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Industry Meet Up

Ballito, KZN served up a warm summer’s day as guests from around the country gathered in advance of the 2025 Debt Review Awards.

A mix of local credit providers, Debt Counsellors as well as many who had travelled down to attend the Awards the next day were in the audience of around 100 guests.

Also in the audience were representatives from the Department of Trade Industry and Competition, National Credit Regulator, National Consumer Tribunal, Banking Association of South Africa, Payment Distribution Agents SA Association, National Debt Counsellors Association and Debt Counsellors Association of South Africa.

This meant that there were opportunities for the discussion of serious topics but no set outcomes demanded of any party. It was an information sharing session and the chance for those interested to ask questions and prompt discussions of potential challenges.

The event sparked many private or group discussions across the grounds throughout the day as guests were able to air their concerns and challenges in a more relaxed environment. It also allowed guests to help crowdsource solutions and brainstorm ideas that may shape the industry for months to come.

Throughout the day, there were presentations and discussions on topics such as DCRS, Debt Counsellor Fees, PDA Fees, Buy Now Pay Later and more.

The event kicked off with a discussion about the upcoming plans to expand the existing Awards process. First up was a discussion about possible criteria to be used to help evaluate credit bureaus that may be included in the process in 2025-2026.  The organisers like to get feedback from the industry on any criteria used in the process.

Then there was a look at the 5 year plan to slowly roll out inclusion into the Awards process to recognise what is being done in other regions of the world to deal with consumer debt. This will mean the eventual rolling out of the International Debt Management Awards.

Consumer Friend are well known for their excellent level of service for debt review matters on behalf of a wide range of clients.

Part of their secret is access to and use of DReX. This system, built and maintained by Slipstream Technologies, allows consumers and Debt Counsellors to log in and pull certain information directly from the system without having to wait, which greatly speeds up the debt review process at all levels. The system allows for the confidential transmission of sensitive data in line with PoPI Act requirements which is very important of course.

Mr Scott van Staden of Slipstream made several exciting announcements about new capabilities in the system and opening it up to more users.

A common sentiment among Debt Counsellors is that they do not want every single credit provider to run out and make their own portal where each one looks and feels different. They like uniformity and convenience. It seems that Slipstream are trying to help credit providers (for a fee of course) to do so.

Intuitive Discussions (with Dummies)

This portion of the day was aimed at continuing the progress made since last year’s event in opening up dialogue between industry parties.

Since last year’s event, where Intuitive Discussions launched, they have been able to hold various podcasts with individuals and groups covering a variety of topics such as the burden women face in dealing with debt and a debate on whether debt review is helping or hurting.

With help from the “Dummiest Dummy” Mr Corrie van der Venter (from the Debt Review With Dummies Podcast) and occasionally the second biggest Dummy (our Editor) Zak King, discussions kicked off with a look at the damage done to the reputation of the industry and how many Debt Counsellors are feeling it with lower intake numbers of new clients recently.

The idea of looking at an industry “rebrand” to a wider description such as debt management, was discussed with a focus on how terminology in any industry is important. For example, chemists (or pharmacies) used to be called “drug stores” in SA but that needed to change with time to a more appropriate term.

There was also a discussion about the damage down by “Churn Mill” rogue Debt Counsellors who are indiscriminately signing people up without any regard to if it is right for them or if they will follow through. Since such “scam” operations then charge people between R8000 and R25 000 to remove the credit bureau debt review status, this is a major issue negatively effecting the reputation of the industry. During his speech on Friday (at the Awards) Mr Timmy van der Grijp of the NCR legal department revealed the many steps the NCR are taking to tighten their enforcement against such operations. Many in the audience gave out loud cheers during the speech. Very exciting.

Mr Muhammed Laher of BASA was on hand to explain how DCRS is being enhanced (at great expense) to cover new challenges such as ‘jumbo loans’. It was great to see BASA making themselves available publicly to engage with the industry regarding the adoption of the system. BASA and others (such as the NCR) feel that the proposals system should be the preferred first port of call in any debt restructuring proposal process by Debt Counsellors. They are looking to expand the footprint of smaller credit providers that consent to proposals from the system.

Cornel van Heerden of VHT broke down and explained the recent white paper from the National Debt Counsellors Association, who call for professionalisation of the industry and higher requirements for those wishing to become Debt Counsellors. This tied in nicely with a video presentation from the BSI (who help with training of Debt Counsellors) about plans that are underway, in conjunction with the NCR, to make the NCA course and Debt Counsellor training a year long course featuring an articles or internship phase. Guests were very happy to hear this.

DCASA President Mr Reinhard Pettenberger gave an impassioned speech about the need for caution when adjusting the current DC Fee Guideline. He and members of the audience expressed concerns about the possible ramifications of hasty changes. Fortunately, the NCR have been very open in welcoming proposals from the industry and discussions at the NCR’s CIF are ongoing on the topic.

The warm weather, good company and tasty refreshments kept everyone’s spirits up during the discussions and there was a great exchange of ideas and proposals on the day.

It seems that, though challenges abound (and they always will), there is a concerted effort by all industry parties to try and find solutions that work for all. It was a very encouraging day and a great chance to network and make new acquaintances across the industry. The conversations carried on into the evening at a local restaurant where many met and shared a meal together.