Debtfree DIGI Feb 2014

South Africa’s debt counselling magazine

February 2014 www.debtfreedigi.co.za

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CONTENTS EDITOR’S NOTE

NEWS

The National Credit Amendment Bill

LIVING ON LESS

INTERVIEW PAUL SLOT

“ It always seems impossible until it is done” - Nelson Mandela Attorneys specialising in debt review matters and consumer rights Magistrates Court and High Court Matters

TEL 021 913 2514 FAX 0866070940 EMAIL frontdesk@liddles.co.za PHYSICAL ADDRESS 7 Chenin Blanc Street, Oude Westhof POSTAL ADDRESS PO Box 3407, Tygervalley, 7536

EDITOR’S NOTE The last few weeks seem to have been full of bad news for consumers. The main two knocks that have come consumers way are the Repo Rate - which went up for the first time in ages (and it could do so again so watch out) and then the way the Petrol price has suddenly shot up (and don’t even mention eTolls). For the half of South African consumers who are behind on payments this is something that simply pushes them deeper into trouble. For the other half it places increased strain on an already tough situation.

Debt Counsellors are not only trying to assist consumers and creditors reach more affordable monthly repayment agreements they are also business owners too. This month we interview well known DC Paul Slot and ask him about his business. Be sure to check that out.

Traditionally February sees the highest amount of calls for help at Debt Counselling firms across the globe. It seems that SA is no different with more applications recently than in previous years. Is this more bad news? Not really. With half of SA’s consumers in trouble it is actually However buried under all the recent bad news great news that more people are starting to there has been the interesting developments get professional help. If you have just done around amendments to the National Credit so or if you have been under debt review for Act. Many of the proposed changes will greatly a while: Good for you! Use debt review to get assist consumers, particularly those under debt yourself back on your feet. Settle your debt and review. This issue we give you a nice summary get debt free. of what recently happened in Parliament as public hearings on the topic were held.

In view of the recent fuel price hike we also have a look at how to save fuel in our LIVING ON LESS section and feature some handy tips on getting free Wi-Fi for those who find their data packages disappearing all too quickly.

INDUSTRY

CONSUMER

NEWS FLASH For daily debt counselling news in 3 minutes or less visit www.debtfreedigi.co.za

NCR - Letting the public know about PDAs

With the new amendments well underway the NCR has decided it is time to let the public know about Payment Distribution Agencies.

Previously PDAs were not included in the NCA but in the National Credit Amendment Bill they have been mentioned and thus are set to be a permanent feature of the debt review landscape for years to come. The NCR say that the new campaign is aimed at bringing awareness and educate consumers about the role of PDAs in the debt counselling process as well as to caution them against ‘unscrupulous PDAs’. The NCR are even changing their nice big billboard to talk about the subject. Additional billboards have been commissioned in the Western Cape and KZN. The NCR are also for the first time using street poles as a means of advertising. You might come across such advertising in Jo’burg / Pretoria, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West, Eastern Cape, Free State and the Northern Cape. As if that is not enough, the NCR will be going all out with radio adverts (on Metro and Kaya FM) and even adverts in print (in the Daily Sun, Isolezwe, Sunday World, Beeld and The Times). The adverts started to run on the 9th of February. It will be interesting to see how this additional awareness of the 3 PDAs role in debt review also draws awareness to the debt counselling process.

UK Debt Counsellors busiest day ever

One of the largest Debt Counselling organisations in the UK was expecting a lot of calls on the second Monday of Feb (statistically their busiest day of the year). They were not wrong. This year they are reporting that Monday 10th of Feb was their busiest day in 18 years of business. One branch team leader said: “we have never seen it like this” .

2014 begins with a bang... to the pocket

The beginning of the year has seen two big developments which are now set to place additional strain on consumers namely: increased fuel costs of more than a Rand/litre in only a 30 days (taking fuel to a record high) as well as a 0.5% Repo Rate hike. Economists are talking about R16/litre for petrol and further Repo Rate increases. This goes hand in hand with the very high number of consumers who are now going under debt review. Debt Counsellors country wise are reporting very high numbers of applications over the last few weeks.

insurance done right Call us 086 126 6562 Marijke Wessels Portfolio Manager, Gauteng, KZN & Free State Mobile 082 729 3833 Email marijke.w@one.za.com Sam Haasbroek Portfolio Manager, Western, Eastern Cape & Northern Cape Mobile 082 550 7294 Email sam.h@one.za.com

www.one.za.com One is an authorised financial services provider – FSP 8783

NEWS CONT.

CPE Bank Account closed

During Feb the NCR sent out a circular confirming that the former PDA CPE’s bank accounts have now been closed and they are officially no longer trading. To download the circular click here:

ABSA Earn Debt Counsellors Wrath

ABSA are once again the subject of much debate online on debt counsellors forums where the tone is very negative and comments about debt counsellors being frustrated and not receiving any response or having to wait 2 months for simple information are becoming more common. One Debt Counsellor jokingly asked: if any other debt counsellors could confirm if ABSA debt review department even still existed. Some DCs are talking about requests they made last year (2013) in October with no response to date. Last year in October one Debt Counsellor even made the statement that ABSA debt review [department] were “none” and “klaar”. In an effort to assist Debt Counsellors associations such as DCASA have been engaging with ABSA in regard to their slow turn around times (which are illegal in term of the NCA) and the way this harms the process.

though the debt restructuring Court Order was in place FNB homeloans got frustrated (because they were getting no money) and decided to stop being part of the debt review and to try take the consumers home to sell on auction to recover some of their money quickly (and the rest slowly). FNB took the matter to the Northern Cape High Court in Kimberly. The consumers came to court to argue that they had made payments to the NPDA and that it was the NPDA who had not sent the money on.

Rather than accept the money once the NPDA had figured out the problem FNB still wanted to try sell the consumers home on auction. The Judge’s ruling was in favour of the bank having the right to ignore the debt review court order since they did not get their money on time.

The granted summary judgement ruling in the matter of FRB v Ortell says in essence that the consumer should have made sure that the PDA were paying and that the PDA was their appointed agent. [Interestingly the consumer and the PDA do not have a signed service contract in terms of the Consumer Protection Act.] This ruling seems to go contrary to another recent ruling in the case of ABSA Bank v McEpieow . Read the NPDA's comments here.

Section 88(3) Ruling: ABSA Bank v McEpieow

If a consumer has a debt restructuring Court Order and misses a payment this enables the PDA non payment credit provider to take legal action against the consumer if they are not happy with the reason Section 88(3) ruling Due to an alleged 'glitch' the National Payment or feel that the consumer is wilfully not paying Distribution Agency supposedly didn't forward what they should. In many ways this part of the a consumers court ordered debt review NCA protects credit providers from ongoing payments to FNB for a number of months. Even non payment by consumers with Court Orders.

South Africa’s largest Debt Counsellors

In the past where a consumer has missed such a payment and the matter has gone to court the matter was pretty cut and dried. The Credit Provider would get a judgment, no problem.

However something unusual happened in the Western Cape High Court recently. The surprise ruling was handed down by Acting Deputy Judge President Desai in the Western Cape High Court under Case No.19252/2012. Attorneys Liddle and Associates, who often deal with debt review matters, obtained what they are saying is a “landmark decision for consumers under debt review”. In this case, Mr McEpieow had defaulted in terms of his debt review order and ABSA Bank decided to go for a judgment in order to proceed with the sale in execution of his home. Interestingly in a previous case ( FRB v Fester ) the Western Cape High Court held that once a consumer defaults in terms of a granted debt review order, the Bank is entitled to immediately proceed with legal action.

Liddle and Associates argued that such a strict interpretation of Section 88(3) is contrary to the spirit and purpose of the NCA especially in this consumers case. What is interesting is that the Judge agreed with them and said that if a consumer remedies the default “it would hardly be consistent with the provisions of the Act or rather its socially salutary purposed to punish such a debtor in the instances where the default is of no real value or, at least, has insignificant financial consequences”. As a result the Judge turned down the summary judgement application and said if ABSA want to pursue it they must proceed to a full court hearing sometime in the future. Why did the Judge rule this way? It seems that the consumer in this matter had been paying more than was required under the Court Order. In fact, the consumer was about R10 000 in advance when

the problem arose. This no doubt shows the consumers good intent and probably means that the consumer was actually not in default of the court order when ABSA began the legal action. Liddle and Associates say this is a ‘a great victory in protecting consumer’s assets under debt review‘. You can download the judgement here:

African Bank’s new system

African Bank’s Debt Review department are happy to be working on their newly upgraded system. They say that during 2013 they “noted a steep increase in volumes of debt review applications.“ These high volumes dramatically increased the number of documents they needed to exchange between themselves and Debt Counsellors. So in an effort to improve their customer service and turnaround times, they decided to get more advanced computers/software system. They say they hope the new system will allow them to service Debt Counsellors offices ‘more efficiently and expeditiously.’ However they also asked Debt Counsellors to be on the lookout for any possible teething problems. They recently distributed a statement to Debt Counsellors which called for some assistance. The Statement said in part:” … during the transition period there may be some teething problems which may result in anomalies or delayed responses. We request your patience and assistance in this transition.

Should you find any unconventional responses from our offices we request that you notify us as soon as practically possible.’ If you do come across any such “anomalies’ then please let them know on: Tel: 011 256 9323. pmpolokeng@africanbank.co.za

THE NATION AMEND PUBLIC

NAL CREDIT DMENT BILL C HEARINGS

The Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry recently held a series of public hearings into the matter of the DTI’s National Credit Amendment Bill.

This is the latest step in the process of updating and amending the National Credit Act. Many Acts are reviewed and changed every 5 years or so. The NCA has been described by some as not the most elegantly worded Act in South Africa. Ambiguities and numbering issues have lead to some rather unfortunate court rulings and some creditors have been circumventing the spirit of the Act by hiding behind drafting errors.

After consultation with the public as well as industry the DTI recently set the National Credit Amendment Act in place and now wait on Parliament to see if the Bill we be drafted into law this year. The timing of the changes comes fortuitously in the midst of political campaigning for popular support by various parties. Some people complain that the motivations for such changes may simply be to gain more votes but whatever the case it seems the NCA is about to change. The public hearings presented one more opportunity for the man on the street as well as companies (such as the banks) to have their say on the proposed changes.

The hearings were held over several days in Cape Town’s picturesque Parliamentary buildings.

Initially in the echoing and voluminous Good Hope Chambers and then later in the more modest Old Assembly building.

PUBLIC HEARINGS AT PARLIAMENT DAY ONE

mainly on data recording and reporting. The clear message which came out during the presentation was actually concerned about the upcoming credit information amnesty.

MFSA’s Hennie Ferreira made an impassioned presentation and explained how the MFSA is the voice of reputable micro financiers who have over 1800 registered offices country wide.

He stated that the MFSA are “Anti loansharking”.

Mr Ferreira said that reckless credit is a danger to all credit providers and that “over indebtedness is the beginning of the end for the credit industry”. They explained how there is a massive amount of informal loansharking being done country wide including by trade unions.

One interesting graphic shown demonstrated that the NCR’s info shows that short term lending has not increased much over the last 6 years while unsecured lending has shot up exponentially. MFSA conservatively estimate there are 50 000 unregistered loansharks/ mashonisa s compared with total 5500 NCR registered credit providers. MFSA would like to see all lenders regardless of size or amount of Day One Presentations The National Treasury presented first and gave accounts registered and thus regulated. support to the proposed amendments. They commented among other things on pay day Standard Bank gave a very brief and direct loans and how they view them as creating a presentation in which they generally agreed form of financial slavery where consumers are with the Bill. They decided to focus in on the consistently having to take a loan each and particular issue of home loans particularly in every month. The Treasury feel that having a regard to debt review and NCA Sect 103(5). growing amount of over indebted consumers Standard Bank propose that when debt is in SA points to continued reckless lending. restructured through debt review that the loan They complained that the sad truth is that it not be viewed as in default. They called for a takes longer to open a savings account in SA clear definition of “default” in the Act. They would like to see a separation of how home than to get a loan. loans are dealt with under the NCA vs other The Credit Providers Association focused smaller loans. This brought the hearings to a close for Tuesday (Day One).

A last minute change to the starting time on the first day of the public hearings seemed to bode ill for the entire proceedings but even though this left several interested parties waiting for hours outside the facilities unsure of the actual starting time some who were scheduled to make presentations had received notice via email late the previous evening.

About 70 people attended the opening session. This was a pretty standard number of attendees throughout. Those attending were an eclectic mix of credit providers, attorneys, debt counsellors, members of the public and government department representatives.

The National Treasury, DTI and NCR were well represented throughout. The hearings were arranged as a series of presentations from interested parties.

PUBLIC HEARINGS AT PARLIAMENT DAY TWO

not want to see automatic de-registration for certain contraventions , rather would like such a matter to go to the NCT first. Like most other parties responding to the Bill, BASA are not in support of removing payment history on paid The Second day of public hearings into the up accounts (referring to the credit information proposed amendments to the National Credit amnesty) since it will make it difficult to discern Act saw only 3 Debt Counsellors present. good from bad payers (consumers). They say Interestingly on the way into the hearings one that it simply “makes a mockery of the credit of the security guards said he has heard that bureau system“. consumers debt is going to be written off. This shows the level of misunderstanding in regard Regarding Section 86 (the Section about debt to the coming credit information amnesty. The counselling) BASA say they still want to exclude public audience was made up mostly by Credit Section129 matters and want to be able to Providers and the NCR and DTI as well as the continue to terminate their participation in a debt review as set out in the NCA as it is at Parliamentary Committee. present. They do not want to be forced to resolve matters at court. This is because they Day Two Presentations The day began with the DTI presenting an in are concerned that consumers may take depth look at the National Credit Amendment matters to court and then delay repayments Bill. They’d discussed some of the background for a while with no intention to actually go to the proposed changes to the NCA and went through with the debt review. They feel that through key areas of the Bill as it stands. One this is not fair to credit providers. FNB who interesting comment made was that the DTI added a few comments say they also don’t want to make clear that Alternative Dispute like the proposed Section 86(10) changes. In the past they say that “10’s of thousands of resolution is not debt restructuring. consumers ( those under debt review ) were Cas Coovadia took the lead in speaking for not paying their cars and bonds” before the the Banking Association of South Africa who Collette ruling. They feel this leaves them open wanted to highlight some items they disagree to non paying consumers putting the matter with. What they call “Key differences”. BASA say into court and then not paying. Since at present they want to create their own code of conduct the NCA does not allow Debt Counsellors to which they would then like the NCR to approve. end a consumers debt review this could under They do not want to be dictated to. They some very unlikely circumstances occur. Most feel that the NCR published code of conduct Debt Counsellors however feel that the banks is trying to introduce legislation rather than have simply abused section 86(10) so much in through amending the NCA. Continuing their the past that they now have no credibility in concerns about the NCR BASA said that the making demands regarding this. BASA would proposed NCR affordability guidelines do not also like to see home loans treated much the need to be included in any fashion and they do same as rental obligations in a debt review

consumers budget. In other words they want bonds to get a full payment as it was prior to the debt review.

The Committee made a direct comment when they said that looking at BASA’s submissions on each and every amendment they feel that BASA are simply saying that they reject every change and want the Act to stay the same.

Cas Coovadia assured the Committee that this is not the case and that they only are opposed to 5 particular amendments. The Committee chairperson had a few stern words to the banks to watch their advertising which entices people to borrow funds they don’t need.

The Debt Counselling Industry - a information portal about debt and Debt Counselling expressed it’s concern about some missing definitions in the NCA as well as behavior and responsibilities of ADRAs. TheDCI feel that when ADRAs are registered the requirements should be same as that of Debt Counsellors.

However it became clear that theDCI would like to see a separation of duties and functions between Credit Providers, Debt Counsellors and ADRAs and not see one party registered in more than one function. TheDCI also want to see a Sect 129 letter to show the capitol amount owed.

Some other statements were made that caused the committee to sit up and listen such as that PDAs and currently unreliable and cause many of the problems. “The PDAs have been the predominate cause of terminations in debt review” was another comment made. TheDCI are clearly not in favour of their inclusion in the Bill pointing to costs to the consumer in debt review which are higher paying debt through PDAs as compared to other existing switches.

Next credit providers came under fire and theDCI explained that CPs are giving incorrect info about debt review and the process to consumers under debt review.

The presentation included an SMS from FNB that refers consumers to Debtbusters and then moved on to the Old Mutual website which says “Working together with our Debt Counselling partners, Old Mutual has created a solution to help you overcome your debt worries” TheDCI complained that clearly the NCR should be going after these people.

TheDCI then mentioned how often many CP legal department continue or begin litigation even though debt review department have agreed to a proposal. TheDCI would like to see more matters resolved through the NCT and support the amendments to Section 86 about debt review matters.

The National Debt Mediation Association This was when things began to hot up as began their presentation by clearly spelling they reported to the Committee that NCR out that in the past (and still currently) they are complaints are ineffective (form 29), that the offering debt mediation which services include NCR are not responding timeously and that negotiating debt restructuring and repayment there is a large backlog at the NCT. They would plans and offering information on informal like to see the NCR investigated and additional debt restructuring options. Interestingly training done to streamline processes. All this these would constitute activities only allowed was said while in the background was a large to NCR registered Debt Counsellors under slide showing NCR performance as POOR. the National Credit Act. They feel that low

income consumers do not have access to inexpensive debt remedies and that it is not financially viable for Debt Counsellors to assist such consumers. They thus would like to recommend alternatives to debt review. They pointed to how many consumers had accounts terminated from debt review by creditors and feel that court fees and PDA fees only add to a consumers debt. They would like to see these fees reduced. One option they feel could work is if the costs could be shared between consumers and credit providers or if NGOs and charities could fund counselling.

The NDMA managed to get in some NCR bashing as well, saying that the NCR has capacity constraints and when dealing with VDMS and the NCR Task Team report suggestions.

They say the NCR did not have the capacity to understand the issues and could thus not engage properly. In regard to progress made by the industry they feel the NCR took these real solutions and made them redundant without proper analysis and explanation. They say the NCR did not participate in the way it should have. Ironically it was comments like this that soured the NCR to supporting the NDMA in the past. Since the NDMA has operated as ADRAs for some time (and of course as debt counsellors) they had a lot to say about this section of the amendments. They do not want a list of do’s and don’ts in the amendments which will restrict what ADRAs can do. In regard to PDAs they feel that consumers should be offered the choice to use one but warn that PDAs have caused payment issues and increased consumer risk in the past. They would like to see PDAs paying liability claims where consumers have faced legal action or loss of assets. All in all they are not very ‘pro’ PDA.

Other presentations by the Credit Bureau Association (who are not chuffed about the proposed Credit information Amnesty), The Association of Debt Recovery Agents as well as credit provider Home Choice ran on later than expected.

DAY THREE PRESENTATIONS The first presentation of the day was by local biscuit factory owner Simon Mantell. He discussed how his staff have been struggling with debt. In particular he would like to reduce the use and abuse of EAO or Garnishee orders as they are called.

Capitol Software made the shortest presentation, taking only a few minutes to promote the use of their type of services over that of Payment Distribution Agencies.

The National Clothing Retailer Federation represent members such as Woolworths, Truworths, Edcon, Mr Price, Queenspark gave a brief presentation in which they gave support for the amendments. They too were nervous about the proposed credit information amnesty.

The Black Debt Counsellors Forum came out strongly in favor of voluntary forms of Debt Review as mentioned in Section 87(7)(b). They feel that Debt Counsellors should be able to offer voluntary debt mediation while other parties should not be allowed to offer any such service (since the Act mentions it specifically in connection with debt counselling). The BDCF feel that it prejudices a consumer to wait for

30 years for their bond to be paid up before a clearance certificate can be issued. They wish to see the wording amended to reflect that a consumer can have some debts cleared through debt review but not need to have all debts cleared before a certificate can be issued.

Otherwise these consumers could be excluded from the credit market for decades.

DAY FOUR PRESENTATIONS

options for how payments to attorneys and Debt Counsellors could be made.

DAY FIVE PRESENTATION Day 5 saw 40 people gathered in a small boardroom in the old assembly at Parliament to hear the DTI report the NCR and their view on stakeholder comments about the National Credit Amendment Bill. The DTI had the opportunity to comment on most of the larger concerns raised during the various presentations and submissions.

It was clear from start to finish that the Reserve Bank were more focused on their upcoming role under the twin peaks model rather than the changes to the NCA itself. Very little of the Deliberations presentation related to issues or problems they After days of public hearings the Committee then begin deliberations on all the have with the amendments. presentations and the Bill itself. Days later they It was rather surprising to see how little flak sent out a call to the industry and interested Wonga Finance received after the portfolio parties in regard to some extra changes the committee had previously made several Committee now want to propose after hearing not to complimentary comments about all the submissions made. “pay day lenders” and other such institutes.

The presentation went well with only a few Some of the proposed additions would be: pointed questions but perhaps somewhat A new clause getting rid of the NCR board and disappointingly everyone was on their best rather putting it under the Minister (section 19 of the Act). behavior.

Reporting on the debt review industry has given Personal Finance some concerns over the past while in regard to how consumers are treated.

One of the major focuses of their presentation was the need for Credit Providers to supply accurate monthly statements to consumers.

At present this is an issue that PDAs are addressing while many major credit providers have fallen short – in contravention of the NCA. Other than this they had suggestions on other

A new clause making it an offence where a credit provider charges consumers more than the allowed interest rates (section 100 of the Act).

A new clause capping and/or regulating the cost of credit insurance (section 106 of the Act).

Changing clause 20 about delivery of a section 129(1) notices so that it supports the finding in the Sebola and Another v Standard Bank of

South Africa Ltd and Another case meaning that there will have to be proof that the notice was delivered (section 129 of the Act).

A new clause which will make it an offence to collect, sell, and try re-activate debts that have become “prescribed” or not collected on for over 3 years. (Section 133 of the Act).

A new clause which will allow the DTI Minister to issue all sorts of binding regulations based on the Amendment Bill What would be included in such regulations?

These regulations will include provisions for: a process to deregister a PDA; the duties, obligations & fees of PDAs and ADRAs; assessment criteria to determine if an applicant’s commitments to prescribed guidelines are sufficient; a formula for penalty for late renewal of registration; and termination of / withdrawal from debt review process.

Comments on these proposed additions recently closed and now after the very long journey that the proposed amendments to the NCA have made over the last few months, the matter is in the hands of Parliament.

Indications were made during the hearings that the amendments could be in effect within a very short time period (Pre-elections).

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telephone +27 (0)21 462 7533 email info@wcca.co.za www.wcca.co.za

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CONSUMER

LIVING ON LESS 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.

SAVE FUEL FREE WI-FI COMPETITION

INDUSTRY

CONSUMER

ESCALATING FUEL COSTS What can be done?

In just over a single month SA drivers recently found themselves paying over a Rand more per litre for their fuel than before. The worst part is that economists are predicting that petrol is just going to go up and up this year. Some are even saying we need to prepare for a fuel cost of R16/ Litre. Can you imagine? Combine that with the E Tolls and a Repo Rate increase and you have a recipe for higher costs on homes, groceries and…basically everything else. Petrol price and repo rate increases mean one simple thing: Less money in your pocket at the end of the month.

You may already be on the edge and just getting by. So what can you do in the face of rising petrol costs?

in 2nd and 3rd gear right away. More Vooma, for sure. It was “immediately noticeable”.

What about the fuel usage. We only tested the product on two tanks of fuel before this article ( try drive less it is the best way to save fuel) but it seems that it has indeed helped with fuel usage. A rough average estimate [EDalthough over time we will be able to compare more results] of around 9% improvement in km’s per tank was recorded. Other users report similar savings in the testimonials on their product and site. Some users said their costs came down from R1.40 per Km to R1.10 per Km (before the fuel hike).

The cost of the product is very reasonable (R300) and the savings can be pretty impressive. They One company is offering a low cost solution even offer a 30 day money back guarantee in that promises better fuel economy in just a case you feel it is not working for you. They few minutes. The product is called the Cyclone told us they have only had one return at the Fuel Saver It is described as a “non-moving local branch ever. Do some research and see if vortex generator” that gives you “better this product might be one of the steps you can airflow, increased fuel atomization” and thus take to reduce your climbing fuel costs. Either reduced fuel consumption. The product which we need to get smart or drive less. Otherwise can be fitted at their agents country wide, can the only option is to simply pay more. rather be fitted by yourself - if you know how to handle a screwdriver and follow the simple instructions in the box. Their slogan is Less Fuel, More Power. We wondered if this was true.

Debtfree decided to test the product to see if it worked for us. One of the team had it fitted to her car. The fitment, done at the local agent, took about 10 minutes (most of which was talking about the product) and involved the use of no machines or big tools. It was quick and quiet.

To find out more head over to their website : The result? There was a clear increase in power www.cyclonefuel.com

FREE WI-FI

IF YOU’RE CUNNING Free Wi-Fi… if you’re cunning In this age of data usage many of us simply cant afford to download/upload what we would like because of the ridiculously high cost of data in SA. Many mobile contracts include a little bit of data to get you going but these days with things like Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and twitter you can go through data like nobody’s business. Sadly there is no easy way to get more data… or is there?

What if you could get free Wi-Fi? Well, the interesting thing is that you actually can get access to quite a lot of free Wi-Fi all over the place. We put together a few examples of places and companies that offer free Wi-Fi. We even added some web addresses etc to help you learn a bit more about their deals. Places/ companies such as:

Samsung AlwaysOn OFFER: 1Gig complimentary Wi-Fi to all Samsung smart device users (but the phone or tablet has to have been purchased after 01/04/2010) AlwaysOn is available at over 1000 venues across SA including the airports. That’s a lot of venues. Most Mc Donalds offer AlwaysOn and they are popping up all over the place these days. Sorry iPhone and blackberry folk this is a Samsung thing.

CONTACT DETAILS: Twitter @AlwaysOnWiFi Website: www.alwayson.co.za AlwaysOn Help desk on 0861 468 7768

you being there. They are hoping that while you are there you might spend some money at one of the shops. Maybe you are heading off to do some grocery shopping anyway. Well, why not update that large app or check your Instagram feed?

Telkom Mobile OFFER: Free for everyone. You do not have to be a Telkom user. MTN, Cell C and Vodacom users can also log in each day and get 60 minutes free. with 1500 hotspots around the country, you get 60 mins of unlimited Wi-Fi everyday.

Some of their participating partners incl. Spur, Steers, Nando’s, Wimpy, Ocean Basket, Pie City.

At present it costs you only R1 to send an sms Restaurants Popular restaurants such as the Spur or Mc to get a log in code (once off).

Donald’s also offer free Wi-Fi. Many smaller coffee shops and pizza joints are joining the CONTACT DETAILS: trend. Oftentimes the restaurant will limit www.telkommobile.co.za/freewifi/ exactly how much data you can use (such as 100 MB at time etc) but it can be great for To find participating locations near you go to checking emails, updating your status and that http://www.telkommobile.com/wifilocations Call centre: 081 180 (free call for Telkom Mobile sort of thing. subscribers) Banks Nedbank recently tweeted that they will be With the ever increasing need to use more and offering Wi-Fi connectivity in some of their new more data coupled with the need to update branches. This is probably something you can applications on smart phones it takes a savvy expect to see more and more of as other banks user not to be sucked into paying more and get on board in the race to win consumers more for a service which they can get for free in many places. Be wise. Don’t pay more. Rather business. get it for free Shopping Malls Following the global trend you can now also find South African malls and shopping centres that have started to offer free Wi-Fi access. This is a great option since you do not need to ‘spend’ anything to get access. it is just dependent on

Nillionaire adj. Someone having little to no money.

LETTER FROM A READER Surf’s up dude!

Compliments of Debtfree Digi’s competition in December my husband and I had a surf lesson with Surf Big Bay Surf School one weekend in February.

The sun was burning up the pavement, the waves were rolling in fast and I was thinking about Sharks as we arrived at Big Bay, Blouberg Cape Town. After a warm welcome by the crew we squeezed into seriously thick wet suites. These were very welcome as the Atlantic Ocean is not always the warmest. Once we were on the beach, all geared up and ready to go Kurt explained the basics to us. Natural foot is a surfer who surfs with his/her left foot forward. Goofy foot is a surfer who rides with his or her right foot forward on the board. After figuring out what works best for us, we got the blood pumping by warming up on the sand. Then it was time to hit the waves! The secret to surfing is to be quick about standing on the board.

Once you have nailed that, catching the waves is a breeze. The husband was a natural, standing and cruising the waves with such ease. I was getting to ride them…lying down and on my knees…not what Kurt and the crew had in mind. With another session or two I am sure I too will Jazz the glass - a surf expression from the

60’s used for riding the waves! Living in a flat in town can limit you to doing things outdoors. Surfing is super fun and great thing to do together with friends and family. Be sure to contact the guys at Surf Big Bay Surf School for your lesson today!

Thanks so much Debtfree.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO WIN AN AWESOME PRIZE? Check out our competition page NEXT.

CHOMPETITION

How to win: Head over to http://www.sharkandsafari.co.za/ and look around on thier website to try find the following information:

Question How long does it take to get to “Shark Alley” by boat?

mail your answer to competition@debtfreedigi.co.za The Prize: Shark & Safari tours and Shuttles have made the full day tour provides the following for two it possible for a Debtfree DIGI reader and friend people: to experience all the wonder and terror of shark A light breakfast on arrival cage diving.

A information and safety briefing.

3-5 hours at sea Shark & Safari provides shark cage diving tours Experienced dive master and skipper from Gansbaai, 160km from Cape Town.

7mm wet suit with mask and snorkel Dyer island, just off the coast, is home to one Scuba gear available for PADI certified divers of the largest seal colonies in Southern Africa. Our 6 man cage allows you to have several The approximately 60 000 seals provide the dives main diet of the Great White Shark.

Our biggest boat only take 20 clients.

The channel that intersects this island is called On return to shore a light lunch is served.

Shark Alley.

Head off to Shark Alley to spend a day in the Optional extras: comapany of the Great White Shark. As the Optional Door to door transfer from Cape Town Great White shark is a surface feeder, diving CBD and back. (not included in prize) certification is not required as the dive is a Cinematographer to capture all the action surface float..in a cage, of course. (optional DVD - R300) (not included in prize)

TERMS & CONDITIONS The Prize is for one reader who can take one companion with for the Shark Cage Dive. Transport to the prize venue is at the winners own cost. Debtfree’s choice of winner is final. Winners will be notified via email. No correspondence will be entered into in this regard. Prize winner must conform to Shark & Safari tours and Shuttles minimum requirements (see website) Debtfree Accepts no liability for what happens while on the tour. Winner promises not to get grabby with the sharks. Prize valid for 3 months from date of announcement. Winner may be required to provide feedback to Debtfree DIGI for promotional purposes. Prize cannot be exchanged for money.

INTERVIEW WITH PAUL SLOT

Customers and Credit Providers remains a key KPA for all Octogen employees. For example we have a dedicated team responsible for Client and Credit Provider queries, a dedicated Team responsible to manage and follow up on Consumer payments to Credit Providers, etc.

What did you do before becoming a DC? I was employed by First National Bank for 25 Lastly process management and control is vital Years. I joined FNB as an Executive Trainee after and for this reason daily process management varsity and progressed to a senior position in is measured and controlled.

FNB Corporate.

Where/how do you find new business/clients?

What do you feel makes your business a Satisfied clients and internet referral is key in our business. In addition our Financial success?

Octogen is represented in most provinces Wellbeing programme is supported by many and has a passion for assisting Consumer to employers and other groups. manage and improve their personal finances.

Octogen became involved in Personal Financial What is the biggest challenge facing Debt Wellbeing in 2000 and this early involvement Counsellors at the moment? enabled Octogen to make a meaningful Resolving queries with Credit Providers is presentation to Parliament when the NCA very difficult and time consuming, Abuse of was considered in 2004/5. Today Octogen is the withdrawal where the DC is not receiving still very much involved in Personal Financial any payment remain problematic. DC fee Wellbeing and this includes Debt Counselling. structure, Lack of a clearly defined Court process. Terminations by Credit providers – A good business always need good staff and this is pandemic and lastly a NCA with many for this reason all staff have to attend and pass loopholes.

(80%) a two week in-house course and attend regular addition training. It is also for this reason What is the biggest challenge facing your that Octogen sponsor employees to register as consumers at the moment?

Debt Counsellors. At Octogen 58 employees The average Consumer who applies for Debt have already passed the NCR Debt Counselling Review has committed 65% of their income training and most are already registered or in on debt repayment and obviously they battle the process of registration for Debt Counsellor with balancing their budget. We often forget with the NCR. Over the last 8 years Octogen has that consumers in debt review are required invested millions to develop a Debt Counsellor to reduce their lifestyle – this is difficult. In system to manage the complex Debt Review addition they have to, like all of us, face cost process. Ongoing system development remains increases – this is difficult for anybody and in a priority and a team of people is dedicated to particular for our clients. Secondly ongoing this task. Because Debt Counselling is such an harassment by Credit Provider product houses emotional and complex process and service to creates lots of unnecessary stress and conflict.

How long have you been a DC? Completed the Debt Counselling Training before the implementation of the NCA and was registered as a Debt Counsellor in May 2007.

With bigger DC firms often, to ensure good turn around times, many staff are involved in a single application (in different aspects).

Do you feel this causes the client to lose that “personal touch” from the DC? No, to the contrary debt review is combination of administration tasks and Debt Counselling tasks. In Octogen we ensure that all Debt Counselling task are performed by Debt Counsellors and admin tasks by admin people or specialists. In addition our administrative staff has to pass our internal a 2 week Debt Counsellor course with at least 80%. For this reason we also employ Attorneys and other Specialist. For instance; the process of restructuring the Consumer budget can only be done by a Debt Counsellor in consultation with the Consumer and the negotiating of a legal issue with a Credit Provider is best done by an Attorney. Debt Counselling is a complex process and business and our Clients benefit from the best skills available for every part of the process. The process we follow is not different from any Debt Counsellor with more than 50 clients who has no option but to employ staff. The critical part is that Debt Counselling functions can only be done by Debt Counsellors.

future. If I was paid for every hour I spend on industry matters I would been a wealthy man.

Do you feel that most DCs will eventually register with the NCR as ADRAs? Before this can happen the role and function of an ADR needs to be defined and the NCR needs to publish registration conditions.

Some people complain that there is too close a relationship between your company and DCASA. What is your view?

The real question is if DCASA has improved the Debt Counselling industry and we firmly believe this is the case. We were founding members of DCASA when there were only 30 registered DC’s. Nobody was prepared to tackle the problems and/or take on the Credit Providers and/or the NCR. In the first NCR meeting DCASA was told to take a hike by the NCR. We decided to tackle the problems and we still do. Octogen has been involved in the Training or Debt Counsellor, DRAC, Task Team Agreement, Debt Counsellor Support, Magistrate Training, Industry meetings, Industry papers and many more. This has taken hundreds of hours of people employed by Octogen and very important also by and other DCASA members who has used their skills to You are President of DCASA and attend the make a difference. But in every association or CIF meetings and DCASA NEC meetings. How club the majority of work is done by a few. A do you balance the time needed for these recent example will illustrate the point. In CIF the withdrawal process is under discussion “extra” activities with your business needs?

At Octogen we have made a conscious and DCASA requested input from all DCs in the decision to play an active part in building the country. The result - no more than ten lines of Debt Counselling Industry. This policy has complaints from DC’s despite the severity of not changed since 2007 and looking back we the issue. Over the last week I have used the believe we have made a difference in the Debt skills that I am blessed with to finalise a 14 Counselling Industry. We see the time spend page proposal to CIF. If people complain about on industry matters as an investment in the the close relationship between DCASA and

Octogen do they mean I must stop doing what we do in DCASA or for the industry? DCASA is a democratic organisation and the NEC is elected every 12 months. Debt Counselling is still young and we believe we still can add value to the process. In addition there are only about 750 active Debt Counsellors in the Industry and we should all be working together to protect and build the industry.

Do you think Twin Peaks could possibly negatively effect debt review?

The NCA is here to stay. 10 million Consumers need help. I believe Debt Review is a meaningful solution to Consumer and for this reason Consumers under Debt Review pay R400 million every month to Credit Providers.

If Debt Counsellors work together and make a meaningful impact on assisting more Consumers then the future of the industry is secure. When we receive a letter from a client who says we have assisted to rescue her “life� then I know we are fulfilling the purpose of the NCA. If we continue to make a different Debt Review will get stronger no matter what.

costs, and then collects. If this is not successful they obtain a garnishee. The benefits of debt review far exceed the additional cost of traditional collection.

Do you feel it is short-sighted of Homeloans departments to try get bonds terminated/ removed from a debt review?

Absolutely. This is an abuse of the termination process and should be stopped in the amendment. In the same breath we should add that a bad repayment plan offered by a Debt Counsellor is also not good.

Why do you think the banks insist on every last cent from Debt review consumers while writing off large amounts for non - debt review Octogen (Pty) Ltd clients when collecting through attorneys?

In terms of the NCA Credit providers have right TEL 086 111 3967 FAX 086 508 6115 to collect the money and interest as per the www.octogen.co.za credit agreement. Despite this Credit providers have agreed to concessions to reduce interest rate and fees. This is a voluntary agreement and the reason why they do this is to assist Consumers repay a reduced amount. When a credit provider writes off debt this does not mean that are not going to collect the debt.

They appoint a Debt Collector, who adds more

DEBT COUNSELLORS ASSOCIATIONS ANNOUNCEMENT BOARD Regional Meeting 18 February - National Executive Committee Meeting (NEC only) 21 February - KZN Branch Meeting. Westville Country Club from 10:00.

12 March - Gauteng Branch Meeting. Kempton Park Golf Club from 11:00 20 March - Western Cape Branch Meeting. Parow Golf Club from 10:00.

To book your seat, e-mail dcasa@dcasa.co.za.

www.dcasa.co.za

Read the artilce: The truth is out: Central Banks have knowingly trapped us in a life of debt

For more information contact: chairman@newera.org.za www.newera.org.za

We wish to welcome the new provincial structures & members in Gauteng, KZN & W Cape.

We wish to welcome all our new members

Annora Mostert - Chairperson (WC), Graham Kelroe-cooke - Deputy (WC) Nathaniel Siljeur - Treasurer (WC) Sydney Hoaene Chairperson - (Gauteng) Madeleine Hefferman - Deputy (Gauteng) Musa Mlangeni - Secretary - (Gauteng) Philippa Davis - Chairperson(KZN) Ron - Deputy (KZN) Romie - Secretary (KZN)

Join the Alliance of Professional Debt Counsellors today. We have regional representation in all major provinces and focus on both the NCA & the needs of our members.

With these additional structures, BDCF is expanding from strength to strength and further ensures enhancement to the debt review process and industry.

www.bdcf.co.za

www.allprodc.org

FEBRUARY

NEWSLETTER February has been a fairly busy month for most members. Most members have seen a noticable increase in the number of calls, emails and applications they are receiving.

New Members We are happy to welcome our new members not only to the Alliance but also to our online discusson forums (both the Forum itself and the Facebook groups). It seems that our members prefer using the Facebook platform most. The Facebook page is seeing a lot of activity each and every day (even weekends).

Thanks to all those who are visiting and sharing their experiences, complaints and good news stories.

Facebook If you are not yet on Facebook or would like to know how to gain access to the AllProDC group then please contact the secretary on: secretary@allprodc.org It has been really great to see how our members have been really supporting each other and posting very interesting legal opinions and documents in TMC DC Assist group. A special thanks goes to Alan Manshon for helping set that up and giving our members access.

Contact Alan for Access: alan@allprodc.org

CONTACT DETAILS secretary@allprodc.org FORUM: www.debtconcern.webs.com WEBSITE: www.allprodc.org FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/AllProDC TWITTER: www.twitter.com/AllProDC

SERVICE DIRE DEBT COUNSELLING AA Debt Counselling Centre Anthea Johannes NCRDC531 Tel: +27 (0) 21 982 0522 Cell: +27 (0) 84 402 7032

Financial Synergy Group Credit Awareness & Rescue Services DEBTINC 0861 20 21 20 enquiry@debtinc.co.za Financial Planning & Growth CONFIDO 022 713 20 21 planning@financialsg.co.za Legal 012 643 1423 legal@financialsg.co.za Employer Group & Wellness Services 012 643 1423 wellness@financialsg.co.za Call Centre Services 0861 20 21 20 reception@financialsg.co.za

Alan Watts NCRDC 962 NCR registered Debt Counsellor Tel: 084 4448439 Fax: 086 6501954 alan@active-debt-counselling.co.za www.active-debt-counselling.co.za Central SA Debt Counsellors 082 950 7806 Fax: 086 563 1621 Consumer Assist Tel: 0861 628 628

Credit Matters South Africa’s Largest Debt Counsellors 14th Floor, The Pinnacle Cnr Strand & Burg St Cape Town Tel: 086 111 6197 Fax: 021 425 6292 info@creditmatters.co.za CS Debt Counselling Bernidene Smith NCRDC 764 057 352 4115/352 5000 Welkom - Free state Darran Manikam NCRDC704 debt@mailbox.co.za

DebtSenseGroup

For Professional, Responsible and Effective Debt Restructuring Services

John Harvey NCRDC 1370 Newcastle – KZN Tel: 034 312 1767 Fax: 034 315 3441 Email: debtsense@newcastle.co.za Web: www.debtsensegroup.co.za Debt Solve Debt Counsellors Office: 033 397 0945 DebtSafe 0861 100 999 Debt Serious We are serious about debt Vida Scheepers NCRDC1792 Po box 394, Garsfontein, Pretoria 0042 Fax no: 086 553 9403 vscheepers@mweb.co.za

Debt Therapy Hans Pettenburger-Perwald NCRDC49 Tel: +27(0) 21 556 4935 Fax: +27(0) 21 556 4937 Toll Free: 0800204728 Cell: 0823358232 www.debt-therapy.co.za Email: info@debt-therapy.net Debt Rehab Colleen Van Wyk(BCom, LLB) Debt Counsellor NCRDC2619 Tel: 083 290 0848 Tel: 011 740 7374 Fax: 086 716 9694

ECTORY Debt eezy Your Debt Solution made Easy Ashley Carstens NCRDC858 Tel: 021 839 2809 Fax: 083 512 4160 / 086 665 9125 Email: debt.eezy@gmail.com Website: www.thedci.co.za

Debt Rescue Neil Roets NCR DC 474 Cell: 083 644 7406 Tel: 0861 800 009 Fax: 086 523 0617 E-mail: admin@debtrescue.co.za www.debtrescue.co.za

Debt Management & Counseling Services “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”

- Nelson Mandela Derry Burge NCRDC108 140 Irene Avenue, La Concorde, Somerset West, 7130 Tel: 021 855 5997 Cell: 074 177 5375 Fax: 021 855 1195 or 0865413200 E-mail: dburge@telkomsa.net

Durban Debt Counselling Services Suite 112, 1st floor Union Club Building 353 Sm ith Street Durban, 4001 Tel: 031 301-7893 Fax: 031 301-5809 phumla.ngema@telkomsa.net

Fair Finance Solutions Your debt is our priority Amanda Fair Registered Debt Counsellor NCR946 553 Jacqueline Drive Garsfontein Pretoria Tel: 0861 26 26 32 Fax: 082 921 7093 Cell: 086 564 3674 amanda@fairdebtcounselling.co.za www.fairdebtcounselling.co.za Fincorp debt Counsellors cc Cecilia Zwarts fincorpdc@yahoo.com

Finesse Debt Counsellors NCR Registration No: DC1262 Address: 478 Windermere Road, Morningside, Durban, 4001 Phone: 031 209 2356/ 084 250 2356 / Fax: 086 5732433 e-mail romie@debtfinesse.co.za www.debtfinesse.co.za Holistic Debt Counsellors info@holisticdc.co.za

The best angle to approach debt is the Triangle Caledon - Western Cape Contact Person: Yolande 8 Hoop Street, 7230 Caledon caledon@triangletrust.co.za Tel: 028 212 2537 Ceres - Western Cape Leyll str 61, 683 Ceres andre@triangletrust.co.za Tel: 023 312 1292 Fax: 023 312 2119 Worcester - Western Cape 71 Porter Street 6850 Longitude: 19.44305 Latitude: -33.64942 worcester@triangletrust.co.za Tel: 0233420576 Fax: 086656801 Bloemfontein - Free State 94 Zastron, 9301 Bloemfontein Contact Person: Yolande bloemfontein@triangletrust.co.za Tel: +27 51 448 2828 Fax: +27 51 447 9481 Viljoenskroon - Free State 35 Denyssen Street, 7230 Contact Person: Johann Olivier viljoenskroon@triangletrust.co.za Phone: +27 56 343 0352 Fax: +27 56 343 035 Welkom – Free State 329 Stateway, 9460 Welkom Contact Person: Susan Roux Email: welkom@triangletrust.co.za Tel: +27 57 352 6117 Fax: +27 57-352 2355

SERVICE DIRE Helpdesk Debt Counsellors Allan Hoffman Tel: 0861 000 754 Help-U-Debt (Vaal Triangle) Wanine Tel: 082 445 3967 Help-U-Debt (Potchefstroom) Madra 083 390 3275 Help-U-Debt (Parys) Marilouise 082 920 6249 Help-U-Debt (Vanderbijlpark) Herma 083 320 8303 Incentive Debt Counselling “Paving the way to a Debt Free Tommorrow” Darran Manikam NCRDC704 Tel: (031) 409 9379 Fax: (031) 409 1327 Cell: 0845898286 Branches: Phoenix and Shallcross Indigo debt counsellors CC Tel: 087 808 9734 Fax: 086 580 8675 indigodc@iburst.co.za MG Consulting Strand - Helderberg Area Telkom : 021 853 4537 Mobile Phone: 082 450 7459 Fax Number: 0866 220 690 E-Mail: info@mgconsulting www.mgconsulting.co.za

Rihanyo Debt Counselling (012) 804 50 57

Mzansi Debt Counselling Octavia Hlatshwayo Tel: 011 868 1185 Fax: 0861 00 22 70 octavia@mzansidc.co.za www.mzansidc.co.za NDA Debt Counsellors Your Trusted Debt Counsellors Gary Williams (NCRDC 143) Tel: 034 315 3880 Fax: 086 612 4112 gary@ndad.co.za www.ndad.co.za SFA Debt Relief Consultants Adri de Bruyn NCRDC998 11 Market Street / Markstraat 11, Paarl, 7646 Tel: 021 872 1968 Fax: 021 872 2678 adri@sfadebtrelief.co.za

Penny Wise Debt Counselling Cathy Foster Debt Counsellor - NCRDC1977 Tel: (011) 794 9912 Fax: 086 719 3378 Mobile: 083 298 4467 Email: cathy@pennywise.co.za www.pennywise.co.za

Think Green Debt Counselling Sandi Pauw sandipauw@mweb.co.za Tel : 012 991 6638 Cell : 082 460 7800 Fax : 086 219 2615 U-Win Debt Counsellors Coreli Roos - NCR DC 509 Aliwal North, Burgersdorp, Bethulie, GariepDam, Smithfield, Springfontein Cell:079 626 66241 croos@global.co.za Zuné Coetzer Debt Counsellors NCRDC 1599 24 van der Stel Street, Dan Pienaar Bloemfontein Tel: 051-4364515 Fax: 086 5870 845 Email: zunecoetzer1@gmail.com SUPPORT SERVICES Staff Line Ndizani Executive Recruitment Cell no: 083 3028163 Direct Line: (011) 468 - 2150 E- Mail: saki@staffline.co.za

Information resources & services www.thedci.co.za

ECTORY Designtimes South Africa’s creative resource www.designtimes.co.za TRAINING Compuscan Academy 0861 51 41 31 www.compuscanacademy.co.za You & Your Money NCR ACCREDITED DEBT COUNSELLOR TRAINING COURSES: Training and mentoring since 2007 Want to make a contribution as a registered debt counsellor?

Need to empower and upskill staff in your debt counselling business?

Courses devised to suit all needs: Flexible timeframes to accommodate workflows.

On site/inhouse training for staff.

Contact Dawn Jackson Dawnjackson.training@telkomsa.net

Cell: 072 1769789 FINANCIAL

ABSA Customer Debt Repair Line 0861 005 901 Credit Ombudsman 0861 662837 Experian 011 799-3400 debtcounsel@experian.co.za Eric Streso Financial Planner B Juris LL B CFP MBA Tel: 0833273358 Fax: 086 612 7912

Fair Debt 0829019788 or 012-3772558 ray@fairdebt.co.za PACFIN Financial Solutions Head Office Tel: +27 11 9757445 Fax: 0865368783 36 Van Riebeeck road Kempton Park 1619 pieter@pacfin.co.za Monte Carlo Building No 8 Voortrekkerstreet Kempton Park 1619 Kempton Park Contact: Reyno Coetzee Tel: +27 11 3945363 Fax: 0866048002 Cell: +27 73 3690884 kemptonpark@pacfin.co.za Boksburg / Germiston Contact: Armand Posthumus Tel: +27 11 8921911 Fax: 0865620378 Nelspruit Contact: Ann Baker Tel: +27 13 7415559 Fax: 0880 1374 15559 Cell: +27 82 9024236 jeleroux@telkomsa.net Springs Contact: Wynand Mclachlan Tel: +27 11 8113728 Fax: +27 11 8113728 Cell: +27 83 2754014/5 wynmc@telkomsa.net Gooseberry Business Advisory Tel: 012 644 0589

Nedbank Debt Rehabilitation & Recoveries Services 0860 109 279 STD Bank Debt review Helpline Telephone: 0861 111 402 TransUnion 0861 482 482 Thinkmoney Financial comparison website Contact: Gareth Mountain Tel: 079 0996 798 www.thinkmoney.co.za WIZARD Vereeniging Making Mortgage Magic Wanine Smit Tel:+27 16 454 1132 Fax:+27 86 686 3678 Cell:+27 82 445 3967 www.wizard.za.com FINANCIAL PLANNING Eric Streso Financial Planner B Juris LL B CFP MBA Tel: 0833273358 Fax: 086 612 7912

DIRECTORY LEGAL

O’Connell & Associates Karen van Staden Attorneys at Law Tel: 012 998 9117 / 012 993 2132 Keegan O’Connell Fax: 086 721 6467 / 086 662 1153 IsEmail: it timekaren@hauptearle.co.za to expand your Debt Counselling k.oconnell@oalaw.co.za practice?

Tel 021 462 1663 office@hauptearle.co.za Fax 0866 504 550 www.hauptearle.co.za Do you need specialist Attorneys with a national 303 Millborough, 70A Upper Mill footprint?

Street, Vreedehoek, Cape Town, Do you need expert advice on how to protect 8000 your practice and your clients?

Prinsloo & Associates Attorneys and conveyancers Nanika Prinsloo Farm Bergamot, Paarl 7620 Liddles & Associates Attorneys servicing individual needsP O Box 6199, Paarl 7620 “It always seems impossible until it is 14 Laing Street, Barrydale 6750 Cell: 072-8558-106 done” N. Mandela Pretoria: +27(0)12 998 9117 www.hauptearle.co.za Nelspruit: +27 (0)13 752 7084 Fax: 086-623-5986 Tel: 021 913 2514 nanika@vodamail.co.za Fax: 0866070940 www.empowerlaw.co.za Email: info@liddles.co.za PO Box 3407, tygervalley, 7536 7 Chenin Blanc Street, Oude Westhof RM Brown and Associates 601 Pier House, 13 -17 Heerengracht, LUCID Attorneys Cape Town Tel: 011 880 1100 Tel: 021 431 9127, f: 021 425 0875 Fax: 011 880 1101 Email: oliver@rmbrown.co.za Email: info@lucidsa.com www.lucidliving.co.za/attorney Scheepers Attorneys Gerhard Scheepers schlaw@iburst.co.za Are you informed about recent statutory and legal developments within the industry?

Steyn Coetzee Attorneys / Prokureurs Adri de Bruyn 11 Market Street / Markstraat 11, Paarl, 7646 Tel: 021 872 1968 Fax: 021 872 2678 adri@steyncoetzee.Co.Za Thomson Wilks inc.

Meet Thomson Wilks Meet Excellence Tel 021 671 6935 / 021 820 4319 / 021 424 4599 Cell 072 554 0935 Fax 086 570 8741 Website www.thomsonwilks.co.za Suite 14, 3rd Floor, SunClare Building, Dreyer Street, Claremont, 7708 The Chambers, 3rd Floor, 50 Keerom Street, Cape Town, 8001 Agiliti CC Colleen Van Wyk(BCom, LLB) Tel: 083 290 0848 Tel: 011 740 7374 Fax: 086 716 9694 Website: http://agiliti.co.za

CREDIT BUREAUS Compuscan 0861 514 131 www.compuscan.co.za Experian www.experian.co.za Consumer- 0861 10 5665

Dont miss out on a single issue!

TransUnion 0861 886 466 www.transunion.co.za XDS 0860 937 000 www.xds.co.za

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