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www.debtfreedigi.co.za South Africa’s debt counselling magazine KEEP CALM AND GET DEBTFREE January 2013
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www.debtfreedigi.co.za
South Africa’s debt counselling magazine
KEEPCALM
AND
GETDEBTFREE
January 2013
THE DEBT COUNSELLING INDUSTRY
Professional Indemnity - [email protected] Cover - [email protected]
Car Insurance - [email protected] Cards - [email protected] Reports - [email protected]
VISIT theDCI TODAY
www.thedci.co.za
South Africa’s most popular site for debt counselling information and
consumer advise for debt solutions.
DEBT COUNSELLING EXPLAINED
Debt Counselling is a process which was promulgated into law back in 2006. The Dept. of Trade & Industry conducted in-depth research to determine the causes of over indebtedness, reckless lending and better ways of dealing with debt. A decision was taken that Usuary Act and the Credit Agreement Act be withdrawn and be replaced with the new National Credit Act. The National Credit Regulator was the industry body tasked to regulate the entire credit market ie. Register Credit Bureaux, Credit Providers, Debt Counsellors and most importantly to ensure that they all conform and comply to the NCA. Debt review is part of the NCA in section 86 which allows a consumer with credit agreements with registered credit providers to apply for the restructuring of his/her accounts in an effort to alleviate the danger of having an impaired record, repossession of assets and still ensuring that debt obligation is fulfilled by the consumer. Once a consumer has consulted with a DC to discuss his/her financial status, a determination by the DC whether or not the consumer is over indebted. An over indebted
consumer will then formally apply by filling in application form through the DC disclosing his/her financial position. The DC will conduct income and expenditure assessment , propose new repayment instalments and terms to the consumer’s creditors. The DC will then refer the debt review application to a Magistrate to grant an order. Should all negotiations satisfy the court , an order will be granted and formal restructuring of all accounts will be finalised.
Required documents for the application are normally an ID Copy, 2 months bank statement, copy of credit report (the DC can help you get this) and Proof of Income. It is advisable that when one notices a negative imbalance in income and expenditure or if you start skipping or short paying accounts, that you immediately consult with a DC to seek a solution and recommend available remedies i.e revisiting your Budget , making adjustments in your life and possibly applying for Debt Review to safeguard your assets.
Debtfree DIGI asked Debt Counsellor Octavia Hlatshwayo of Mzansi Debt Counselling to help explain the debt review or debt counselling process.
Debt review and distribution software.Proud Software provider to DC Partner, Payment Distribution Agency.
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Debt Wise Solutions
Administrators of the Debt Counselling Application Process
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C O N T E N T S
07 Editors notes Our Editor Zak King Speak his mind about what 2013 could hold for the industry.
09 News All the latests events making headlines
14 You stole my money
18 Trillion rand coin?
20 Living on Less Aircon vs open windows
22 Reduction in school fees
25 Announcement board
28 Debt counsellor profile Octavia Hlatshwayo
30 Service Directory
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The end of the year came and went in a blur. You hardly had time to make a few resolutions before so much time had passed you had already broken them. Suddenly January is almost over. Wow, when did that happen?
While things have been relatively quiet on the debt counselling news front, business has been surprisingly hectic for Debt Counsellors so far this month. Many firms are reporting higher than ever numbers of consumers reaching out for help with their debt. This is not such a bad thing. Getting help is the first step on the road to financial rehabilitation. More rehabilitated consumers is better for the economy.
So many consumers await until their debt is totally out of control before looking for help. It could be that more consumers are taking their debt serious and realising that sticking your head in the sand or borrowing from one creditor to pay another is not the best way to go. 2013 might just turn out to be ‘the year of the Debt Counsellor’. This months issue discusses one of the phrases that all Debt Counsellors hate to hear :”you stole my money”. Could SA mint a Trillion Rand coin like they were talking
about doing in the US? Check out the article and see how that would work. We also look at advise for cash strapped parents in regard to asking their school for a reduction in school fees. That’s in our Living on Less section along with some tips and bargains.
So before you go and break all your resolutions we hope that 2013 turns out to be a great year for all our readers and that this year you manage to take some big steps toward being debt free.
EDITOR’S NOTE
Debt Review Software by
Bitech is recognised as the leading Debt Counsellor software system supplier.
Simplicity is rich in functionality and caters for all Debt Counsellor requirements e�ortlessly.
Simplicity is leading edge technology and Bitech stay at the forefront of development - we continue to lead the way!
The Simplicity system is fully integrated with Hyphen PDA, which provides you, the Debt Counsellor, with an uninterrupted and e�cient service with no manual intervention and in total control.
Some features of the Simplicity system are completely unique unique, amongst others is the ability to create customised legal documentation instantaneously.
Bitech prides itself on its after sales service and the support it provides to Debt Counsellors - this is as important as the excellence of the Simplicity product!
p d a
Hyphen Technology (Pty) Limited is a member of the FirstRand Group
Hyphen PDA is a division of Hyphen Technology (Pty) Limited, which is wholly-owned by the FirstRand Group - �nancial soundness is important when considering a PDA!
Hyphen PDA is at the top of its game and is unrivalled in the collections and payment space.
Hyphen PDA essentially operates with the use of banking systems (iSeries mainframe computers) and the PDA and Payments Engine are fully integrated - as a result you will seldom, if ever, query the status of your collections or payments.
The reports generated are everything a Debt Counsellor will need to manage the business - reporting is immediate, current and always available.
27(0)16 987 5004/27(0)16 987 5006/27(0)16 987 2369
Contact Bitech
www.bitechsystems.hypermart.net
27(0)11 303 0060 extension 2
Contact Hyphen
www.hyphen.co.za
Debt Review Software by
Bitech is recognised as the leading Debt Counsellor software system supplier.
Simplicity is rich in functionality and caters for all Debt Counsellor requirements e�ortlessly.
Simplicity is leading edge technology and Bitech stay at the forefront of development - we continue to lead the way!
The Simplicity system is fully integrated with Hyphen PDA, which provides you, the Debt Counsellor, with an uninterrupted and e�cient service with no manual intervention and in total control.
Some features of the Simplicity system are completely unique unique, amongst others is the ability to create customised legal documentation instantaneously.
Bitech prides itself on its after sales service and the support it provides to Debt Counsellors - this is as important as the excellence of the Simplicity product!
p d a
Hyphen Technology (Pty) Limited is a member of the FirstRand Group
Hyphen PDA is a division of Hyphen Technology (Pty) Limited, which is wholly-owned by the FirstRand Group - �nancial soundness is important when considering a PDA!
Hyphen PDA is at the top of its game and is unrivalled in the collections and payment space.
Hyphen PDA essentially operates with the use of banking systems (iSeries mainframe computers) and the PDA and Payments Engine are fully integrated - as a result you will seldom, if ever, query the status of your collections or payments.
The reports generated are everything a Debt Counsellor will need to manage the business - reporting is immediate, current and always available.
27(0)16 987 5004/27(0)16 987 5006/27(0)16 987 2369
Contact Bitech
www.bitechsystems.hypermart.net
27(0)11 303 0060 extension 2
Contact Hyphen
www.hyphen.co.za
Simplici ty
INDUSTRY CONSUMER
NEWS FLASHFor daily debt counselling news in 3 minutes or less visit www.debtfreedigi.co.za
NCR HAVE NOT APPOINTED CAPITAL DATA AS A PDA In a recent Circular the NCR have announced that...the National Credit Regulator (“the NCR”) has not accredited Capital Software as a Payment Distribution Agency (PDA), and that it has not requested Capital Software to conduct any market research regarding the credit industry codes of conduct on its behalf. The NCR has to date accredited four Payment Distribution Agencies to collect and distribute debt review funds on behalf of consumers namely: National Payment Distribution Agency; Consumer Protection Excellence; Hyphen Technology;and DC Partners. Debt counsellors are advised and requested to ensure that collection and distribution of debt review funds are done by these accredited PDAs. Failure to do so will be construed as non compliance to the conditions of registration.
2013 STARTS WITH A BANGThough the month of January is only half way through, Debt Counselling firms are reporting increased numbers of applications for help this year compared to last year.This is no wonder as country wide indebtedness levels have grown. Consumers have struggled to curb spending and have rather turned to loaning money to maintain their lifestyle choices. As the “average” South African takes on more debt they bring themselves closer
to financial disaster. Investec economist Annabel Bishop reports that the “average” SA household now has 31,8% more unsecured debt than a year ago. Neil Roets, CEO of the debt counselling firm Debt Rescue says that this January there had been more than double the number of deeply indebted individuals applying for relief through the debt review process compared to last year. TheDCI web portal also report higher than normal figures. With “non stop” enquiries thus far this year.
DCASA REASSURE MEMBERSThe Debt Counsellors Association of South Africa have recently been the focus of some attention as their status as the leading Debt Counsellor association has come under threat with the NCR intent to withdraw it’s recognition of DCASA in terms of the industry code of conduct for Debt Counsellors. In a statement to members and the public DCASA have said :’ DCASA has been part of the positive industry collaborations since 2007 and has delivered many creative solutions to Debt Counsellors and the debt review industry to streamline the statutory debt review process...On 21 November 2012 the NCR threw a curve ball when they issued Circular 11. The cryptic nature of the circular made it impossible to understand the reasons, purpose and future vision of debt review...DCASA is a member of DRAC who engaged with the NCR in order to
NEWS CONT.
understand the Circular and to seek possible solutions. This process is still ongoing. DCASA have said that if it is the intention [of the NCR] to remove the old 2009 Task Team Agreement this will increase systemic risks in the credit industry and will take debt review back to the chaotic times experienced prior to the implementation of the Task Team Agreement. ... The policy of constructive engagement to deliver result is the main reason why so many DCASA members have contacted DCASA during the last month to express confidence and appreciation...Based on economic realities more Consumers will need assistance in 2013 and DCASA members are prepared and ready to assist. For them it is business as usual.’
DEBT COUNSELLOR ASSOCIA-TIONS SPEAK OUT AGAINST THE NDMA, DCASA AND BAD PRESS FOR DEBT REVIEWVarious Debt Counsellor representative bodies have spoken out in support of the NCR and against what they say are recent slanted press releases about the NCR’s withdrawal of support for the industry codes of conduct: In a statement called “Debt Counselling Industry Strikes Back At “Interested Parties” and Press Puppets” They said that “The Debt Counselling Industry has united on all fronts to back the NCR’s intention to withdraw the codes and recognition from the NDMA, DCASA, PDASA and the Credit Ombud” . Industry associations and activists which include the Alliance of Professional Debt Counsellors (AllProDC), the Black Debt Counsellors Forum (BDCF), Debt Counselling Union (DCU) and the Debt Counselling Industry portal (the DCI), have united in support of the NCR and
their findings. The Alliance of Professional Debt Counsellors (AllProDC) has said that “Under new management, the NCR is seen to be reclaiming its statutory responsibilities, which includes keeping all interested parties such as debt counsellors, credit providers and consumers at arm’s length and to re-instate its jurisdiction over the debt review process and credit industry”. They feel that for years this industry has been” manipulated by certain Association’s and Bodies...” .The BDCF states, “we place on record that the negative publicity is a deliberate attempt to undermine legislative gains of our parliamentary system and negative publicity jeopardizes the opportunities and legal rights of the consumer to the detriment of the South African economy.” Adding it’s voice the relatively new Debt Counselling Union is of the opinion that “several sweeping statements have been made by DCASA, the NDMA and the press that are neither justified, nor substantiated.” All these associations concur that the “interested parties were not consumer driven but rather driven by money and power. They have attempted to deliberately mislead and hoodwink the public through misrepresentation in the press and have given deceptive information in an attempt to muddy the waters of the debt counselling industry.”The group of Counsellors point to Gala Lunches held in Cape Town, Durban and Gauteng” whereby their attempt to entice a handful of reporters with false and misleading information has now led to the recent blasts of false reports. Certain reporters seem to be unusually influenced by the parties in question. They have failed to report objectively and have failed to correct mistakes that have been brought to their attention for many months. It seems as though this has been a deliberate smear
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campaign against the NCR, their findings and any activists who have stood up against BASA, the NDMA or DCASA’s tactics.” The BDCF notes “with disappointment the lack of impartiality the media orchestrates in support of shooting down successful legislation such as the NCA and that negative reporting is tantamount to irresponsible journalism.” “It is the opinion of the DCU that the NCR made the correct decision with regard to the codes.” “Credit providers would best serve their interests by adhering to the NCA instead of holding themselves to be above the law” says the All Pro DC. Deborah Solomon of theDCI agrees by stating that “five years on, the banks have only ever window dressed the debt counselling process and are still yet to embrace the idea and the law.” She says those speaking out in favour of the NCR’s announcement “are now the voice of this industry and represent more than 85% of all practicing Debt Counsellors.” She goes further to say:” Our joint recommendation, on the alternative solution that these interested parties seek, would be to get the banks to start respecting, applying and abiding by the law. This simple first step would solve at least 80% of all industry problems.”
BASA RENEGE ON THEIR WORD?A short time ago there was a large upheaval about the situation in Marakana. In typical fashion the banks (BASA) quickly made promises it now seems they do not intend to keep. At the time the issues surrounding garnishee orders came to the fore and after a lot of media focus on the abuses and inaccuracies of the system BASA issued a statement saying they would not make use of these in the future.
African Bank & Capitec have now come out and admitted to their intent to continue using this system until someone shows them something better. In meetings with the National Treasury they have only agreed to start talks and run some focus groups and studies about other options but they have admitted to their intent to continue using these in the meantime. The National Treasury are not impressed. The Treasury’s chief director for Financial Sector Development, Ingrid Goodspeed, told the media that the BASA statement was very clear in its wording in that signatories had committed not to use garnishee orders at all. Now they are going back on their word. It seems that this may once again simply have been a piece of media manipulation on the part of BASA members and that once again BASA have made promises it’s members don’t intend to keep. It will now probably be up to various outside parties to try force BASA to keep their word.
Daily news items on Debtfree DIGI. The news in 3 min or less. www.debtfreedigi.co.za
PAGE 18LIVING ON LESSReduced School Fees
NEXT PAGE 12YOU STOLE MY
MONEY
”You stole my money”There are few phrases that a Debt Counsellor ever wants to hear less than this particular unfounded accusation. It really cuts a Debt Counsellor to the heart when a consumer, that they have been helping, suddenly turns around and says these painful words. Unfortunately it seems that almost every Debt Counsellor in the country has faced this accusation at one stage or another.
Why do some consumers feel this way and what can Debt Counsellors do to avoid consumers coming to this conclusion?It must be said that many years ago their were one or two examples of unscrupulous so
called Debt Counsellors who took money from consumers and then did not deliver a service to consumers. This lead to them being removed from the profession and such occurrences have been rare since. The debt counselling field is now full of qualified professionals with lots of experience.
Why do consumers make this claim?Mainly this accusation is made when consumers find a discrepancy between what they have been paying and what a creditor tells them is their balance. In some cases consumers have been fed this story by devious collection agents or slanderous creditors. Also many consumers
CONSUMER
think that Debt Counsellors actually handle their money somehow.
How to avoid this accusationIt is important to educate consumers who enter the process to some of the challenges that exist. First off, if the Debt Counsellor recommends that the consumer make use of a Payment Distribution Agency to handle the money side of things then it needs to be clearly stated to the consumer that the Debt Counsellor does not ever touch the consumers money. This point cannot be over stressed. Debt Counsellors create the plan and the PDA make payments. Due to poor service delivery by PDA’s problems can arise and Debt Counsellors should not be shy to help consumers take the matter up with the NCR and to take legal action under the Consumer Protection Act against these service providers.
Consumers should also be made aware of the inadequacies of most credit providers software in showing debt review related matters. Consumers need to be warned that many creditors including the large banks are very bad at allocating funds from the PDA to the right accounts (for some weird reason). This results in discrepancies between PDA statements and creditor statements. These discrepancies should be detected as early as possible. If a creditor does not provide a monthly statement to the consumer the consumer should complain. Further once a consumer has their debt restructuring Court Order then 2 weeks after the Creditor has been served notice of the Court Order the consumer should go draw a statement to ensure that the creditor is complying with the Order. If not the matter should be taken further as the creditor
may be in contempt of the order. Debt Counsellors are neutral parties in the debt review process. They do not favour consumers nor any particular creditor. They draft proposals to court and allow a magistrate to restructure the debt. They facilitate the instructions as per the court order to a Payment Distribution Agency and do not handle funds. Most spend many hours trying to help creditors see the benefit of accepting the plan and capturing correct balances and account numbers. They appear at court and help consumers with good budgeting advice and counsel at a tough time in their lives. When a consumer suddenly turns around after all this hard work and says: “ You stole my money”, it hurts. So Debt Counsellors make sure your clients know who handles their money and consumers learn about the process and check on your creditors to ensure that they are doing their part. Don’t believe a total stranger (from a call centre) who claims to be from a creditor and makes unfounded accusations over your Debt Counsellor who has been there for you for months and years. Learn all the facts before making such hurtful claims.Do not give a person claiming to be a Debt Counsellor money without having visited their office and seeing their certificate from the NCR displayed. Make sure you are able to contact their offices via phone. Debt Counsellors should have a office land line and not just a Mobile number. Check on theDCI website or on the NCR to ensure they are registered. Some consumers choose to rather deal with Debt Counsellors who use Payment Distribution Agencies and don’t handle funds directly. If asked to hand over funds on the first visit beware!
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Mobile 082 729 3833 Email [email protected]
Over the last few years we have witnessed numerous insurance companies enter the debt review industry. Given the fact that most Debt Counsellors are not FSB registered, the insurance aspect has been very challenging.
Considering the impact of insurance, or the lack there of, on an already struggling consumer, DC`s more often than not are faced with the question of insurance during the interview process and on an on-going basis.
DC`s have entered into various arrangements with insurers or brokers and referred this aspect of their business to them. This function is very much “outside” of the DC`s business and separated from their control, which in itself can add to their frustration.
Introducing 1Web, a system that enables you, the DC, to capture all relevant client info including financial obligations and commitments, and thereby obtain the cost of Credit Life insurance embedded into the agreement. Further to this, by the click of a button, the info is referred to a financial adviser who will call your client and discuss all his/her insurance requirements. The client however will always remain under your business profile which creates total transparency and control for you.
Various reports can be generated e.g. fee statements, credit control on premiums, claims, endorsements etc. This places you in total control of your client’s financial portfolio except for the FAIS aspect. Should a client not pay his credit life premium or vehicle insurance premium you will be the first to know which gives you the opportunity to liaise with credit providers from an informed position.
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The minting of a “trillion dollar coin” has become a sensation in the US, with almost every major news publication reporting on it. The minting of a trillion dollar coin has become a real and serious approach to alleviating the US debt crisis. It also provides insight into how other nations could possibly satisfy their debt as well.
So the big question is this: Could South Africa do it too?
To begin that answer, it is important to know how and why a trillion dollar coin could be a reality in the US. Ordinarily, it is not possible
for the US treasury to mint a coin or to print currency. This is the role of the Federal Reserve Bank. However, an exception is made for commemorative coins that are made out of platinum, and only platinum. The US Treasury would mint such a coin, place a value of R1 trillion dollars on it, and deposit it with the Federal Reserve Bank. The US government could then write cheques against that asset. Because the amount of platinum would be very small (probably just a few hundred grams), the value of the coin would therefore have the same effect as printing money.
Secondly, like the US dollar, the South African
Could South Africa Mint a Trillion Rand Coin?
Rand is a currency that does not have a commodity backing it. This is known as “fiat” currency, which is derived from the Latin “let it be done” or “it shall be.” Thanks to this principal, the Federal Reserve Bank is already “doing it” by using a process called Quantitative Easing (QE). Currently they are printing US$85 billion per month.
It must be noted that currency is usually not created in this manner, and QE is always considered a drastic step. Not as drastic, however, as the “trillion dollar coin idea” which was eventually rejected by the Whitehouse, but not by scholars and lawyers. In South Africa, cash and coins are minted and printed by the South African Reserve Bank. This money then becomes part of the reserve used by commercial banks to make loans to people and businesses. The issuing of ‘paper money’ (fiat currency) attracts a printing cost and a specialised tax to the government, referred to as a seignorage. For example, the purchase of a printed R10 note could equate to R0.75c in printing costs, and the seignorage would be R10.00 x 0.15% = R0.015. The total cost of the note would therefore be R0.765. The remaining value of the R10 note would be backed by “letters of credit,” in other words debt or loan agreements, made to and by banks. As such, receiving a loan form a bank is equivalent to issuing currency because only a small portion of money loaned actually existed with the bank when the loan was made.
The purchase of money by a commercial bank is only a book-entry in the accounts held at the South African Reserve Bank. Thus, a R1 billion note could conceivably be debited to XYZ Bank. So it is possible to print a R1billion note. Zimbabwe issued notes of which one was ZD$1 Billion with an expiry date printed on the note. The point I am making is this: Money is usually issued as debt. In other words, new money injected into the system must be borrowed into existence. Interest is charged on this borrowed money. With QE, or the minting of a trillion rand coin, that money would not necessarily be issued as debt. It would be created by our government and spent by our government without the need to ever repay it back. If the South African government were to consider this, there would be a furious debate as to its effect on the economy and the ability or necessity of a government to wield such power. So, my short answer to the question can South Africa mint a trillion rand coin to pay its debts? … would be “yes.”
http://www.newera.org.za/
Could South Africa Mint a Trillion Rand Coin?
CONSUMER
Times are tough and we all need to make our money stretch these days. As the cost of living increases it seems that, come the end of the month, there is always a little less cash left to enjoy life with.
The Living on Less is a section of Debtfree DIGI which looks at ways wise consumers can keep their living expenses down and save funds. We also consider ways to still have some fun for less.
Living on Less is about spotting a great deal and letting others know. It’s about changing our mind set to reflect the reality that times are tough and we need to get savvy.
Sure times are tough but you can still have fun while Living on Less.
LIVING ON LESS
You might obviously choose one option or another but don’t jump to conclusions.Well, many publications and even TV shows like Myth Busters have tried to get the answer to this question. The results have been confusing. While using Air- con definitely uses more fuel than not using it, increased drag because of open windows also uses more fuel.“Drag” is the force exerted on the car as it moves through the air. The rule of thumb is: the faster one goes the more the “drag” increases.
This means that you have to use more forward force, which in turn means using more petrol.It seems the consensus is that if you are travelling in town at lower speeds, stopping and then starting and then stopping etc. it is best to ride with the windows down and the Air-con off. Then while driving at speed ( for example on the Highway) it is probably more economical (and better for your hairstyle) to run the Air-con.
CONSUMER
With summer here and warming us up, you may have wondered if it is best to run your Air-con or to rather roll your car windows down?
AIR-CON VS
OPEN WINDOWS
ASK FOR A REDUCTION
IN SCHOOL FEES
You may be struggling to cover all your costs. Maybe you have had help from a professional like a Debt Counsellor in reworking your budget and have reduced all unnecessary spending. However what if you still cant make ends meet. Well, if you have kids at school and you are struggling to meet your obligations one option is to approach the school and ask for a school fee reduction.
Reduction or even exemption from paying school fees is included in the South African Schools Act of 1996. Chapter 3: Public Schools. It has a fancy formula for working out who qualifies and a chart showing the level of reduction.
The formula looks like this:
E = 100(F+A) C
Explaining the formula
Maybe the formula looks like gobbledygook to you at first but you can work it out with a little more info.
E = School fees as a percentage of the parents income. Ultimately the percentage relates to how much of a reduction you would qualify for.
F = Annual school fees for 1 child (if there are more than 1 child, the highest amount is to be used)
A = Any additional amount that the parents have to pay to the school, over and above the school fees
C = Joint gross annual income of the parents
Here is an example:
F = School fees – R6000 per annumA = NoneC = Joint gross annual income of the parents R60 000
The result is E = 10%
Reading Section 6(3) and the tables provided (see our reference section in this article from the Act) the result shows that these parents qualify for a 100% exemption of the school fees.
Maybe you won’t qualify for a full 100% exception but a reduction might be possible. The most important thing you need to know is that this application needs to be done before the end of February. Talk to your school at once to see how you can apply.
South African Schools Act of 1996. Chapter 3: Public Schools
http://debtfreedigi.co.za/references/
to view the act click here
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SPOTTEDPerhaps you need to provide your kid with a cheap mobile phone to stay in touch or maybe your phone has been damaged or stolen. This month our staff spotted this good deal* on a pay as you go phone at Dischem.
*Deal spotted during the month. The supplier may have changed their prices by the time we go to print. Go check it out to see for yourself if it is still available.
R69
No announcements
No events pending
DEBT COUNSELLORS ASSOCIATIONS ANNOUNCEMENT BOARD
www.dcasa.co.za
DCUNo announcements
No events pending
www.newera.org.za
NEXT MEETING21st February 2013GautengContact: [email protected]
www.bdcf.co.za
No announcements
No events pending
www.allprodc.org
DebtWise TutorialDebtWise is constantly looking for ways to help our Debt Counsellors lives simpler. Our system now has improved SMS functionality. We look at 3 of the SMS options on our system.
Debt Counsellors can generate notification SMS’ while working on consumers Form 17.1 and 2s
The Form 17’s sms’s
1. Applicant documents:
2. Scroll down to “SMS”
Another otpion that Debt Counsellors have while using the DebtWise system is to send a consumer an SMS at antime using the SMS function
All the DC has to do is select: Other Options and SMS, then you can choose the template you would like to use, by choosing from the dropdown box and choosing your template and click on “use” to allow the template to appear.
4. SMS function will pop up with a template that correlates with the specific document chosen:
(Please note that the template is editable and could be amended as required.)
An additional tick can be placed to send it to the secondary applicant/spouse, if required.
What if the expected payment from the consumer has not come in? Well now the DC can send a Default SMS for Non-Payment:
This SMS function is to make life easier for the Debt Counsellor to contact the client’s that are in Default and this template is also editable, for example, should it not be the client’s first payment, the word “first” can be removed.
Debt review and distribution software.Proud Software provider to DC Partner, Payment Distribution Agency.
https://debtwisesolutions.co.za
Debt Wise Solutions
Octavia HlatshwayoMzansiDebt Counselling
www.mzansidc.co.za
DEBT COUNSELLOR
PROFILE
How long have you been a DC? since February 2008. We are founder members of the Black Debt Counsellors Forum which seeks to address the imbalances in our industry and to promote Black Economic Empowerment.
What did you do before becoming a DC? I worked for STD bank, Ombudsman for Banking Services and then join the NCR in 2006 as a complaint officer.
Do you have a small/medium/large DC company? Small. In 2008 I was the finalist in Talk Radio 702 Small Business Awards with Softline Pastel for exceptional customer service.
What makes your business a success? Passion is my drive as it makes me to believe in what I do, no matter what challenges ahead of me. Having been in the employ of OBS & NCR which focus on consumer rights and protection, has equipped me to stand and protect consumers despite challenges and just focus
Where do you find new business? This is a tough industry where survival of the business depends on monthly new applications and as such marketing is vital however very costly. When business was doing well, Mzansi Debt Counselling made a mark by embarking on aggressive marketing which paid off slowly. Word of mouth is very powerful as we strive to provide the best service to our clients even though sometimes the system, NCA and creditors do let us down.
What is the biggest challenge facing Debt
Counsellors at the moment?Debt Counselling is under threat hence the formation of the Black Debt Counsellors Forum which was formed as a result of VDMS pilot project driven by the NDMA. The other is the twin peak agreement between the National Treasury and BASA which seek to offer alternative to combat over indebtedness in our country. However of note is that the very concerned party is the cause and contributor to over-indebtedness of consumers in our country by providing unsecure lending to consumers which has risen in alarming rate. Creditors such as banks they now offer debt relief programmes to consumers and debt consolidation which is really not a solution to address over-indebtedness as debt counsellors now are restructuring even consolidation loans
Some creditors also approach consumers offering them reduce payments as a result decide to withdraw from debt review process.
What advice do you have for consumers under debt review?Do not default while under debt review. If encountering problems with payment rather talk to your debt counsellor. Do not make separate arrangements with a credit provider before discussing with your DC. Contact your DC as soon as your financial circumstances changes for better in order to offer more to your creditors thus reducing the terms. Refer all legal documents received while under debt review process to your DC immediately.Request and check your payment distribution report monthly in order to notify your DC if there is any discrepancy sooner than laterGet your court order? Creditors only restructure accounts after receiving a court order
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 AssistJohann VermeulenTel: 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 BudgetTel: 021 824 8885
Debt Solve Debt CounsellorsOffice: 033 397 0945
DEBTINCNCRDC’s 1071, 1188, 1189.Tel: (022) 713-2021Fax: (022) 713-2028Share Call: 0861 20 21 20E-mail: [email protected]: www.debtinclusive.co.zaSMS: HELP to 35075
DebtSafe0861 100 999
Debt SeriousWe are serious about debtVida Scheepers NCRDC1792Po box 394, Garsfontein, Pretoria 0042Fax no: 086 553 [email protected]
Debt RehabColleen Van Wyk(BCom, LLB)Debt Counsellor NCRDC2619Tel: 083 290 0848Tel: 011 740 7374Fax: 086 716 9694Website: http://debtrehab.co.za
Debt eezyYour Debt Solution made EasyAshley Carstens NCRDC858 Tel: 021 839 2809 Fax: 083 512 4160 / 086 665 9125 Email: [email protected]: www.thedci.co.za
Debt RescueNeil RoetsNCR DC 474Cell: 083 644 7406Tel: 0861 800 009Fax: 086 523 0617E-mail: [email protected]
Debt Management & Counseling Services“The greatest glory in livinglies not in never falling,but in rising every time we fall.” - Nelson MandelaDerry Burge NCRDC108140 Irene Avenue, La Concorde,Somerset West, 7130 Tel: 021 855 5997 Cell: 074 177 5375 Fax: 021 855 1195 or 0865413200E-mail: [email protected]
Durban Debt Counselling ServicesSuite 112, 1st floor Union Club Building353 Sm ith StreetDurban, 4001Tel: 031 301-7893Fax: 031 [email protected]
SERVICE DIRECTORY
Debt Counselling South AfricaCape Town BranchTel: 021 919 66 94Rod De WittNCRDC831Visit: www.debtcounsellingsa.co.za
Fair Finance SolutionsYour debt is our priorityAmanda FairRegistered Debt Counsellor NCR946553 Jacqueline DriveGarsfontein PretoriaTel: 0861 26 26 32Fax: 082 921 7093Cell: 086 564 3674amanda@fairdebtcounselling.co.zawww.fairdebtcounselling.co.za
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
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]
MG Consulting Strand - Helderberg AreaTelkom : 021 853 4537 Mobile Phone: 082 450 7459Fax Number: 0866 220 690E-Mail: [email protected]
Mzansi Debt CounsellingOctavia HlatshwayoTel: 011 868 1185Fax: 0861 00 22 [email protected] www.mzansidc.co.za
The best angle to approach debt is the Triangle
Caledon - Western CapeContact Person: Yolande8 Hoop Street, 7230 [email protected]: 028 212 2537
Ceres - Western CapeLeyll str 61, 683 [email protected]: 023 312 1292Fax: 023 312 2119
Worcester - Western Cape71 Porter Street 6850 Longitude: 19.44305Latitude: [email protected]: 0233420576Fax: 086656801
Bloemfontein - Free State94 Zastron, 9301 BloemfonteinContact Person: [email protected]: +27 51 448 2828Fax: +27 51 447 9481
Viljoenskroon - Free State35 Denyssen Street, 7230Contact Person: Johann [email protected]: +27 56 343 0352Fax: +27 56 343 035
Welkom – Free State329 Stateway, 9460 WelkomContact Person: Susan RouxEmail: [email protected]: +27 57 352 6117Fax: +27 57-352 2355
SERVICE DIRECTORY
SERVICE DIRECTORYBORDER 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 CHOICEAndrea 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] 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]
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]
SERVICE DIRECTORYDRS 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]
DRS 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 KOKSTAD Melanie 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]
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]
SERVICE DIRECTORYNDA Debt CounsellorsYour Trusted Debt CounsellorsGary Williams (NCRDC 143)Tel: 034 315 3880 Fax: 086 612 [email protected] www.ndad.co.za
Penny Wise Debt CounsellingCathy Foster Debt Counsellor - NCRDC1977Tel: (011) 794 9912Fax: 086 719 3378Mobile: 083 298 4467Email: [email protected]
Rihanyo Debt Counselling(012) 804 50 57
SFA Debt Relief Consultants Adri de BruynNCRDC99811 Market Street / Markstraat 11, Paarl, 7646Tel: 021 872 1968Fax: 021 872 [email protected]
Think Green Debt CounsellingSandi [email protected] : 012 991 6638Cell : 082 460 7800Fax : 086 219 2615
U-Win Debt CounsellorsCoreli Roos - NCR DC 509Aliwal North, Burgersdorp, Bethulie, GariepDam, Smithfield, SpringfonteinCell:079 626 [email protected]
Zuné Coetzer Debt CounsellorsNCRDC 159924 van der Stel Street, Dan PienaarBloemfonteinTel: 051-4364515Fax: 086 5870 845Email: [email protected]
SUPPORT SERVICES
Staff Line Ndizani Executive RecruitmentCell no: 083 3028163Direct Line: (011) 468 - 2150E- Mail: [email protected]
Information resources & serviceswww.thedci.co.za
DesigntimesSouth Africa’s creative resourcewww.designtimes.co.za
TRAINING
Compuscan Academy 0861 51 41 31www.compuscanacademy.co.za
You & Your MoneyWestern Cape: NCR Debt Counsellor Training: For a Cutting Edge Course with practical input contact: You & Your MoneyDawn [email protected]: 072 1769789(021) 761 3287
FINANCIAL
ABSA Customer Debt Repair Line0861 005 901
Credit Ombudsman0861 662837
Experian011 799-3400 [email protected]
Eric StresoFinancial PlannerB Juris LL B CFP MBATel: 0833273358Fax: 086 612 7912
Fair Debt0829019788 or [email protected]
SERVICE DIRECTORYPACFIN Financial Solutions Head OfficeTel: +27 11 9757445Fax: 086536878336 Van Riebeeck roadKempton Park [email protected] Carlo BuildingNo 8 VoortrekkerstreetKempton Park 1619
Kempton ParkContact: Reyno CoetzeeTel: +27 11 3945363Fax: 0866048002Cell: +27 73 [email protected] / GermistonContact: Armand PosthumusTel: +27 11 8921911Fax: 0865620378
NelspruitContact: Ann BakerTel: +27 13 7415559Fax: 0880 1374 15559Cell: +27 82 [email protected]: 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
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
Karen van Staden Tel: 012 998 9117 / 012 993 2132Fax: 086 721 6467 / 086 662 1153Email: [email protected]@hauptearle.co.zawww.hauptearle.co.za
LUCID AttorneysTel: 011 880 1100Fax: 011 880 1101Email: [email protected]/attorney
O’Connell & AssociatesAttorneys at LawKeegan O’[email protected] 021 462 1663Fax 0866 504 550303 Millborough, 70A Upper Mill Street, Vreedehoek, Cape Town,8000
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 TownTel: 021 431 9127, f: 021 425 0875 Email: [email protected]
Scheepers AttorneysGerhard [email protected]
Is it time to expand your Debt Counselling practice?
Do you need specialist Attorneys with a national footprint?
Do you need expert advice on how to protect your practice and your clients?
Are you informed about recent statutory and legal developments within the industry?
Attorneys servicing individual needs
Pretoria: +27(0)12 998 9117 www.hauptearle.co.za Nelspruit: +27 (0)13 752 7084
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Dont miss out on a single
issue!
Steyn Coetzee Attorneys / ProkureursAdri de Bruyn11 Market Street / Markstraat 11, Paarl, 7646Tel: 021 872 1968Fax: 021 872 [email protected]
Agiliti 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
DIRECTORY
