Debtfree DIGI Sept 2013

South Africa’s debt counselling magazine

September 2013 www.debtfreedigi.co.za

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Debt Counselling explained Debtfree DIGI asked Debt Counsellor Romie Govender of Finesse Debt Counsellors to help explain the debt review or debt counselling process.

Debt counselling is part of a government initiative aimed at helping people who are over-indebted. A Debt Counsellor acts as the mediator between the consumer and the credit providers. Prior to the new National Credit Act being passed, most credit providers encouraged consumers to borrow money to try and increase their client base because they feared that the new Act was going to restrict their business. So now the country is sitting with thousands of consumers who are struggling to repay their debts and credit providers are sitting with massive bad debt provisions.

There is a great need for Debt Counsellors who understand the situation from both the credit providers’ and the consumers’ points of view.

When a consumer goes under debt counselling they are protected because the credit provider cannot take legal action against them and they cannot repossess their assets (cars and houses) provided the debt enforcement process has not already commenced.

The debt review process commences with an interview where the process and costs are explained and a quick affordability assessment is undertaken to determine whether the consumer qualifies for debt counselling. The successful applicant is loaded onto the NCR database and all credit providers are notified and are required to provide certificates of balances on all loans. Based on the information furnished by the consumer and the credit providers, the Debt Counsellor will prepare a budget that is

affordable to the client and submit a debt rearrangement proposal to all creditors. Then the negotiation process commences. Once the creditors accept the repayment proposal, the matter will be finalised at the local magistrate’s court or the National Consumer Tribunal.

The entire negotiation process including submitting the court application has to be completed within 60 working days from receipt of the debt review application. Debt counselling and legal fees are collected during the first two months and creditor payments are expected to commence with effect from the third month with payments being made via a payment distribution agency (PDA). Once all debts are repaid credit providers will issue ‘paid-up’ letters, the Debt Counsellor will issue a clearance certificate and update the NCR data base and the credit bureaux .

Prevention is better than cure, so draw up a budget and save for purchases. Avoid impulse buying and “keeping up with the Jones’s”. If you have no option but to incur a debt, weigh the cost of obtaining credit – the interest payable, initiation costs, monthly service fees and credit insurance premiums. Stick to the repayment arrangement. Should your financial position change, notify your credit providers and try re-negotiate the repayment terms. If you find yourself still struggling to repay your debt enlist the help of a reputable, registered debt counsellor before your credit providers commence with the litigation process.

Phone: 0312092356 / 0842502356, e-mail: romie@debtfinesse.co.za

EDITOR’S NOTE A recent study by a big UK Debt Counselling firm revealed that a shocking one out of every three clients they were helping had considered or tried to take their own lives due to the stress associated with their debt. This is probably something that those collection agents and legal departments at their various credit providers never even considered. Fortunately for those who entered debt review they soon realised that they had plenty of opportunities to still have a meaningful and enjoyable life while paying off their debt responsibly. Never underestimate the good that debt review offers.

In our news section you can learn more about recent industry developments such as the upcoming credit amnesty and what that will mean. One big news story is that Cabinet has given the DTI the ‘go ahead’ to submit the now updated, compiled and complete National Credit Act Amendment Bill before parliament.

This is good news as it means progress is being made and many of the past issues with, in particular, the drafting of the NCA will hopefully soon be rectified. No doubt there will be some new issues that come up as a result of

the changes but it is hoped that the majority of the changes will be beneficial to all parties.

This issue we consider the need to change our mindsets to adjust to dealing with debt. In our Living on Less section we consider learning to wait for things and even the need to learn to say no.

Part of what we do at Debtfree is help keep consumers up to date with the debt review process. We feel that one of the biggest needs in regard to debt review right now is simply consumer education. More people need to learn that they have options when it comes to dealing with their debt. So we are very happy that our Special Print Edition - that is out at the moment - is doing just that. Debt Counsellors around the country are getting packs of the magazines to take into their communities to educate consumers about the debt review process. If you know about debt review and it is working for you, tell a friend or colleague.

Who knows you could be saving a life and help them to also get debt free.

C ONTENTS 06 Editors notes 09 News

Wait for it Having waited a few months for the hype to die down I finally managed to go to Burger King and get lunch. If you have been to one since it opened you have no doubt seen the normally long lines. People were queuing for about 45 minutes in many cases. Plenty time to get tired of queuing and head down to the nearest McDonalds instead.

So I was quite chuffed to get my Whopper meal. Now sure, it is just a burger (and I have had Burger King before overseas) but I felt particularly good about this burger. Why? Was it because of the taste? Well, to a certain degree but it was more about the fact that

having been patient and waiting for a few weeks I could now simply walk in the door and get to the counter within 2 minutes.

It makes you think about the many things we want right now but might not be able to afford. In fact, for many consumers under debt stress, credit has been the means to get what they want right away without having to wait or show any constraint. It is something that retailers realised a long while back and so started offering credit facilities to consumers.

Want a shirt? Don’t have the money on you… well buy it now on credit. Want a couch? Get it right now. Don’t save. Take it on credit!

LETTER FROM A READER This month Debtfree DIGI spoke to a Credit industry insider and asked a few pointed questions about how Credit Life insurance works and why as an industry there are relatively few claims made for this type of insurance.

When recently asked about the apparent low claims ratio on Credit Insurance in general, I had to actually give myself a bit of time to understand a few things, namely; • What is a low claims rate?

• Why so low?

Hopefully I can provide some insight but let me remind the readers that this is just my personal opinion based on personal experience.

Credit insurance has been around for many years within the maze that is finance, more often than not embedded into finance agreements. Prior to the days of regulation and compliance this so called “implementation” was very seldom disclosed to the consumer. This lack of disclosure at the point of application, I believe, lead to some of the older credit insurance schemes running at very low claims ratios varying between 5 -10 %.

This low rate can be apportioned to the fact that the consumer probably was not even aware of the insurance.

Readers must keep in mind that Credit Insurance perils are related directly

to the person and unlike your vehicle insurance where you sometimes have multiple claims (windscreen, accident, radio stolen), you may in some cases only have 1 claim throughout term of the credit insurance – you only die once!

With the advent of regulation and a more consumer based focus we have seen an increase in the general claims on credit insurance with the claims rate doubling over the last few years.

If consumers find themselves unemployed they can in many cases claim against their insurance and the insurance will help cover their minimum repayments for a time. Some consumers are afraid to reveal they are unemployed to their creditors and this might also be a contributing factor in regard to low claims.

Consumers can change their existing insurance on credit products to new more cost effective products. The money that is saved can be used elsewhere in their budget or in their repayments to their creditors.

13 Credit Amnesty

Learning from the past

14 Understanding the Credit

Information Amnesty

17 Letter from a reader 18 LIVING ON LESS

24 DC PROFILE Romie Govender 26 DC Announcement board

28 AllProDC newsletter 29 BDCF Meeting review 32 Service Directory

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INDUSTRY

CONSUMER

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

Credit Amnesty gets the go ahead The proposed and somewhat misleadingly named “Credit Amnesty” has been approved

by Cabinet. This follows after a lot of debate on the topic. The Banking Association of South Africa were particularly vocal in their resistance to the amnesty as it was originally proposed.

Over time the proposals have changed and the latest draft has been approved by Cabinet.

debt counselling organisation of how she regularly sacrificed meals to feed her daughter.

As things got worse and she was threatened with eviction, she started to think that suicide was her only option.” I wasn’t coping with living,” she admits. They began to live a life of fear and seclusion. “We locked ourselves in, frightened by (debt collectors) and of…talking to anyone.” She says that she felt “ashamed“, felt she had failed her family and was nervous all the time. Fortunately she got help through debt review and says it now feels like she has protective arms wrapped around her and her family.

It is hoped that this will help some consumers get past their past bad debt payment history, especially where they have remedied the situation. This will further the thought of no The UK Debt Counselling companies report shows that as debt reduces so does the chance more “blacklisting”. of people taking their own lives. Sadly some Some who are opposed to the amnesty have here in SA have also thought about suicide said that the misnamed credit amnesty is when facing debt problems. This is often simply an election ploy to try improve public the case because they do not feel they have other options. Fortunately more and more perception and gain popular favour. consumers are learning about debt review and how it can help them.

1 in 3 consider suicide

If you are facing a huge debt burden please talk to a Debt Counsellor who will be able to In recent statistics released in the UK one Debt help you improve your situation quickly.

Review organisation revealed that one out of every three consumers they are helping have contemplated or attempted suicide.

One mother from a town in the UK told the

NEWS CONT.

SABC’s Special Assignment NCR Workshop focus piece on in Western Cape securitisation – Part 2

The National Credit Regulator ( NCR ) is going SABC’s Special Assignment recently ran a show to be hosting a workshop for Debt Counsellors all about securitisation called: Who owns your in the Western Cape on the 27th of Sept. The debt? Now part two has been released and can location has been confirmed as the Durbanville conference centre. be watched online.

Topics to be covered during the workshop are: The program investigates the topic of Recent Court Judgments securitisation and asks where are the original General Compliance loan documents?

Special Assignment Debt Counselling Process investigates the supposed fire at Docufile which is as yet unsubstantiated by any evidence but See a map to the venue: http://debtfreedigi. is often mentioned in court papers from certain co.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/DCcreditors. Docufile says that due to client workshop-W-Cape-Durbanville-Road-Map.jpg confidentiality they are not allowed to say how or what happened. Special Assignment in their research were unable to find any actual proof of the fire.

DIRECT AXIS Email addresses A former bank executive also relates how banks have electronic copies of all loan documents.

It is also pointed out that the conveyancing attorneys should have copies. As yet the banks have not produced any such documents in the cases mentioned.

Securitisation Next the issue of securitisation special purpose vehicles names appearing on summonses suddenly is broached. Is this legal?

A case from 2007 in the Western Cape High Court may hold the answer. Pivitol to the whole show is the story of the Samsodien family. They have run the gauntlet of summonses, high court hearings and come to learn all about SPVs used in securitisation.

Direct Axis have contacted DCs with a kindly reminder that they have changed their old email addresses Addresses: ncacollections@directaxis.co.za & ncacollections2@directaxis.co.za are no longer in use.

They ask that DCs please refrain from sending to that e-mail address to avoid delays on all their responses.

Get daily news in 3 min or less. www.debtfreedigi.co.za/news

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Credit Amnesty Learning from the past amnesty. These consumers ended up with payments 3 months or more behind. True almost half of all credit users have this same With the approval of the upcoming credit situation today but it shows a worrying trend. amnesty many creditors are talking about how this will affect their business. They are 160 000 of those consumers ended up with concerned that because they will not be able a judgment against them from one of their to see if a consumer had a bad record in the creditors trying to get their money back. past (but has settled their debt and paid off their past bad debt) they might give consumers It seems then that these particular consumers money and expose themselves to extra risk of did get into a bit more trouble than the rest of the credit active consumers (by about 15%). non payment.

How did the previous amnesty effect the market?

What happened last time? Back in 2006 there was a credit amnesty that was granted to around 600 000 consumers. In that amnesty these consumers had their names removed from the credit bureaus. It is interesting to consider what then happened with these consumers. Did it help them? Did they access credit again? How did they manage the debts?

New Credit Amnesty

The new credit amnesty aims, primarily ,to focus on the ongoing removal of negative information of bureau records as long as the debt has been settled. Credit providers say they might have to push up the cost of credit to cover their risks but in such a competitive market it is probably not going to be a good The Parliamentary Monitoring Committee move. Consumers will simply go elsewhere to find a better deal. have made some stats available: Of the 600 000 people removed from the Credit providers have to conduct an effective bureaus around 360 000 decided to access and meaningful evaluation of a persons ability to repay debt before they grant credit. This credit again. means more than seeing if they ever had a court Of those consumers (360 000) 270 000 quickly judgment against them. It means analysing the got themselves into trouble. This represents persons daily situation and available funds. about half of those who ‘benefited’ from the

Understanding the Credit Information Amnesty

by Natasha Horwitz

Consumers should continue to be prudent in managing their debt, despite the proposed credit information amnesty.

What is the credit information amnesty?

On Thursday, 05 September 2013, Cabinet approved the implementation of South Africa’s second Credit Information Amnesty. The CBA is awaiting clarity on the details of the Credit Information Amnesty proposal approved by Cabinet. However, according to the proposal as voted for by the National Council of Provinces’ Select Committee on Trade and International Relations in June 2013, the amnesty provides for a once-off removal of adverse information from consumers’ credit records, irrespective of value, even if the debt has not been paid. The effective date of the amnesty has not yet been released.

This proposal would also see adverse listings and judgments removed from credit records, once the debt has been paid, on an ongoing basis. It aims to increase consumers’ access to credit, while removing the stigma associated with impaired records.

No debt pardon for consumers This amnesty does not represent a blanket pardon for consumers. Some negative information may be removed from credit reports under such an amnesty. Other credit information relating to accounts is likely to remain unchanged on the credit bureaus’ records.

Even with the amnesty, loans, accounts and other forms of credit must still be serviced on an ongoing basis until the debt is paid up.

As consumers, we will all remain liable for our debt. When applying for new credit, be sure that you can afford the entire monthly payment in addition to your other commitments. Do not skip payments as this will be reflected on your credit report. It remains as critically important as ever to pay all accounts on a monthly basis.

Understanding the impact of the proposed amnesty on your credit report A credit report is a description of your credit history. It shows every time you’ve applied for credit, every time someone’s enquired about your credit record, how regularly you make your repayments, and if any action has been taken against you because of unpaid debts. The information stored by a credit bureau is a combination of both positive and negative information.

This positive information will actually help you get credit.

How long is negative information displayed on your credit report and how is the proposed amnesty likely to impact this?

The National Credit Act requires that essential credit information be kept on your credit report for predetermined time periods:

Lessons from the 2006 amnesty South Africa’s first credit information amnesty was granted in 2006. Our analysis showed that 64% of consumers who were impacted by this amnesty took on more debt. Of this group, 48% defaulted on an account or had a judgment against them within five years of the amnesty. These outcomes demonstrate the importance of responsible lending and personal finance education.

Consumers therefore need to be aware of the importance of responsible borrowing, the information held by bureaus, and how best to manage their credit affairs.

How to get a copy of your credit report As stipulated in the National Credit Act, all registered credit bureaus must provide you with a free copy of your credit report, once a year, upon request. To obtain a copy of your credit report you can contact the individual credit bureaus below: • Compuscan contact centre: 0861 51 41 31 • Experian contact centre: 0861 10 56 65 or www.creditexpert.co.za • TransUnion contact centre: 0861 482 482 or www.mytransunion.co.za • XDS contact centre: 0860 937 000 Credit bureaus cannot share these reports without consumer permission.

Horwitz is executive manager of the Credit Bureau Association (CBA)

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

LETTER FROM A READER This month Debtfree DIGI spoke to a Credit industry insider and asked a few pointed questions about how Credit Life insurance works and why as an industry there are relatively few claims made for this type of insurance.

When recently asked about the apparent low claims ratio on Credit Insurance in general, I had to actually give myself a bit of time to understand a few things, namely; • What is a low claims rate?

• Why so low?

Hopefully I can provide some insight but let me remind the readers that this is just my personal opinion based on personal experience.

Credit insurance has been around for many years within the maze that is finance, more often than not embedded into finance agreements. Prior to the days of regulation and compliance this so called “implementation” was very seldom disclosed to the consumer. This lack of disclosure at the point of application, I believe, lead to some of the older credit insurance schemes running at very low claims ratios varying between 5 -10 %.

This low rate can be apportioned to the fact that the consumer probably was not even aware of the insurance.

Readers must keep in mind that Credit Insurance perils are related directly to the

person and unlike your vehicle insurance where you sometimes have multiple claims (windscreen, accident, radio stolen), you may in some cases only have 1 claim throughout term of the credit insurance – you only die once!

With the advent of regulation and a more consumer based focus we have seen an increase in the general claims on credit insurance with the claims rate doubling over the last few years.

If consumers find themselves unemployed they can in many cases claim against their insurance and the insurance will help cover their minimum repayments for a time. Some consumers are afraid to reveal they are unemployed to their creditors and this might also be a contributing factor in regard to low claims.

Consumers can change their existing insurance on credit products to new more cost effective products. The money that is saved can be used elsewhere in their budget or in their repayments to their creditors.

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.

Wait for it Having waited a few months for the hype to die down I finally managed to go to Burger King and get lunch. If you have been to one since it opened you have no doubt seen the normally long lines. People were queuing for about 45 minutes in many cases. Plenty time to get tired of queuing and head down to the nearest McDonalds instead.

So I was quite chuffed to get my Whopper meal. Now sure, it is just a burger (and I have had Burger King before overseas) but I felt particularly good about this burger. Why? Was it because of the taste? Well, to a certain degree but it was more about the fact that having

been patient and waiting for a few weeks I could now simply walk in the door and get to the counter within 2 minutes.

It makes you think about the many things we want right now but might not be able to afford. In fact, for many consumers under debt stress, credit has been the means to get what they want right away without having to wait or show any constraint. It is something that retailers realised a long while back and so started offering credit facilities to consumers.

Want a shirt? Don’t have the money on you… well buy it now on credit. Want a couch? Get it right now. Don’t save. Take it on credit!

Waiting often means we get things for a better price. Retailers often drop their prices as a product ages. Even if the particular product is new (still in the box as it were) but there is a newer version of the product now available they will lower their prices. Several products are very good examples of this. Such as: cars, It is well reported that the average South cell phones and computer equipment.

African at the moment has no savings and is not saving at all. What we are seeing is people So all you need to do is buy one “generation” unable to cut back on their consumption of back and you can make a huge saving. You goods and services. While credit can carry this still get all the great features and services but behaviour for a while eventually the wheels now you pay less. What it does mean is that come off when it is time to make repayments. you might not get to show off for a few days or weeks while the product is brand new (before the next version comes along).

So what can consumers do to avoid that?

This has tied in nicely with the psychology of our times. Most people feel ‘unique’, ‘special’ and entitled. Maybe my mommy told me that when I was younger. The bottom line is that most of us feel that we deserve nice things and we deserve them now.

• Learn to say: “No”. Say no to others, your family and even yourself.

• Wait

As they say we often buy things we don’t need to impress people we don’t like. We need to get out of that mind set.

So, learn to wait and you will still get your There is often an urge to have the latest and ‘burger’. Sure others will have got it before you shiniest. For example lets say we want that but it will still be filling and it will be so much brand new cell phone they are now advertising tastier for being a better return on your time and money. everywhere.

What about that phone that was all the rage last week? No, it’s old, boring, outdated.

Have any of it’s features changed? No not at all.

It is just that there is a newer one available that does an extra thing last weeks one doesn’t do.

Did you like all the features of last weeks phone? Yes. So, why not rather get that one which is now cheaper than it was last week?

Learning to say no It is a sad truth that statistically many consumers under debt review have only made it to the 24 month mark. There are a number of reasons for this: Changed circumstances for the worse such as loss of income and inability to make any payments for a prolonged time. Change of circumstances for the better and no longer needing debt review any more (this is the best reason of course). However the most common reason is the inability to say no.

Well, the answer is in fact: No. They made several mistakes.

First mistake: When the problem arose they should have contacted their Debt Counsellor at once.

Second Mistake: By contacting the Debt Counsellor at the end of the month to tell him they could not pay they were in fact making it even less likely that the Debt Counsellor could Now you might say: how does the inability to make arrangements with all their creditors (or say no bring someone’s debt review to an end? even some) in time. Making arrangements for a reduced payment or missed payment usually The primary cause for a debt review is when simply end with creditors saying no and kicking the consumer can no longer make debt review people out of debt review but even where they repayments and most of the time this is not due are successful such arrangements take weeks to an emergency or a change in circumstance it to get in place. is due to the way the consumer handles these Third Mistake: They thought their Debt things.

Counsellor will drop everything to help them As an example: A couple under debt review are make a plan with all their creditors at once, as travelling in their car when screech, bang boom if he does not have a heavy work load and lots the car breaks down. They manage to get it to of other consumers to assist. a mechanic who tells them they need to spend a few thousand to get the car running again. Fourth Mistake: They did not shop around for They talk about it and decide that because their different quotes to fix the vehicle once they car is broken and they need to get to work they knew what the problem was. need the car running and give the mechanic the go ahead to fix it. They wait two weeks The BIG Mistake: They were not able to say no then come the end of the month they call their to themselves. debt counsellor to say they cannot pay as they The truth is that millions of South Africans go had to fix their car. Seems fair right? to work each day without a car. Some travel

consequences of missing a debt review payment.

In this case the consequences could be that the creditor who financed their car would say:” since you have not paid us as per the agreement Please note: There is a difference between a and the court order we are withdrawing from consumer who uses their car to generate an the debt review and will try to take other legal income (such as a delivery vehicle or a rep who action against you” This couple who will now travels long distance) and someone who uses a turn to the debt Counsellor for help will have car to make their life easier or more convenient. to fight legal action in court from the creditor who will issue them a summons and will What the couple decided is that to fix the car probably lose that court case and have to pay would be the most convenient thing to do in not only for their legal defence but the costs of the short run. They did not think about the the creditors legal team as well as have their car possible consequences of their actions. They repossessed. The car (which is now working) did not want to say No to themselves and will then be sold for a short fall and once again make their daily travels more complicated and the consumers will be without transport, this time permanently. time consuming that they already where. for a long time to get to and from work. Yes, having a car makes it easier to do so and that’s convenient. it might even make it safer to do so but in truth a working car is not a necessity.

What they did not consider is the negative consequences of missing a debt review payment.

In this case the consequences could be that the creditor who financed their car would say:” since you have not paid us as per the agreement and the court order we are withdrawing from the debt review and will try to take other legal action against you” This couple who will now turn to the debt Counsellor for help will have to fight legal action in court from the creditor who will issue them a summons and will probably lose that court case and have to pay not only for their legal defence but the costs of the creditors legal team as well as have their car repossessed. The car (which is now working) will then be sold for a short fall and once again the consumers will be without transport, this time permanently.

What they did not consider is the negative

Why will all of this happen? Because they could not say No. What should they have done?

What advice would they have received had they contacted the Debt Counsellor first?

Well, obviously they needed to make a plan for transport for a few days while their car is out of working order. So, they should have tried to approach a friend or family member and asked if they had a vehicle they could use. Failing that they should have made some arrangements with friends, colleagues or family to catch a lift to and from work. Failing that they should have investigated public transport options.

Next, they should have shopped around for other quotes to repair the car. Was there a mechanic out there who is more affordable?

During this time the Debt Counsellor could have tried to make arrangements with their credit providers for a reduced payment or perhaps even a delayed payment (though not likely… they could have tried).

longer. You borrowed someone else’s money now they want it back. It belongs to them.

LEARN TO WAIT We live in an instant gratification generation.

We need to learn to say “no” to ourselves. We This couple lacked the ability to say no to need to learn to wait. The inability to wait and save to buy things rather than use credit is themselves (even for a while). what has lead you to the point where you are today. Now is the time to change your outlook Learning to say no to others Other circumstances often arise when on things or the problem will never go away. consumers who are under debt review are Ask yourself can I wait to have my washing themselves asked for money by friends machine fixed? Can I use my relative/ friends and family members. Money, they do not machine for a few weeks while I come up with have available unless they break the debt the needed finances? The answer if you are restructuring court order. Money that will bring honest is almost always: yes you can. their debt review to an end and cost them a lot LEARN TO SAY NO of time, stress and their assets.

If you don’t do this it is going to cost you your last Often consumers are asked for money for a chance at dealing with your debt and getting funeral or a medical procedure or even money your life on course again. You need to learn to say no. The people who are asking you to to pay off another persons debt. give them your debt review repayment money need to realise that under debt review your Once again consider the results: The consumers give this other person their entire finances are regulated and you actually money but short pay on their own debt review. have no money for them. It can be difficult but They then receive 86(10) we are going to sue remember that by saying No to them it does you letters and eventually summonses and not mean they will not find a solution to their have the sheriff of the court come around and problem. It simply means you will not be the write up their assets which eventually are sold one to help them. Can they shop around for on auction for a fraction of their value. Now better prices or can they change arrangements as they sit on their floor (the couch is gone) so that they cost less and don’t need finances staring at an empty spot where their TV used to from you? Can they borrow from someone be they feel that the debt review process failed else? Can they sell things they own to generate them, when in fact they failed themselves with the money needed? Can they wait longer and save a bit month by month? Can they go into an inability to say No. debt review as well? There are other solutions out there.

CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE It is vital that consumers do not look at the money they have to pay their debt as theirs any

Debt Counsellor PROFILE

How long have you been a DC? Almost precisely four years now, as an NCR registered debt counsellor, but I have done “debt counselling”, insofar as that constitutes guiding people in how to use their monetary resources wisely, on a non-remunerative basis, long before it became a formal profession, following the advent of the NCA. What did you do before becoming a DC? I was a Consumer Portfolio Manager with a major financial institution, “consumer”, in this sense, referring to accounts for private individuals, rather than businesses. Prior to the promulgation of the National Credit Act 34 of 2005, my role entailed assessing credit applications, approving credit and monitoring consumer accounts. However, post NCA, my role rapidly metamorphasized into that of ‘debt collecting’! I empathised deeply with my clients and identified the need for a lifeline to help them out of their dire financial predicaments.

Romie Govender Finesse Debt Counsellors 031 209 2356 romie@debtfinesse.co.za

What area (of SA) do you practice in?

My office is in Morningside, Durban, but I serve the greater Kwazulu-Natal, including Pietermaritzburg and the outlying rural areas.

Do you have a small/med/large DC company?

I run a small practice, focusing on providing a personalised, quality service rather than on volumes. I spend the bulk of my time speaking to credit providers with a view to negotiation and the streamlining and standardisation processes. Although this obviously impacts on my time from an opportunity vs cost perspective, I believe that the long term benefit to the debt counselling industry will justify my sacrifices.

What makes your business a success?

I believe I have found my ‘purpose in life’ - enabling consumers to break free of financial bondage. I am persistent during the negotiation process and I fight for my clients whilst simultaneously ensuring that they honour their commitments. When I worked in the bank, my duty was to protect the bank, but now that I am a debt counsellor, my duty is to assist the client/consumer to fulfil his or her financial obligations whilst protecting his or her right to a reasonable standard of living.

most unco-operative – they are extremely dogmatic and there is a huge divide between their various product houses. Capitec Bank just does not seem to be coping, especially in their proposals department.

Where do you find new business?

I have invested in some online advertising.

However, most of my new business comes via referrals from satisfied clients. So, “word of mouth” is a prime driver of new business for me. That is why quality service and unquestionable integrity are the very foundations on which Finesse is built.

What is the biggest challenge facing your consumers at the moment?

The biggest challenge is being able to pay their fees. Credit providers are fully aware that in terms of the debt review process, debt counselling and legal fees are paid during the first two months, yet most credit providers continue to process debit orders leaving the consumer with no money to pay their fees, thus de-railing the process.

Who are your most co-operative and least cooperative credit provider at the moment?

All credit providers have their positives and their negatives. It is, however, a relief to note that some credit providers are now actually not as antagonistic and some are even cooperating in the debt review process. Of the big four banks, FNB and Standard Bank appear most willing to endeavour to utilise the debt review process for collection of their debts even in instances where the Section 129 letters had been sent out. However, the fact that FNB periodically change their account numbers has become an administrative nightmare. Aside from Nedbank’s tedious debit order cancellation process and their money-grabbing tendencies, they too are quite cooperative. ABSA Bank is by far the

What is the biggest challenge facing Debt Counsellors at the moment?

The lack of consumer education and lack of standardised processes amongst credit providers are the biggest challenges facing the debt counselling process, in my opinion.

What advice do you have for consumers under debt review?

Firstly, always stick to your budget and honour the repayment arrangement. Secondly, always be transparent with your debt counsellor and keep the communication line with your debt counsellor open at all times. Remember, debt review is a long term commitment which requires discipline.

Debt Counsellors Associations Announcement Board The NCR has invited DCASA to join the Credit Industry Forum.

DCASA Regional Meetings: Gauteng: 22 October - Venue to be confirmed.

W. Cape: 8 November 2013 - save the date. http://www.dcasa.co.za/forum/index.php

www.dcasa.co.za

The NCR has invited the BDCF to join the Credit Industry Forum.

DebitSure are now assisting us with the collection of membership fees.

Read more about our recent meeting in the W. Cape here: http://debtfreedigi. co.za/bdcf-meeting-roundup/ Thanks to all who attended and the event sponsors. www.bdcf.co.za

DCU

SABC’ s Special Assignment once again had a look at the securitisation process. You can watch the episode online here: http:// debtfreedigi.co.za/securitisation-on-sabcspecial-assignment-again/ Listen to Charles Gilbert expose garnishee abuse here: http://www.newera.org.za/episode-11-south-africas-economic-apartheidmust-listen/ For more information contact: chairman@newera.org.za www.newera.org.za

The NCR has invited The Alliance of Professional Debt Counsellors to join the Credit Industry Forum.

The Annual General Meeting will be held on the 17th of October 2013. Plan ahead so that you can attend. The venue is the Rocklands Adventure Centre in Simons Town. All are welcome.

See our Newsletter in this issue of Debtfree DIGI www.allprodc.org

Mobile 012 348 7624 DC Partner has representatives country wide who visit our Debt Counsellor clients every month. If you are in Gauteng, North West Province and the Orange Free State. areas here is your local contact person: Konstant de Vos One of the most crucial aspects of Debt Counselling is that the Creditors get their money correctly and timeously... Choose your PDA wisely...

SEPTEMBER

NEWSLETTER 2 Years of Hard Work

or consent to serve? Maybe you just need a The Alliance of Professional Debt Counsellors place to vent or to talk about your successes. began operating back in October 2011. Since If so join us online on Facebook. Either in our then All Pro DC have been working hard to public area or closed members group. Get protect and promote the debt counselling answers fast. Or join us on our forum for inindustry. This year All Pro DC is holding our depth discussions on debt review related Annual General Meeting in Cape Town. The topics. event will be held on the 17th of October at the Rocklands Adventure Centre in Simon’s Who are the Alliance Town. We encourage you to come join us for of Professional Debt the event. For directions contact secretary@ Counsellors?

The Alliance of Professional Debt Counsellors allprodc.org is a Not for Profit Organisation which operates country wide and represents Debt Counsellors Credit Industry Forum The National Credit Regulator has invited the who are registered with the National Credit Alliance of Professional Debt Counsellors to Regulator and operate according the National join the new Credit Industry Forum. The CIF Credit Act. will replace DRAC. We have been asked to help represent the concerns and input of our Debt Counsellor members Being on the Forum will also present us with the opportunity to point out the impact decisions could have on consumers in the debt review process.

Join us online

Looking for some help getting a contact detail

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

BDCF Meeting review Recently the Black Debt Counsellors Forum held their second meeting in the Cape Town area.

The meeting at the Debt Resolution offices in Hout Bay was attended by a smaller group who were not deterred by the rain . Nearby on Table Mountain some crazy hikers had earlier tweeted pictures of themselves in snow, so you know it was cold. Some coffee and Tea held off the chill as the meeting got underway.

Graham (local chairperson – ex Pick n Pay) spoke about how DCs in Cape Town are seeing the industry develop. He discussed his personal experience coming into the industry. He has seen slow growth and the need for managing consumer expectations and education. His preconceived ideas about how the industry actually works have been dashed. Has even been approached by a credit provider looking to “link” businesses or even employ him ( which he points out is contrary to the NCA).

The response to marketing has been low in his case. He stated that the need to get clients is the biggest need for most DCs now.

blazing , in fact some have actually said “AKs blazing.” Randall said that BDCF does not show any favour or hold back where they see a need to speak up. The BDCF are, according to him, not even afraid to challenge the NCR if needs be. He spoke about how there is a need to level the playing field between large and smaller DCs. The BDCF say they want to reduce conflict and increase cooperation between industry players.

Keystone next discussed the proposed amendments to the NCA. The BDCF have recently met with DTI on this topic as well as submitted documentation.

BDCF Proposed changes include:

Inclusion of Sect 58A which would allow for notification to consumers and creditor and bureaus of de registration.

Sect 83A reckless lending able to be ruled on

by NCT. Sect 130 in place of 129 (in Sect 86) as being excluded under debt review Disallowing of terminations when matter is at court.

Removal of word “Magistrates” in sect 86(11).

Randall Adams discussed BDCF’s agenda Section 92 to have section added saying a including their goal of consumer education. spouse married in COP must agree to any He discussed the name and pointed to the application for credit. fact that they are not a political body. In the Sect 129 – to have subsection 3 removed as past it has been said that BDCF came out guns unnecessary.

Section 163 – to include DCs having to train agents.

Inclusion of PDA in the Policy document.

BDCF also stated that they want to create panel of attorneys who deal specifically in debt review. This is a great goal and members expressed a lot of interest.

Kim Armfeld (Attorney and qualified DC) discussed the court process and their 95% success rate for 1st time court orders. She also discussed the various requirements at courts , including the documentation needed. She then spoke about motivations behind oppositions to court applications. .

Ashley Searle of the Consumer Protection Office stated that there have been some interesting rulings on the CPA and it too is undergoing changes and testing much like the NCA. He asked: How do we work together? The BDCF and their office are looking for ways to do so.

At present, the CPO are doing interventions in regard to financial literacy in marginalised communities and even have a dedicated unit that does consumer education. Over the next few weeks they will be focussing on farm workers on the west coast. The BDCF offered to assist.

appreciated.

Justin Van Der Linde of Consumer Friend discussed their local offices in the Cape ( as well as KZN) .

Consumer Friend have set up dedicated email address and unit to handle Reckless Credit Matters. They ask that DCs please chat to them to get assistance in this regard before going to court. They say they can get info for DCs very quickly. Their creditor clients have set up special teams to help. The dedicated email address is: recklesscredit@consumerfriend. co.za . After their recent meeting with BDCF they are determined not to ”harass” DCs for 17.4s if not supplied. They state that at present they are seeing more applications each month, almost same as back in 2007. Justin pointed out that Consumer Friend are not handling Wonga issues any longer.

With some closing remarks about the upcoming BDCF conference in October the meeting came to a close. A few got to spend time afterwards catching up and enjoying some refreshments.

DC Partner provided a Payment Distribution For more info head over to: www.bdcf.co.za Agency perspective and helped support the event. DC Partner spoke about how they are trying to keep up to date with industry as it changes. The DC Partner Reps visit 4 / 5 DCs daily. Their assistance in this regard was much

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Service Dire Debt Counselling

Debt Rehab Colleen Van Wyk(BCom, LLB) Debt Counsellor NCRDC2619 Tel: 083 290 0848 Tel: 011 740 7374 Fax: 086 716 9694 Website: http://debtrehab.co.za

AA Debt Counselling Centre Anthea Johannes NCRDC531 Tel: +27 (0) 21 982 0522 Cell: +27 (0) 84 402 7032 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 021 431 9100 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 Debtbusters 0861 663 328 (NO DEBT) Debt Budget Tel: 021 824 8885 Debt Solve Debt Counsellors Office: 033 397 0945

DEBTINC NCRDC’s 1071, 1188, 1189.

Tel: (022) 713-2021 Fax: (022) 713-2028 Share Call: 0861 20 21 20 E-mail: Info@debtinclusive.co.za Website: www.debtinclusive.co.za SMS: HELP to 35075

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

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 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,

ectory 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 Debt Counselling South Africa Cape Town Branch Tel: 021 919 66 94 Rod De Witt NCRDC831 Visit: www.debtcounsellingsa.co.za

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 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

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

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

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 EASTERN CAPE: DRS ALBANY Office: 041 373 9693 Email: dcfull@drssa.co.za BORDER REGION: DRS BEACON BAY Johan Pretorius Cell: 082 324 4038 Office: 043 748 1139 DRS BUFFALO CITY Herman Marias Cell: 082 378 3743 Office: 043 7210652 DRS KING WILLIAMS TOWN Herman Marais Cell: 082 378 3743 Email: herman@drssa.co.za DRS CRADOCK Office: 043 721 0652 DRS QUEENSTOWN Herman Marais Cell: 082 378 3743 Email: herman@drssa.co.za DRS MTHATHA Herman Marais Cell: 082 378 3743 Email: herman@drssa.co.za

DRS PORT ELIZABETH Derryn Fish Cell: 084 515 6135 Office: 041 453 8961 Email: derryn@drssa.co.za

DRS ALGOA Marius Weyers Cell: 083 497 3219 Email: marius@drssa.co.za

DRS SIDWELL EXPRESS Keith Le Roux Cell: 073 207 1675 Office: 041 451 0474 Email: Keith@drssa.co.za

DRS BOND CHOICE Andrea Atkinson Office: 041 393 7000 Email: andrea.atkinson@drssa.co.za

DRS SOMMERSET EAST Luther De Bruyn Cell: 082 568 2970 Office: 042 243 1107 Email: luther@drssa.co.za

DRS CENTRAL EXPRESS Derryn Fish Office: 041 373 9693586 2020 Email: derrynfish@drssa.co.za DRS DESPATCH Isabe Landman Cell: 072 337 3328 Office: 041 933 1189 Email: isabe@drssa.co.za DRS HUMANSDORP Morne Steyn Cell: 083 298 8182 Office: 042 291 0135 Email: Morne@drssa.co.za DRS NKONKOBE (Fort Beaufort) Bernadine von der Decken Cell: 083 2859289 Office: 046 645 1898 Email: bernadine@drssa.co.za DRS KIRKWOOD Keith Le Roux Cell: 073 207 1675 Office: 041 451 0474 Email: keith@drssa.co.za

DRS UTENHAGE Lynn Lindoor Cell: 083 7174 183 Email: Lynnl@drssa.co.za FREESTATE: DRS GOLDFIELDS (Welkom) Irvin Billy (Derryn Fish) Cell: 072 114 4427 Office: 081 319 0083 Email: Billy@drssa.co.za DRS MANGAUNG Amanda Johnson Office: 041 373 9693 Email: dcfull@drssa.co.za DRS FOREISTATA EXPRESS (Bloemfontein) Derryn Fish Office: 041 373 9693 Email: dcexpress@drssa.co.za

ectory DRS SOUTH FREESTATE Nelmarie De lange Cell: 079 236 3615 Office: 053 591 0734 Email: nelmarie@drssa.co.za GARDEN ROUTE:

DRS PRETORIA NOORD Office: 041 373 9693 Email: dcfull@drssa.co.za DRS ROODEPOORT EXPRESS Derryn Fish Office: 041 373 9693 Email: dcexpress@drssa.co.za

DRS DE AAR Veronique Louw (Derryn Fish) Cell: 076 382 2020 Office: 053 631 1189 Email: deaar1@drssa.co.za

DRS RUSTENBURG Amanda Johnson Office: 041 373 9693 Email: dcfull@drssa.co.za

DRS GEORGE Francois Van Zyl Cell: 079 522 1930 Office: 044 874 2820 Email: francoisv@drssa.co.za

KWA ZULU NATAL:

DRS EDEN (Hartenbos) Bruno Mertsch Tel: 042 291 1083/4 Email: brunom@drssa.co.za GAUTENG: DRS CENTURION EXPRESS Amanda Johnon Office: 041 373 9693 Email: dcfull@drssa.co.za DRS LYNNWOOD Junique Julius Office: 012 807 4339 Email: lynnwood1@drssa.co.za DRS PRETORIA EXPRESS Ben Vermeulen Cell: 082 442 8654 Office: 012 331 2145 Email: bverm@lantic.net

DRS GREYVILLE Vyas Juggernath Cell: 083 206 0300 Office: 031 309 8716 Email: vyas@drssa.co.za DRS KOKSTAD Melanie Louwrens Cell: 083 269 0424 Office: 039 727 1430 Email: melanie@drssa.co.za DRS MORNINGSIDE DURBAN Erica Mtshali (Amanda Johnson) Cell: 076 578 8660 Office: 031 301 5990 email ericah@drssa.co.za DRS PHOENIX Vyas Juggernath Cell: 083 206 0300 Office: 031 309 8716 Email: vyas@drssa.co.za

DRS PIETERMARITZBURG Sanele Zulu Cell: 083 543 3487 Office: 033 394 8319 Email: sanele@drssa.co.za WESTERN CAPE: DRS BELLVILLE Patricia Bekker Office: 021 948 8523 / 4 Email: patricia@drssa.co.za DRS DIAMOND Clive Palmer Office: 021 421 8563 Email: clive@drssa.co.za DRS TYGERBERG Craig Lakey Cell: 082 627 0957 Office: 021 945 4062 Email: craiglakey@drssa.co.za DRS WEST COAST Marius Coetzee Cell: 082 978 4407 Office: 022 713 3766 Email mariusc@drssa.co.za DRS SALDANHA Marius Coetzee Office: 022 713 3766 Email: mariusc@drssa.co.za DRS SOLUTIONS Christelle de Villiers Cell: 084 586 5600 Email: cdv@vodamail.co.za

Service Dire 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

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

Support services

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

Staff Line Ndizani Executive Recruitment Cell no: 083 3028163 Direct Line: (011) 468 - 2150 E- Mail: saki@staffline.co.za

Rihanyo Debt Counselling (012) 804 50 57

Information resources & services www.thedci.co.za

Think Green Debt Counselling Sandi Pauw sandipauw@mweb.co.za Tel : 012 991 6638 Cell : 082 460 7800 Fax : 086 219 2615

Designtimes South Africa’s creative resource www.designtimes.co.za

U-Win Debt Counsellors Coreli Roos - NCR DC 509 Aliwal North, Burgersdorp, Bethulie, GariepDam, Smithfield, Springfontein Cell:079 626 66241 croos@global.co.za

Compuscan Academy 0861 51 41 31 www.compuscanacademy.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

TRAINING

You & Your Money Western Cape: NCR Debt Counsellor Training: For a Cutting Edge Course with practical input contact: You & Your Money Dawn Jackson Dawnjackson.training@telkomsa. net Cell: 072 1769789 / (021) 761 3287 Financial ABSA Customer Debt Repair Line 0861 005 901 Credit Ombudsman 0861 662837

ectory 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

Financial Planning

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

Eric Streso Financial Planner B Juris LL B CFP MBA Tel: 0833273358 Fax: 086 612 7912 Legal

Karen van Staden Tel: 012 998 9117 / 012 993 2132 Fax: 086 721 6467 / 086 662 1153 Is it time to expand your Debt Counselling Email: karen@hauptearle.co.za practice? office@hauptearle.co.za Do you need specialist Attorneys with a national www.hauptearle.co.za footprint?

LUCID Attorneys Do you need expert advice on how to protect Tel:practice 011 880and 1100 your your clients?

Fax: 011 880 1101

Are you informed about recent statutory and Email: info@lucidsa.com legal developments within the industry?

www.lucidliving.co.za/attorney

Attorneys servicing individual needs Pretoria: +27(0)12 998 9117

www.hauptearle.co.za

Nelspruit: +27 (0)13 752 708

O’Connell & Associates Attorneys at Law Keegan O’Connell k.oconnell@oalaw.co.za Tel 021 462 1663 Fax 0866 504 550 303 Millborough, 70A Upper Mill Street, Vreedehoek, Cape Town, 8000

Directory Prinsloo & Associates Attorneys and conveyancers Nanika Prinsloo Farm Bergamot, Paarl 7620 P O Box 6199, Paarl 7620 14 Laing Street, Barrydale 6750 Cell: 072-8558-106 Fax: 086-623-5986 nanika@vodamail.co.za www.empowerlaw.co.za RM Brown and Associates 601 Pier House, 13 -17 Heerengracht, Cape Town Tel: 021 431 9127, f: 021 425 0875 Email: oliver@rmbrown.co.za Scheepers Attorneys Gerhard Scheepers schlaw@iburst.co.za

Agiliti CC Colleen Van Wyk(BCom, LLB) Tel: 083 290 0848 Tel: 011 740 7374 Fax: 086 716 9694 Website: http://agiliti.co.za

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Credit Bureaus Compuscan 0861 514 131 www.compuscan.co.za Computer Profile Bureau 0861 28 7328 www.c-p-b.co.za Experian www.experian.co.za Business- 0861 63 60 70 Consumer- 0861 10 5665 Micro Lenders Credit Bureau 0861 28 7328 www.mlcb.co.za TransUnion 0861 886 466 www.transunion.co.za

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

XDS 0860 937 000 www.xds.co.za

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