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Friday 5th April saw the BDCF meet with various Debt Counsellors from the Cape Town area.

BDCF Logo

 

 

 

 

 

Around 30 people attended and most were enthusiastic to see how the BDCF differ from the other existing associations for Debt Counsellors. The meeting began a few minutes late as local Debt Counsellors fought their way through traffic to reach the venue in Sea Point. DC Pattner PDA were in attendance and had helped cover some of the costs as well.

The Presentations

The meeting began with a word from Randall Adams (Deputy Chairperson) who discussed some of the industry challenges all Debt Counsellors face. Thandi Nhlengetwa (Chairperson) told the audience how BDCF want to promote activism to enhance the industry. A discussion on why the association had chosen the word “Black” to represent marginalization and some interesting statistics came to the fore. At present about 2000 people are registered as Debt Counsellors in SA. Of them about 800 take on clients (some more than others). Out of those active in the industry “only 5% are Black” (or of colour)- The BDCF ask why so few? They want to see this number increase. Thandi mentioned that they are self funded and beholden to no party, creditor or organisation.

Reginold Majokana discussed threats to the industry (from disingenuous creditors) and in particular the current proposed structure of Twin Peaks and the FSB. An impressive list of contacts and meetings that the BDCF have attended was mentioned  including: The NCR, DTI, BASA, COSATU, NDMA, SACP, ANC and various individual banks. Octavia Hlatshwayo (General Secretary) next told the attendees of the various benefits of joining the BDCF. Included in the list was the organisations policy of reporting on their lead generation each quarter so that all members could see who received leads. The BDCF also intend to offer training to each member to help “up skill” to ensure the highest level of service to consumers.

DC Partner header

 

 

 

DC Partner PDA also made a brief presentation in regard to their services and support for all aspects of the industry. BDCF stated that though they spoke to various PDAs they received the most favorable response by DC Partner who they say are very willing to engage with Debt Counsellors and Associations.

BDCF Western Cape

It was determined that an interim committee was needed to help establish a footprint in the Cape and thus 3 attendees volunteered to assist in doing so. Membership forms were then distributed and after a question and answer session guests got to mingle and sign up while enjoying some lunch. BDCF are right to view this meeting as a success with new members signing up and an increased awareness for their agenda in this portion of the country.