Debtfree DIGI Sept 2011

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www.debtcounsellingsa.co.za Debtfree South Africa’s debt counselling magazine September 2011

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SA's Debt Counselling Industry Magazine. Trouble at the NCR? News and reviews, proposals regarding debt review alternatives and tips on saving.

Transcript of Debtfree DIGI Sept 2011

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www.debtcounsellingsa.co.za

DebtfreeSouth Africa’s debt counselling magazine

September 2011

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NCR accredited payment distribution agency

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“Time flies like the wind and fruit flies like bananas” so they say. Can you believe we are in September? Wow and September has turned out to be quite an interesting month for the debt counselling industry. Sure all that nasty 86 (10), banks being nasty to home owners, continues and DC’s and Advocates are running around left, right and centre trying to ensure no ones rights get trampled unnecessarily however the real focus this month was on announcements that were meant to be made regarding the job of NCR CEO/Regulator - which have not been forth coming. Rather what has

EDITOR

CONTENTSEditors notes

News

Trouble at the NCR

Cooking vs. eating out

Compuscan Academy

Alternative for Debt Counselling

Events

Service directory

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05

11

14

18

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24

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been forth coming is our own little industry scandal with allegations flying regarding NCR staff past and...well past. Juicy stuff! Be sure to read about it a little further in the magazine after the news section.

With rates set to stay the same (the lowest in 30 years...so no surprise there) but the cost of services and goods increasing consumers face continued pressure to curb spending and focus on debt repayments. However the unplanned lurks around every corners so stay vigilant. Why not check out our tips section to look at do it yourself: cooking vs. eating out. If you like a tasty pizza then skip ahead “pronto” to drool over some tasty pictures. Just don’t start licking the computer screen or men in white suits will be coming to get you and take you somewhere comfortable. On the plus side, summer seems to heading our way. That can help reduce some of our electrical usage bills -which is a cost we are having to pay more and more attention to these days. Besides nothing really dries your clothes and leaves them fresh like direct sunlight. A little sun can go a long way in terms of our health and mood so...break out those shorts (not time for the bikini yet) and start burning that winter weight. Let the hawks and the public prosecutor worry about who did what and rather focus on getting debt free and maybe even going outside and getting a little sun for a change.

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DC Partner information regarding consumer deposit references

DC Partner PDA have issued the following information:

Dear Debt CounsellorPlease take note of the fact that as from Monday, 19 September 2011, all our bank accounts will be changed to be subjected to transaction referencing.

All deposits that are made into the account will be forced to be subjected to a referencing check.

Only the following references will be allowed:

ID Number, which contains of 13 digits and in the correct ID format, or the Application number, which must always contain App + the physical number.

We trust that this will ensure speedy and accurate allocation and ensure speedy distributions.

Please forward all enquiries to [email protected]

Kind Regards

DC Partner

NCR warns DCs Leaving the Industry

The NCR have issued the following statement about DC’s who drop clients and leave them in the lurch suddenly:

We would like to appeal to all debt counsellors to inform the NCR when you change your contact details or when you are no longer practising as a debt counsellor. If you do not intend practising debt counselling further, we would expect that you fill out a form 10 and send to our registration department.

To this end we would appreciate that you find another DC to take over your files and request that the proper transfer procedures are followed or alternatively request that the NCR assist you in this regard so that consumers are not in any way prejudiced by you leaving the industry.

Too many DCs have brought debt counselling into disrepute by absconding and leaving clients in the lurch. Such conduct is unacceptable and the NCR will be taking action against those debt counsellors with a view to prosecuting such offenders as this places a huge burden on the NCR to assist these clients.

NEWS FLASHINDUSTRY CONSUMER

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Credit Ombud helps a consumer...somewhat.

A recent complaint laid by a consumer with the Credit Ombud against a credit provider shows just how vigilant consumers should be when taking out loans.

The consumer took out a loan of R5000 with a micro lender, but soon realised that he would not be able to pay back the loan as agreed.

“The credit provider put a garnishee order on my salary for R800 per month to recover the debt from October 2008 to March 2011,” he explains. “The total amount I had paid by April 2011 was amazingly, R24 000, but I was told that I still owed R6 760 on the loan.”

The Credit Ombud investigated the case and found that the collections agent for the micro lender had acted in contravention of the National Credit Act (NCA) and was ordered to close the file and write off the outstanding balance. The Credit Ombud also issued a letter to the consumer’s salary department, requesting that the garnishee be stopped with immediate effect.

“Credit providers are entitled to include a number of charges in a credit agreement, but these must be in line with the national credit regulations,” says Credit Ombud, Manie van Schalkwyk. Costs which a credit provider is allowed to include in the credit agreement over and above the principle debt or capital amount include service fees, initiation fees, credit insurance and interest.

“The credit agreement must explain all the costs to the consumer,” says Van Schalkwyk.

“The consumer must, for example, be able to choose whether they cede their existing life policy, instead of taking out credit insurance from the credit provider.”

He says that monthly service fees are never allowed to be more than R50 plus VAT per month or R600 plus VAT per year. All interest and initiation fees are regulated under the Act.

“A consumer must also be made aware that should they default on a credit agreement, they are liable for collection and attorney fees as legislated in the Magistrates Court Act and Rules, Debt Collectors Act, High Court Act and Rules and the frameworks of the relevant law societies,” adds van Schalkwyk. “Not paying back a loan on time can cost consumers far more than the original amount they borrowed just in interest and collection fees alone,” he says. “The best way to avoid this is to make sure that you really can afford the loan in the first place.”

Van Schalkwyk advises consumers to regularly check the status of the outstanding amount of their loan and what charges they are being billed for on a regular basis.

“A consumer must be advised on the total amount that they will be liable for, inclusive of all applicable costs,” says van Schalkwyk. “Once you see that something untoward is happening on your account or you suspect that you are being over-charged, you can complain to the Credit Ombud.”

He adds: “educating yourself about how much of the original loan amount and of the interest you are paying off will help you put a budget

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and financial plan in place to pay off your debt more quickly. Also beware of loan agreements that seem to offer very good terms – if you default you could end up sacrificing your financial freedom.”

No information was released about the consumer receiving any funds back if there had been an exceeding of NCA Section 103(5) however.

Consumers can contact the Credit Ombud office on 0861 66 28 37 or visit www.creditombud.org.za

Wesbank blame Debt Counsellors for telling taxi owners about debt review

Recently Wesbank have been saying how happy they are since Collett v FRB has set a precedent that allows them to take taxi owners to the High Court to try get the court to ignore the debt review applications of these consumers in the Magistrates Courts and try get permission to sell these consumers taxis.

A large number of taxi owners have entered into debt review since the inception of the NCA. They say that some DC’s who set the matters before courts did not make arrangements for these consumers to pay even reduced payments monthly during the time the matters were waiting at court. Due to Wesbank being unwilling to come to a reasonable settlement they have now sat out of pocket for many months while the court application was on the waiting lists. It seems that if Wesbank had been able to help consumers more in the debt

review process this strange situation would not have occurred.

These non paying consumers have naturally not been popular at the bank. Indeed since debt review is a fair debt collection process it is strange that there were some consumers who were not making monthly payments. Wesbank have not revealed what percentage of taxi owners under debt review were not paying monthly.

Normally consumers pay each and every month they are under debt review. The debt review process is the ultimate “fair” collection process ensuring all creditors are treated fairly (big or small).

Many taxi owners did make regular payments via the process. However even in these cases Wesbank often wanted more funds from them each month than the consumer could responsibly afford. Wesbank are now happy that they can take these consumers to high court and cause them to pay extra thousands of Rands in legal fees and maybe loose their means of earning a living.

Wesbank have not stated what the long term plan is for recovering the shortfalls that could now possibly result from a glut of taxi owners losing their way of earning a living. When a vehicle is sold for a loss by the bank on auction then the consumer is still liable for the loss for years to come. Of course, these consumers will have no work and thus no means to repay the loss. It is a sad situation where neither party really wins in the end. It has been said though, that the banks are so desperate for funds that they are happy to just try increase their cash

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flow in the short term and not worry about the long term for the moment.

However many banks are finding that matters going to the High Courts are simply being referred back to the Magsistrates Courts as is suggested in the Collett v FRB ruling. The banks are many times having to foot the bill in these cases. So, instead of increasing their income monthly, they are incurring further costs even in the short term.

Wesbank too face the challenge that if a matter is referred to debt review because funds may have been lent “recklessly” to consumers (who could not afford it)these matters cannot be referred to the High Court according to the Collett ruling. In such cases the bank may be punished according to the Credit Act.

ABSA to change controversial wording of Section 129 letters

Recently ABSA started using a new Section 129 letter which was somewhat...ambiguous about the effect of the 129 on debt review. Paul Nieuwoudt of Munnik & Associates-Munnik Debt Counseling lead the charge by many concerned DC’s in regard to the wording.

ABSA have now decided to change the controversial wording of their Section 129 letter after considereding the issue that Mr Nieuwoudt raised in his open letter and in the interest of further improving consumer education to their customers. They have stated that they do not admit to any contravention of the banking code of practice but will now be

making a change to these letters.

Mr. Nieuwoudt stated that he feels this is a victory for the DC industry.

NCR COLLUSION ALLEGATION

A tender was issued by the NCR on 24 August in regard to a call centre and other services which the NCR wish to out source. So? No big deal right? There has been some concern however since the deadline for submission was 6 September. That means there was about 8 working days for submission. Since such a tender calls for many documents etc to be submitted could anyone sucessfully tender in such a short time unless they had been gioven a heads up? Some parties are shouting “collusion”.

For more regularly updated news follow us on twitter http://twitter.com/Debtfree_DIGI

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An Alternative Solution Designed for Debt Counsellors Clients

This product was specifically designed by SAinDebt Solutions to assist homeowners (new or existing clients) that: - Are under debt review but cannot adhere to the strict repayment schedule, or have defaulted on the scheduled payments.

- Do not qualify for debt review.

Who can we help?* Clients that own property that has a residual value, i.e. market value less the outstanding bond. (see residual value calculation

at www.saindebt.co.za)Note: No credit is created. “The Alternative Solution” was presented to the NCR.

How do we help?* SAinDebt enters into a joint venture with the distressed homeowner to sell the property.

* SAinDebt provides the funds to stop the legal action (if any), pay off arrears and/or other creditors.* Cash advances can also be provided to the client.

* We buy time for the client to achieve a realistic value for his house, at NO upfront cost.

What are the benefits for Debt Counsellors?* Debt Counsellors can provide clients with an “Alternative Solution”.

* The counsellor earns a referral fee.

Does your client qualify and what does it cost?

Go to www.saindebt.co.za now or contact us during office hours for an upfront no-cost quotation and more information.

Wirie Rust 082 552 8835 [email protected] / Carin Papenfus 072 616 1099 [email protected]

* we currently serve Gauteng and surrounding areas only. Only exceptional cases in other areas will be considered.

We have assisted many distressed home owners to date, who are now in a far better position than they were before.

Westcliff House, 54 The Valley Rd c/o Jan Smuts, Westcliff, Johannesburg.PO Box 3051 Northriding, 2162

Tel: 011 215 0039 (direct) 011 215 000 (switchboard) 072 616 1099 (company cell) 086 274 6862 (fax(SAinDebt Solutions (Pty) Ltd. Reg. No. 2007/023854/07

E-mail [email protected] / Website www.saindebt.co.za

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The National Credit Regulator looks after the credit industry and helps with implementation of certain aspects of the National Credit Act. The post of Regulator - the CEO of the body- has been unoccupied for several months since Mr. Gabriel Davel relatively abruptly left the post last year. At the time accusations were being hurled against Mr. Davel by some Debt Counsellors and investigations into allegations were under way. When Mr. Davel suddenly declared his intent to leave plans were put in place to find a new Regulator. Those plans have taken a long time to come to fruition and the

post currently remains vacant. In the interim Mr. Peter Setou who had occupied a post of importance at the NCR, helping to educate South Africans in regard to the National Credit Act (NCA), was looked to, to lead the way. Indeed he was a leading candidate to take the post permanently. However that prospect suddenly looked to change when Mr. Setou was put on ‘special leave’ from his post as Senior Manager for Education and Strategy recently. Many were caught by surprise when this happened including Mr. Setou himself.

TROUBLE AT THE NCR

INDUSTRY CONSUMER

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In response to the ‘special leave’ he was ordered to take Mr. Setou appealed to the CCMA since he was unhappy about the situation. He asked that he not be put on “special leave”...or at least that he would be told the reasons why the board of the NCR had done so.

The CCMA did not see him go back to work at the NCR as he would have liked but it did set a deadline for the NCR to put their money where their mouth was (so to say). The NCR were given until the end of August to formally charge Mr. Setou with something or they were to allow him back to work.

Rumors as to the reasons for the ‘special leave’ abounded and the NCR remained silent until almost the very last minute when they, the

Hawks and Public Prosecutors office formally charged Mr. Setou with Conflict of interest, fraud and misconduct.

The conflict of interest charges allegedly relate to, among other things, the granting work to companies of which he was a member. The fraud charges supposedly also tie back to this company and involve the changing of figures on quotation documents so as to allow the consulting firm he is a member of to have the lowest quotation for work (and thus to get the contract) and other cases of misconduct.

Another charge relates to Mr. Setou breaking the conditions of his “special leave” in discussing the matter with the press. The Business Day, among others, has published

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several articles regarding Mr. Setou and the industry (including some quite inflammatory articles which have stirred up quite the hornets nest) it is now alleged that Mr. Setou broke the conditions of his “special leave by discussing the matter with the press. It is hard to tell if this is hard core investigative research or a product of political infighting and mud slinging. Either way it has alerted many to the fact that not all is paradise in the industry and at the Regulator. Debtfree DIGI can categorically state that Mr. Setou did not discuss these matters with us.

Mr. Setou has reportedly said that all these things have been investigated before and that he is not guilty. The Hawks and public prosecutor are however now involved and there will be hearings during the month of September (and beyond) in this regard.

The investigation essentially takes Mr. Setou out of the running for the post of ‘Regulator’ for the NCR regardless of the outcome of the matter. Unless the post is not filled till later and he is exonerated of the charges.

Mr. Davel faces similar allegations regarding the awarding of certain contracts to certain parties with which he had a personal relationships as well as other serious allegations.

Obviously both Mr. Davel and Mr. Setou, while nervous of the outcome, will be happy to have the allegations heard and dealt with out in the open. The accusations have been made and regardless of the reasons for these allegations (be they true or not) dealing with the matter in the public space will bring closure to the matter.

Times have not been easy at the NCR as employees have no doubt been asked to either provide evidence to support or refute the claims. Some people have jokingly have said that “the NCR can’t take your call right now because they are too busy shredding documents and waving magnets over hard drives”. Well, that may not be the case but it no doubt has been a strain on the currently leaderless organisation which is already fighting an uphill battle trying to bring Credit Providers into compliance, as well as, running around the country arguing points of the NCA in court trying to gain clarity on the actual meaning of the Act itself.

When contacted the NCR declined to comment further since there is an ongoing investigation. No public statement on the subject has been made to date.

This matter does not obviously effect consumers nor DC’s or Credit Providers directly however if the allegations do prove true then there will be a negative effect in the public’s mind in regard to all the work done by the NCR to date. It may even call into question work done by honest hard working DC’s and others in the industry. While there would be no basis for that, it is true that perception is reality. So this could be a big PR blow for an industry which has not had a lot of positive exposure recently..

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So Debt Counsellors want specialised ATTORNEYSwho can sort out all their DEBT COUNSELLING needs...

RM Brown& associates

www.rmbrown.co.za

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CONSUMER

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Some mornings my Ouma sticks her head into the room and offers us all “poor mans pizza”. Basically it is a fancy version of melted cheese sarmies under the grill. Yummy! You know what’s better than poor mans pizza? Normal Pizza. There is just something about hanging out on the beach or visiting friends and having some pizza and a cold glass of Coke. Now it’s not diet food but man it’s some kind of comfort food. Maybe it is all that starch and gluten that sends signals to the pleasure centers of my brain. The snag is that pizza is not a comfort on your purse these days. In fact, for glorified toasted cheese you might rightly feel horrified with the prices some places charge for their pizzas. So I grabbed some menus from vari-ous pizza delivery places and compared that to making it my self. You might be interested in comparing the price difference. Ok, so there are dozens of different types of pizza styles and flavors. For the sake of this experiment i decid-ed to stick to a basic ham and pineapple pizza. Thick crust? thin crust? Well, that’s up to you.

Store One: Hawaiian (Ham and Pineapple), Medium R R49.95 for one pizza, Large R67.95 for one pizza.

Store Two: Ham & Pineapple R58.90 (one large pizza)

My kitchen: 4 pack of pre-made pizza bases: R 27.00, block of cheese: R 12.00, ham: R 8, pineapple: R5.00, Total: R52.00 for four medi-um sized pizza’s. For 4 regular pizza’s which is much like 2 large pizza’s from the shops. To

make it even cheaper you could get a bag of Dough for about R10.00 and some tomato base for about R7.00 and have the same amount of bases to your particular liking for only R17.00 rather than R27.00 a saving of R10.00 which will buy you another bag of dough for another time. So roughly you can have 4 pizzas home made for the price of one store bought.

The moral of the story here is that if you have a craving for some yummy pizza save yourself a few bucks and grab the ingredients and enjoy some delicious home made pizza. It’s a treat for the whole family and truth is everyone deserves a treat every now and then. Even when times are tight. Eating out is easy and i hesitate to say fun, rather convenient maybe but paying hefty bills is far from convenient. I would rather save those extra rands for my kids school outings or my electricity bill which seems to keep go-ing up. Eating out is costly. My friends recently told me of an occasion when they were in the home of pizza - Italy, that made me laugh and cringe at the same time. They went to a restau-rant and ordered a margarita pizza. They swear it was the most delicious pizza they ever ate. So nice in fact that they wanted to order a sec-ond one. Then they realised they had not even checked the menu to see how much it cost. After all how much can a pizza cost, especially one with basically no toppings Well it cost...(wait for it) R250.00 . For a margarita! Ouch, no wonder they are still paying the trip off on their credit cards. I keep telling them they seriously need debt counselling. Guess they will only be having poor mans everything for a while.

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Debtplan is a niche based insurance service provider within the debt review industry. Our aim is not just to add value to consumers during their debt review process, by providing them with debt risk related products that can save them money, but also serving as the conduit between the debt counsellor and their client`s. Should you as a Debt Counsellor or consumer require further information on our products and services, please contact us on our toll free number 086 133 2875 or one of our relationship managers.

Western Cape & Eastern CapeSam Haasbroek T: 072 55 104 99E: [email protected]

Gauteng & Free StateBianca MaraisM: 084 491 0997E: [email protected]

Call us on 0861 33 2875 www.debtplan.co.za FSP 30490

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Debtplan is a niche based insurance service provider within the debt review industry. Our aim is not just to add value to consumers during their debt review process, by providing them with debt risk related products that can save them money, but also serving as the conduit between the debt counsellor and their client`s. Should you as a Debt Counsellor or consumer require further information on our products and services, please contact us on our toll free number 086 133 2875 or one of our relationship managers.

Call us on 0861 33 2875 www.debtplan.co.za FSP 30490

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One of the Debtfree DIGI team got to sit in on a seminar about the debt review process hosted by Compuscan Academy. We thought we would give you some feed back on what happened on the day.

The seminar was held at a lovely venue with approximately 11 attending. The snacks were nice and the atmosphere relaxed. What was of interest was that all those attending were from Credit Providers (Cp’s). No Debt Counsellors (DC’s) were present. Many attending had a limited knowledge of the process and recent changes as a result of court rulings on the subject. Invidulator Craig Sassman brought his knowledge of the subject to the audience in a straight forward and easy manner. The audience did not seem afraid to ask questions or offer opinions. It was clear that one or two attending obviously did have extensive day to

day experience with the debt review process. What surprised us was the aggressive and negative view most CP’s attending had toward the process. In fact Craig had to spend quite some time discussing the advantages of the process to the CP’s . Advantages such as higher recovery rates and reduced collection cost. Even then it felt as if many of the CP’s were more interested in finding out if they could get out of the process rather than deal with it. Many CP’s were surprised to learn that they (through their associations and various bodies) had already consented to the DCRS proposal system. This is a system (developed and paid for by BASA to replace the previous NDMA rules) which electronically works out how to split a consumers available funds in a fair way to all creditors. If DC’s send a proposal that uses these rules Creditors must accept these proposals and not oppose the court process. It is a way to speed the process and make fair concessions and arrangements. It is not the only way proposals are made but is growing in popularity. However this new system has been a real challenge for the PDA’s to implement and integrate. Especially as the DCRS is in a constant state of flux.

At the end of the session there were smiles and most seemed to have not only learned something but have enjoyed themselves as well.

COMPUSCAN ACADEMY TRAINING SEMINAR ON DEBT REVIEW

INDUSTRY

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Do you needan attorney who specialises in Debt Review matters?

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INDUSTRY CONSUMER

The hugger-mugger attitude within the debt counselling milieu necessitates an investigation into the search for feasible alternatives.The origin of the contemporary laissez-faire attitude towards debt counselling can be sought in the interpretation that various role-players attributed to the National Credit Act (NCA) after its promulgation in 2007.Although the spirit and purport of the NCA is perspicuous as stated in Sec (3), the various role players have elected to follow the route that best suits their pockets, to the detriment of the deserving people who are really in need of the protection afforded to them by the NCA. Initially the Debt Counselling process was supposed to be a “friendly”, speedy and affordable process where consumers, represented by skilled Debt Counsellors, negotiate with credit providers for a workable solution. What the NCA envisaged to be a smooth, flawless and affordable process, did not suit the ulterior motives some of the participating parties.The friendly process was subsequently converted into a hostile one. This was cunningly done by kindling suspicion between Credit Providers and Debt Counsellors resulting in an artificial hostile debt counselling environment.First and foremost the creation of Payment Distribution Agencies (PDAs) under protection of the NCR, followed by concessions to same

for training of DC’s, was paramount in creating polarisation between the various role-players. In these training sessions, CPs were portrayed as the enemy and DCs were conned into believing that CPs intentions were always hostile and counterproductive.Secondly the legal fraternity grabbed the opportunity to “divide and rule”. The suspicion created by the stooges of the training providers was exploited and eventually led to a triumphant channelling of funds from all directions (CP’s DC’s & consumers) to their own pockets.The suspicious and hostile atmosphere suited the big winners in this confrontation: the PDAs and Lawyers. Sadly it is a fact that no matter what, the biggest loser is first and foremost the consumer and secondly, the credit providers with the biggest winners being the lawyers and PDAs. Every cent that is gluttonously extracted from consumers, narrows the pool of economicly active consumers that can participate and does irreparable damage to our national economy.The obvious solution is to disperse of the hostility between consumer and CPs.The NCA created the Debt Counselling process which was hijacked and adapted to fit the unscrupulous guardians of same. Fortunately the ACT also envisaged an alternative in the form of an Alternative Dispute Resolution

A JOURNEY INTO ALTERNATIVES FOR DEBT COUNSELLING

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Agent (ADRA). This is an option that is worth exploration.There are various acts that may be valuable in a new approach to debt review of which the Consumer Protection Act is the most prominent.

Recommendation1.Debt Counselling should consist of four phases; I.Determine whether the consumer is over indebted. II.Restructuring the debt in an informal way as negotiated with the CP’s (Multi-lateral discussions with NCR & CP’s i.e. NDMA, BASA etc.) III.Formal Debt Counselling (incorporate the Administration Process for accounts where legal action has commenced.) IV.Payment directly to the CP.

2.To do Debt Counselling the informal way (eg. ADR) will save the Consumer: I.PDA FEES II.Legal fees

3.The CP will get much more money

4.The whole process still falls under the NCA, except Sec 86 (for Debt Counsellors) which is not applicable in the informal process which is good news because the informal process is not yet regulated by the NCR.

5. The NCR and NDMA endorsed the idea of informal debt counselling and indicated that they are also investigating same.

6.Negotiations with all role-players is paramount and urgent.

7.The two processes can run concurrently with the eventual aim to move totally to the informal process.

8.Regulation by the NCR of the informal process is first prize; however informal debt counselling does not require the blessing of the NCR. If Concerned Debt Counsellors stand together they can render a professional service par excellence without the involvement of the NCR. It is paramount to unite to show consumers that they will get a professional personal service.

9.If a consumer is given the opportunity to choose between Debt Review and Alternative Dispute Resolution, where the latter is a better ,more affordable option, he really has no option but to choose ADR.

10.Consumer’s financial means only stretch so far. Every cent that is forked out unnecessary is keeping a large percentage of consumers out of the DC process and is harming the entire economy.

What do we have? We have the moral high ground. We must endeavour to make the CPs part of the solution by negotiation with them. We have a solution. If a consumer has to choose between ADR or using a Debt Counsellor that renders Debt counselling unaffordable he has no choice. If he has to choose between becoming debt free in half the time via ADR vs Debt restructuring then the obvious choice is Alternative Dispute Resolution!!! Many highly spirited, motivated and skilled DCs with impeccable integrity stand ready to serve the consumer without fear or favour. If we stand together we can render a service par excellence We appeal to the Credit Providers to do the sensible thing and assist in establishing and supporting ADR.

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Debt review and distribution software.Proud Software provider to DC Partner, Payment Distribution Agency.

https://debtwisesolutions.co.za

Debt Wise Solutions

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As one of the five NCR accredited PDA’s (payment distribution agency’s) DC Partner has been part of the debt review industry since August 2008. Situated in George in the Western Cape, we are also the only PDA south of the Orange River.The systems, infrastructure and staff of DC Partner have been exposed to collection and distribution of payments for the past decade.DC Partner strives to render services of the highest standard to customers.DC Partner makes use of excellent software, provided by Debt – Wise. The PDA module is locally based and inherently linked to the Debt – Wise Debt Counseling software, which is internet based. Consumer information seamlessly passes from the Debt Counseling System to the Payment Distribution Agency.We are very excited to announce that we have integrated our PDA distribution system with the Debt-Wise front end software. The distribution system was developed to integrate into the Debt-Wise software in such a manner that the user will not need to change anything in their systems, but could just continue with their day to day work and would see the distribution side as an additional tab on their home screens.

At this stage we are systematically moving all our current clients to the new system and this goes hand in hand with in office training by one of our skilled training officers.Our main focus during the planning and creating of this system was to maximize data availability and accuracy. The DC can log into the system from anywhere in the country and with the click of a button he/she will be able to see what is going on in their dedicated PDA trust account, which clients made payments within the last 1, 2, 8 or even 24 hours, what fees are due to be paid to him/her, which files have distributed, which clients are in default. We do daily distributions on this system and it is therefore important to make the system as user friendly and interactive as possible as things happen very quickly.This will enable the DC to always see and be on top off what is happening to all of their clients and react, if needed, immediately.DC Partner offers free in house training at any location in the country and we will also give all interested DC’s free access to our system for a trial period of up to three months.

For any further queries please feel free to contact our offices at any time.DC Partner George OfficeWillie Boshoff – [email protected] Steyn – [email protected] Joubert – [email protected] 873 4440, 044 873 4530, 044 873 4532DC Partner Gauteng OfficeFrancois Van Zyl – [email protected] De Vos – [email protected] 348 7624

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EVENTS

NDMA INVITE 2011 On the 1st January 2011 a new Credit Industry Code of Conduct came into effect, bringing with it a fresh set of challenges and opportunities for Credit Providers and Debt Counsellors alike. As the industry body tasked with implementing the Code, the National Debt Mediation Association (NDMA) is responsible for ensuring that all Credit Providers who accept the Section 48(1)(b) conditions of registration through the NCR affiliate to the NDMA and comply with the code. The NDMA is also tasked with ensuring that all Debt Counsellors who are registered with the NCR are regularly updated on latest developments and progress within the credit industry space.

The CEO of the NDMA, Ms Magauta Mphahlele invites you to a Joint Credit Provider and Debt Counsellor Briefing Session where stakeholders will be briefed by NDMA Management on the role of the NDMA in the debt mediation process, existing trends, and the current status in terms of the implementation of the Code of Conduct.

The session will focus on the following:

• An industry overview • An NDMA Organisational Overview • The NDMA’s role in Debt Mediation • An explanation of the Credit Providers Affiliation Requirements & Process• An outline of the Debt Counselling Rules System

Credit Providers and Debt Counsellors will also have the opportunity to engage with each other as well as with the NDMA and ask any pertinent questions or seek clarification on any aspect of the debt mediation process.

Date: Tuesday, 27 September 2011Time: 09h00 to 13h00Venue: Protea Hotel Sea Point

Kindly RSVP by Tuesday, 20 September 2011

For Queries:Nontobeko MzilethiTel: 011 326 3459Email: [email protected]

NOTE: The NDMA will be hosting the same briefing session in the following areas as well:28 Sept – Port Elizabeth30 Sept – Durban4 Oct – Bloemfontein6 Oct – Polokwane11 Oct – Nelspruit13 Oct - Rustenburg

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DEBT COUNSELLING

AA Debt Counselling CentreAnthea JohannesNCRDC531Tel: +27 (0) 21 982 0522Cell: +27 (0) 84 402 7032

Alan Watts NCRDC 962NCR registered Debt Counsellor Tel: 084 4448439 Fax: 086 6501954alan@active-debt-counselling.co.zawww.active-debt-counselling.co.za

Central SA Debt Counsellors082 950 7806Fax: 086 563 1621

Consumer AssistAndre Snyman Tel: 0861 628 628

Credit Matters021 431 [email protected]

CS Debt CounsellingBernidene Smith NCRDC 764057 352 4115/352 5000Welkom - Free state

Darran [email protected]

Debtbusters0861 663 328 (NO DEBT)

Debt Budgetph. 021 701 7744

Debt Solve Debt CounsellorsOffice: 033 397 0945

DebtSafe0861 100 999

Debt RehabColleen Van Wyk(BCom, LLB)Debt Counsellor NCRDC2619Tel: 083 290 0848Tel: 011 740 7374Fax: 086 716 9694Website: http://debtrehab.co.za

Debt RescueNeil RoetsNCR DC 474Cell: 083 644 7406Tel: 0861 800 009Fax: 086 523 0617E-mail: [email protected]

Durban Debt Counselling ServicesSuite 112, 1st floor Union Club Building353 Sm ith StreetDurban, 4001Tel: 031 301-7893Fax: 031 [email protected]

Debt Counselling South AfricaCape Town BranchTel: 021 919 66 94Rod De WittNCRDC831Visit: www.debtcounsellingsa.co.za

Debt Knowledge Debt Counselling082 379 2337

Debtonators041 585 0276

Fincorp debt Counsellors ccCecilia Zwarts [email protected]

Holistic Debt [email protected]

Helpdesk Debt CounsellorsAllan HoffmanTel: 0861 000 754

Help-U-Debt (Vaal Triangle) WanineTel: 082 445 3967

Help-U-Debt (Potchefstroom)Madra083 390 3275

Help-U-Debt (Parys)Marilouise082 920 6249

Help-U-Debt (Vanderbijlpark)Herma083 320 8303

MG Consulting NCRDC 1403Strand - Helderberg AreaTelkom : 021 853 4537 Mobile Phone: 082 450 7459 / 082 782 0595 Fax Number: 0866 220 690E-Mail: info@mgconsulting / [email protected]

SERVICE DIRECTORY

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NDA Debt CounsellorsYour Trusted Debt CounsellorsGary Williams (NCRDC 143)Tel: 034 315 3880 Fax: 086 612 [email protected] www.ndad.co.za

Think Green Debt CounsellingSandi [email protected] : 012 991 6638Cell : 082 460 7800Fax : 086 219 2615

Incentive Debt Counselling“Paving the way to a Debt Free Tommorrow”Darran Manikam NCRDC704Tel: (031) 409 9379Fax: (031) 409 1327Cell: 0845898286Branches: Phoenix and Shallcross

Indigo debt counsellors CCTel: 087 808 9734 Fax: 086 580 8675 [email protected]

Zuné Coetzer Debt CounsellorsNCRDC 159924 van der Stel StreetDan PienaarBloemfonteinTel: 051-4364515Fax: 086 5870 845Email: [email protected]

BORDER REGION:

DRS BEACON BAYJohan PretoriusCell: 082 324 4038Office: 043 748 1139

DRS BUFFALO CITYHerman MariasCell: 082 378 3743Office: 043 7210652

DRS KING WILLIAMS TOWNHerman MaraisCell: 082 378 3743Email: [email protected]

DRS CRADOCKOffice: 043 721 0652

DRS QUEENSTOWNHerman Marais Cell: 082 378 3743 Email: [email protected]

DRS MTHATHAHerman Marais Cell: 082 378 3743 Email: [email protected]

EASTERN CAPE:

DRS ALBANYOffice: 041 373 9693Email: [email protected]

DRS ALGOAMarius WeyersCell: 083 497 3219Email: [email protected]

DRS BOND CHOICE P.E.Andrea AtkinsonOffice: 041 393 7000Email: [email protected]

DRS CENTRAL EXPRESSDerryn FishOffice: 041 373 9693586 2020Email: [email protected]

DRS DESPATCHIsabe LandmanCell: 072 337 3328Office: 041 933 1189Email: [email protected]

DRS HUMANSDORPMorne SteynCell: 083 298 8182Office: 042 291 0135Email: [email protected]

DRS NKONKOBE (Fort Beaufort)Bernadine von der DeckenCell: 083 2859289Office: 046 645 1898Email: [email protected]

DRS KIRKWOODKeith Le RouxCell: 073 207 1675Office: 041 451 0474Email: [email protected]

DRS PORT ELIZABETHDerryn FishCell: 084 515 6135Office: 041 453 8961Email: [email protected]

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DRS SIDWELL EXPRESSKeith Le RouxCell: 073 207 1675Office: 041 451 0474Email: [email protected]

DRS SOMMERSET EASTLuther De BruynCell: 082 568 2970Office: 042 243 1107Email: [email protected]

DRS UTENHAGELynn LindoorCell: 083 7174 183Email: [email protected]

FREESTATE:

DRS GOLDFIELDS (Welkom)Irvin Billy (Derryn Fish)Cell: 072 114 4427Office: 081 319 0083Email: [email protected]

DRS MANGAUNGAmanda JohnsonOffice: 041 373 9693Email: [email protected]

DRS FOREISTATA EXPRESS (Bloemfontein)Derryn FishOffice: 041 373 9693Email: [email protected]

DRS SOUTH FREESTATENelmarie De langeCell: 079 236 3615Office: 053 591 0734Email: [email protected]

GARDEN ROUTE:

DRS DE AARVeronique Louw (Derryn Fish)Cell: 076 382 2020Office: 053 631 1189Email: [email protected]

DRS GEORGEFrancois Van ZylCell: 079 522 1930Office: 044 874 2820Email: [email protected] EDEN (Hartenbos)Bruno MertschTel: 042 291 1083/4Email: [email protected]

GAUTENG:

DRS CENTURION EXPRESSAmanda JohnonOffice: 041 373 9693Email: [email protected]

DRS LYNNWOODJunique JuliusOffice: 012 807 4339Email: [email protected]

DRS PRETORIA EXPRESSBen VermeulenCell: 082 442 8654Office: 012 331 2145Email: [email protected]

DRS PRETORIA NOORDOffice: 041 373 9693Email: [email protected]

DRS ROODEPOORT EXPRESSDerryn FishOffice: 041 373 9693Email: [email protected]

DRS RUSTENBURG Amanda JohnsonOffice: 041 373 9693Email: [email protected]

KWA ZULU NATAL:

DRS GREYVILLEVyas JuggernathCell: 083 206 0300Office: 031 309 8716Email: [email protected]

DRS KOKSTADMelanie LouwrensCell: 083 269 0424Office: 039 727 1430Email: [email protected]

DRS MORNINGSIDE DURBANErica Mtshali (Amanda Johnson)Cell: 076 578 8660 Office: 031 301 5990email [email protected]

DRS PHOENIXVyas JuggernathCell: 083 206 0300Office: 031 309 8716Email: [email protected]

DRS PIETERMARITZBURGSanele ZuluCell: 083 543 3487Office: 033 394 8319Email: [email protected]

WESTERN CAPE:

DRS BELLVILLEPatricia BekkerOffice: 021 948 8523 / 4Email: [email protected]

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DRS DIAMONDClive PalmerOffice: 021 421 8563Email: [email protected]

DRS TYGERBERGCraig LakeyCell: 082 627 0957Office: 021 945 4062Email: [email protected]

DRS WEST COASTMarius CoetzeeCell: 082 978 4407Office: 022 713 3766Email [email protected]

DRS SALDANHAMarius CoetzeeOffice: 022 713 3766Email: [email protected]

DRS SOLUTIONSChristelle de VilliersCell: 084 586 5600Email: [email protected]

U-Win Debt CounsellorsCoreli Roos - NCR DC 509Aliwal North, Burgersdorp, Bethulie, GariepDam, Smithfield, SpringfonteinCell:079 626 [email protected]

Rihanyo Debt Counselling(012) 804 50 57

SUPPORT SERVICES

Staff Line Ndizani Executive RecruitmentCell no: 083 3028163Direct Line: (011) 468 - 2150E- Mail: [email protected]

Blank DesignFor all design and marketing needs including websites, brochures, business cards etc.Steve [email protected] 700 2020www.blankds.com

DesigntimesSouth Africa’s creative resourcewww.designtimes.co.za

TRAINING

Compuscan Academy 0861 51 41 31www.compuscanacademy.co.za

FINANCIAL

ABSA Customer Debt Repair Line0860 356 356

Credit Ombudsman0861 662837

Experian011 799-3400 [email protected]

Eric StresoFinancial PlannerB Juris LL B CFP MBATel: 0833273358Fax: 086 612 7912Fair Debt0829019788 or [email protected]

PACFIN Financial Solutions Head OfficeTel: +27 11 9757445Fax: 0865368783

36 Van Riebeeck roadKempton Park [email protected] Carlo BuildingNo 8 VoortrekkerstreetKempton Park 1619

Kempton ParkContact: Reyno CoetzeeTel: +27 11 3945363Fax: 0866048002Cell: +27 73 [email protected]

Boksburg / GermistonContact: Armand PosthumusTel: +27 11 8921911Fax: 0865620378

NelspruitContact: Ann BakerTel: +27 13 7415559Fax: 0880 1374 15559Cell: +27 82 [email protected]

SpringsContact: Wynand MclachlanTel: +27 11 8113728Fax: +27 11 8113728Cell: +27 83 2754014/[email protected]

Gooseberry Business AdvisoryTel: 012 644 0589

NedbankDebt Rehabilitation & Recoveries Services0860 109 279

STD BankDebt review HelplineTelephone: 0861 111 402

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TransUnion0861 482 482

ThinkmoneyFinancial comparison websiteContact: Gareth MountainTel: 079 0996 798www.thinkmoney.co.za

WIZARD Vereeniging Making Mortgage MagicWanine SmitTel:+27 16 454 1132Fax:+27 86 686 3678 Cell:+27 82 445 3967 www.wizard.za.com

FINANCIAL PLANNING

Eric StresoFinancial PlannerB Juris LL B CFP MBATel: 0833273358Fax: 086 612 7912

LEGAL

Brett Carnegie AttorneysTel: +27 (21) 4470332 Fax: +27 (21) 4470338 Mobile: +27 (0)82 320 6099 www.carnegielaw.co.zaSuite 23(B) Unit 8 Waverley Business Park Mowbray 7700

Scheepers AttorneysGerhard [email protected]

LUCID AttorneysTel: 011 880 1100Fax: 011 880 1101Email: [email protected]/attorney

Ludick [email protected]

Prinsloo & AssociatesAttorneys and conveyancersNanika Prinsloo Farm Bergamot, Paarl 7620P O Box 6199, Paarl 762014 Laing Street, Barrydale 6750Cell: 072-8558-106Fax: [email protected]

RM Brown and Associates 601 Pier House, 13 -17 Heerengracht, Cape TownDocex 138 Cape Town t: 021 431 9127 f: 021 425 0875 e: [email protected] CCColleen Van Wyk(BCom, LLB)Tel: 083 290 0848Tel: 011 740 7374Fax: 086 716 9694Website: http://agiliti.co.za

CREDIT BUREAUS

Compuscan 0861 514 131www.compuscan.co.za

Computer Profile Bureau0861 28 7328www.c-p-b.co.za

Experianwww.experian.co.zaBusiness- 0861 63 60 70 Consumer- 0861 10 5665

Micro Lenders Credit Bureau 0861 28 7328 www.mlcb.co.za

TransUnion 0861 886 466www.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 Ombud0860 800 900 www.obssa.co.za

Credit Bureau Association011 463 8211www.cba.co.za

Credit Providers Association011 789 6825 www.cpa.org.za

Department of Trade and Industry0861 843 384 www.thedti.gov.za

Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Ombud012 470 9080 www.faisombud.co.za

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Financial Services Board012 428 8000 www.fsb.co.zaFurniture Traders Association 011 789 6770

Legal Resources Centre011 836 9831 www.lrc.org.za

Long Term Insurance Ombud021 657 5000 www.ombud.co.za

Micro Finance South Africa012 345 0809 www.mfsa.net

Motor Industry Ombud012 841 2945 www.miosa.co.za

National Credit Regulator0860 627 627

Ombud for Short term Insurance011 726 8900 www.osti.co.za

Pension Funds Adjudicator021 674 0209 www.pfa.org.zaSouth African Fraud Prevention0860 101 248 www.safps.org.za

The Banking Association011 370 3500 www.banking.org.za

SA FRAUD PROTECTION SERVICE (FREE SERVICE)www.safps.org.za0860 101 248

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