067 211 4913 info@debteezy.co.za www.debteezy.co.za

Creators In Financial Wellbeing NCRDC677 You Are Not Alone We’ll handle your creditors so you don’t have to! 1 Dingler Street, Rynfield, Benoni 0861 10 11 00 info@debtmend.co.za www.debtmend.co.za


South Africa’s largest and most trusted, multi-award winning Debt Counsellor. National Debt Advisors Fighting For Consumer Justice Tel: 021 007 1688 www.nationaldebtadvisors.co.za

KWAZULUNATAL

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

2014

2016

2017

Debt Review Awards

Debt Review Awards

Debt Review Awards

WINNER

WINNER

WINNER

The simple way to a debt free, stress free life! DEBT COUNSELLING Debt Review Specialists 23 Coronation Road Mithanagar Tongaat 4399 Tel: 071 222 9481 Tel: 032 944 3446 admin@kmadebt.co.za www.kmadebt.co.za

FINANCIAL COACHING MONEY MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMMES 031 303 3690 / 084 250 2356 romie@debtfinesse.co.za www.debtfinesse.co.za

FINESSE


Get

¨ debt relief with our help today!

082 937 7874 082 812 5442 denise@kzndebtcounselling.co.za

Credit Matters South Africa’s Leading Debt Counsellors 14th Floor, The Pinnacle Cnr Strand & Burg St Cape Town Tel: 086 111 6197 Fax: 021 425 6292 info@creditmatters.co.za

“Helping you the SMART way” 0860 061 008 info@smartdebtadvisors.co.za www.smartdebtadvisors.co.za

Get your own dedicated Debt Counsellor from beginning to end. Our team of friendly & efficient support staff are ready to answer your ques�ons.

021 204 4711 067 211 4913 info@debteezy.co.za www.debteezy.co.za


National Debt Advisors Fighting For Consumer Justice Tel: 021 007 1688 www.nationaldebtadvisors.co.za

FREE STATE

South Africa’s largest and most trusted, multi-award winning Debt Counsellor.

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

2014

2016

2017

Debt Review Awards

Debt Review Awards

Debt Review Awards

WINNER

WINNER

WINNER

Credit Matters South Africa’s Leading Debt Counsellors 14th Floor, The Pinnacle Cnr Strand & Burg St Cape Town Tel: 086 111 6197 Fax: 021 425 6292 info@creditmatters.co.za


LIMPOPO National Debt Advisors Fighting For Consumer Justice Tel: 021 007 1688 www.nationaldebtadvisors.co.za

Depopulating a generation of over indebted and populating a debt free generation. Office no 2, 5 A Schoeman Street, Polokwane Tel: 0152912731 Tel: 0877028518 Email: admaau66@gmail.com

South Africa’s largest and most trusted, multi-award winning Debt Counsellor.

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

www.maaudebts.co.za 2014

2016

2017

Debt Review Awards

Debt Review Awards

Debt Review Awards

WINNER

WINNER

WINNER

Credit Matters South Africa’s Leading Debt Counsellors 14th Floor, The Pinnacle Cnr Strand & Burg St Cape Town Tel: 086 111 6197 Fax: 021 425 6292 info@creditmatters.co.za


GMC Debt Solutions 52 Kerk Street Lydenburg Tel: 087 802 7054 Tel: 087 151 1034 www.gmcdebtsolutions.co.za

National Debt Advisors Fighting For Consumer Justice Tel: 021 007 1688 www.nationaldebtadvisors.co.za

MPUMALANGA

South Africa’s largest and most trusted, multi-award winning Debt Counsellor.

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

2014

2016

2017

Debt Review Awards

Debt Review Awards

Debt Review Awards

WINNER

WINNER

WINNER

Credit Matters South Africa’s Leading Debt Counsellors 14th Floor, The Pinnacle Cnr Strand & Burg St Cape Town Tel: 086 111 6197 Fax: 021 425 6292 info@creditmatters.co.za


We are passionate about helping people become DEBT FREE! 022 713 3766 marius@drs-debt-help.co.za facebook.com/drsdebthelp www.drs-debt-help.co.za NCRDC1670


National Debt Advisors Fighting For Consumer Justice Tel: 021 007 1688 www.nationaldebtadvisors.co.za

Credit Matters South Africa’s Leading Debt Counsellors 14th Floor, The Pinnacle Cnr Strand & Burg St Cape Town Tel: 086 111 6197 Fax: 021 425 6292 info@creditmatters.co.za

NORTH WEST

Depopulating a generation of over indebted and populating a debt free generation. Office No. 6, Prime Pharm Building, 36 Dr Nelson Mandela Drive Tel: 0186320053 Tel: 0877026744 Email: papi@maaudebts.co.za www.maaudebts.co.za

South Africa’s largest and most trusted, multi-award winning Debt Counsellor.

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

2014

2016

2017

Debt Review Awards

Debt Review Awards

Debt Review Awards

WINNER

WINNER

WINNER


National Debt Advisors Fighting For Consumer Justice Tel: 021 007 1688 www.nationaldebtadvisors.co.za

NORTHERN CAPE

South Africa’s largest and most trusted, multi-award winning Debt Counsellor.

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

2014

2016

2017

Debt Review Awards

Debt Review Awards

Debt Review Awards

WINNER

WINNER

WINNER

Credit Matters South Africa’s Leading Debt Counsellors 14th Floor, The Pinnacle Cnr Strand & Burg St Cape Town Tel: 086 111 6197 Fax: 021 425 6292 info@creditmatters.co.za


National Debt Advisors Fighting For Consumer Justice Tel: 021 007 1688 www.nationaldebtadvisors.co.za

Credit Matters South Africa’s Leading Debt Counsellors 14th Floor, The Pinnacle Cnr Strand & Burg St Cape Town Tel: 086 111 6197 Fax: 021 425 6292 info@creditmatters.co.za

EASTERN CAPE

South Africa’s largest and most trusted, multi-award winning Debt Counsellor.

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

2014

2016

2017

Debt Review Awards

Debt Review Awards

Debt Review Awards

WINNER

WINNER

WINNER


WEBSITE | www.debt-therapy.co.za

debt therapy

integrity guaranteed

debt therapy is registered with NCR | NCRDC49

National Debt Advisors Fighting For Consumer Justice Tel: 021 007 1688 www.nationaldebtadvisors.co.za

Drastically reduce your monthly debt repayments Let US help 0861111863 Regain control of your finances www.debt-therapy.co.za

" There is no Dignity quite so Impressive and No Independence quite so Important, as Living within your Means. - Calvin Coolidge "

WESTERN CAPE

For your Convenience Our Range of Services are Available to you Anywhere in South Africa! Jackie Coetzee 079 317 8557 documentswc@fusiondc.co.za

“There is no dignity quite so Impressive and No Independence quite so important as Living within your Means - Calvin Coolidge” For your Convenience Our Range of Services are Availble to you Anywhere in South Africa! Jackie Coetzee 079 317 8557 022 713 2021 documentswc@fusiondc.co.za

CHOOSE YOUR FINANCIAL FREEDOM TODAY Tel: 021 204 8001 • Email: dc@ffsdc.co.za

www.financialfreedomsolutions.co.za dc@ffsdc.co.za www.financialfreedomsolutions.co.za


ISISEKO DEBT HELP Get Your Life back on track TEL: 087 230 0223 FAX: 086 551 1649 EMAIL: makanti@isiseko.co.za WEB: www.isiseko.co.za

WESTERN CAPE

Credit Matters South Africa’s Leading Debt Counsellors 14th Floor, The Pinnacle Cnr Strand & Burg St Cape Town Tel: 086 111 6197 Fax: 021 425 6292 info@creditmatters.co.za

All Debt Solutions Fast tracking your financial freedom Tel: 0861 255 3328 / 021-557 9981 Email: info@allds.co.za www.alldebtsolutions.co.za https://www.facebook.com/ alldebtsolutions


Louwnet Debt Consultants NEXT LEVEL DEBT MANAGEMENT AREA SPECIALIST: Durbanville Brackenfell Kraaifontein

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

NCRDC1142 No 2 Golden Isle Building 281 Durban Road, Oakdale, Bellville, 7535 Tel: 086 111 3749 Email: help@zerodebt.co.za www.zerodebt.co.za

067 068 5604 louwnetdc@gmail.com facebook.com/LouwnetDebtConsultants

DebtZen

for peace of mind

We are passionate about helping people become DEBT FREE!

021 987 1835 021 987 2232

022 713 3766

065 939 9886

marius@drs-debt-help.co.za

leads@debtzen.co.za

facebook.com/drsdebthelp

www.debtzen.org

www.drs-debt-help.co.za

NCRD3032

NCRDC1670


South Africa’s largest and most trusted, multi-award winning Debt Counsellor.

Your Guide to Financial Wellness and Recovery 0861 229 922 info@debthero.co.za www.legalhero.co.za

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

2014

2016

2017

Debt Review Awards

Debt Review Awards

Debt Review Awards

WINNER

WINNER

WINNER

WESTERN CAPE

CONSUMER DEBT SUPPORT Annienne Nel NCRDC2452 Kairo’s House, 22 Fairfield Southstreet, Parow, 7550 Office: 021 930 5791 Cell: 082 641 2328 Fax: 086 563 3264 e-mail: info@debtcentre.co.za www.debtcentre.co.za


“Helping you the SMART way” 0860 061 008 info@smartdebtadvisors.co.za www.smartdebtadvisors.co.za

Get your own dedicated Debt Counsellor from beginning to end. Our team of friendly & efficient support staff are ready to answer your ques�ons.

021 204 4711 067 211 4913 info@debteezy.co.za www.debteezy.co.za


SUPPORT SERVICES

011 451 0041 0860 072 768 www.dcmax.co.za

DC Opera�on Centre (PTY) Services:

COMING SOON

17.1, 17.2, Proposals

TRAINING

Court Applica�ons Call Centre Payment Division Contact Elmarie 011 394 8042 083 232 1908 admin@dcopera�ons.co.za www.dcopera�ons.co.za

011 394 8042 083 232 1908 admin@dcoperations.co.za


DEBT 086 126 6562 debt@one.za.com www.one.za.com

INSURANCE


LEGAL

www.embattornerys.co.za

Liddles & Associates “It always seems impossible until it is done” N. Mandela (T) 021 930 5790 (F) 0866070940 (E) frontdesk@liddles.co.za www.liddles.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

RM Brown and Associates 16th Floor, The Pinnacle Cnr Strand & Burg St Cape Town Tel: 021 202 1111, f: 021 425 0875 Email: roger@rmbrown.co.za


Your Debt Counselling Attorneys Johannesburg | Cape Town Andre Van Zyl 021 494 4862 Kim Armfield Attorney & Family Law Mediator Address: Unit 1B, FinansHuis, 7 Voortrekker Road, Bellville Tel: 021 949 1758 / 021 945 2526 Office cell: 084 8588 284 kim@legalwc.co.za

info@bassonvanzyl.com

We are a Port Elizabeth based law firm capable of assisting Debt Counsellor’s throughout South Africa with matters within the following areas of jurisdiction: Port Elizabeth; New Brighton; Motherwell; Uitenhage; Hankey; Jeffreys Bay; and Humansdorp 082 974 0866 carla@cvlaw.co.za

www.bassonvanzyl.com

CREDIT BUREAUS

Xpert Decision Systems (XDS) South African information bureau. Cape Town | Johannesburg +27 11 645 9100 info@xds.co.za www.xds.co.za

www.cvlaw.co.za


PAYMENT DISTRIBUTION AGENCIES

DC Partner 044 873 4530

COLLECTNET +27 12 140 0602

Hyphen PDA 011 303 0060

intuitive 0861 628 628


SYSTEM PROVIDERS

FINWISE - INNOVATIVE DEBT M

Tel: 011 451 0041 Tel: 0860 072 768 www.maxpayments.co.za

Debt Review Software Tel: 016 004 0031

South Africa’s premier debt management solution www.finwise.biz

‘’ I was pleasantly surprised by our experien new system is intuitive and e Debt counsellor Eas


CAPITEC CONTACT DETAILS

Form 17’s Proposals Court documents General Queries Refund Requests / Cancellation of Debit Orders Complaints Insurance Certificates Sharecall Contact Number

ccsforms17@capitecbank.co.za ccsproposals@capitecbank.co.za ccsdebtrevieworders@capitecbank.co.za ccsdebtreviewqueries@capitecbank.co.za ccsrefundrequests@capitecbank.co.za ComplaintManagement@capitecbank.co.za coming soon 086 066 7783 - Select Option 2

ESCALATION PROCESS COMING SOON


Turnaround Time

Debt Review DepartmentEmail Address

Contact Details Standard Bank Debt Review Debt Review Call Center:

0861 111 525 or 0861 111 402

Debt Review Documents*:

DRApplications@standardbank.co.za

Debt Review Service requests:

debtreviewservices@standardbank.co.za

5 days

Debt Review payment queries:

DRPayments@standardbank.co.za

7 days

Debt Review administrative requests**:

DebtReviewAdmin@standardbank.co.za

5 days

Debt Review complaints and escalations:

debtreviewcomplaints@standardbank.co.za

5 days

Reckless Lending Allegations

recklesslendingallegations@standardbank.co.za

*Debt Review documents: Form 17.1; Form 17.2; Proposals; Court Applications; Court Orders **Debt Review Admin related requests: debit order cancellations; statement requests ; refunds; paid up letters; account closure instructions; settlement balances; or outstanding balances

Other Standard Bank areas Credit Card

086120 1000

Diners Club

0113588400 / 0860346377

Vehicle Asset Finance Recoveries

0861102347

Vehicle Asset Finance Collections

0861102347

Home Loans Pre Legal

0860102270

Home Loans Customer Service

0860123001

Standard Bank Insurance

0860123911

Deceased Estates

0861001868


CALL CENTER Contact

0861 005 901

Function For your convenience we now offer the opportunity to call our contact centre and be transferred to specic departments. Note that our consultants in these departments are subject matter experts and will best be able to assist you for a swift resolution. Please note; choosing the incorrect option could delay the resolution of your query. Option Option Option Option Option

Email

1: 1: 2: 3: 4:

Updated balances, statements, settlements, refunds and general enquiries Any COB related queries Any Proposal related queries Any termination related queries

Turnaround Time

Function

Certicate of Balance DRCob@absa.co.za

5 Business Days

Processing of the 17.1 application.

DRTransfer@absa.co.za

5 Business Days

Manage all debt counsellor swaps and system changes.

DCCOBQueries@absa.co.za

5 Business Days

Manage all COB escalated queries and follow-ups.

Debitordercancellations@absa.co.za

5 Business Days

Manage all debt order cancellation requests.

DCRCAssessment@absa.co.za

10 Business Days

Manage reckless lending allegations.

KYC DCKYC@absa.co.za

For return of KYC Forms.

Authorised Financial Services Provider and a registered credit provider (NCRCP7) Absa idirect’s FSP 34766 Absa Insurance Company’s FSP 8030


Email

Turnaround Time

Function

Proposals DCProposalquery@absa.co.za

10 Business Days

Manage all proposal escalated queries and follow-ups.

DRProposals@absa.co.za

10 Business Days

Processing of the following documents: 17.2, proposals, proof of insurance, 17.3 & supporting documentation.

Legal Courtapp@absa.co.za

5 Business Days

All legal documents to be provided to this department for review.

Termination DRTerminations@absa.co.za

10 Business Days

Manage all termination queries, reinstatements requests and follow-ups.

17.4@absa.co.za

10 Business Days

Manage all voluntary termination requests.

Clearance DCClearanceCerticate@absa.co.za

5 Business Days

Manage all clearance-related queries and requests.

Service Types of queries managed by this department; Account closure conrmation/request. Balance conrmations/ query. Account status conrmation, statement request. Paid up letter request. Refund request. All relevant operational queries to be referred to operational queues mentioned. Debtreviewqueries@absa.co.za

10 Business Days

Entry point for all query-related matters.

Debtreviewmanager@absa.co.za

5 Business Days

Escalation point for all query-related matters.


.


First National Bank – a division of FirstRand Bank Limited. An Authorised Financial Services and Credit Provider (NCRCP20). Reg. No. 1929/001225/06.


DC Query Process DC Query Process

www.nedbank.co.za


17.1, 17.2, Proposals, General correspondence: debtcounselling@africanbank.co.za To register for Legal Web Access: lwac@africanbank.co.za Reckless Lending investigations: RLA@africanbank.co.za

ESCALATION PROCESS DETAILS COMING SOON



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