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Consumer Education

Headed up by Miranda Tladi, the Credit Association of South Africa (CASA) hosted a Zoom Session to help educate consumers (and members) about Debt Review.

Both the Debt Counsellors Association of South Africa and National Debt Counsellors Association made presentations and helped answer consumers’ questions during the session.

After opening the session, Miranda Tladi of CASA stresses that Debt Counselling is often misunderstood or people enter the process without fully understanding the impact. She pointed out that debt review is not a first step in dealing with debt, it is not for everyone and is not a way to escape repaying debt.

Drisha Pillay of DCASA also explained that debt review does not magically erase debt. It simply makes repaying existing debt more affordable and manageable. She shared a practical example and showed how debt review or debt counselling can provide dignity and stability.

Seb Alexanderson of NDCA discussed life during debt review. He looked at various aspects and how the process works and stressed that consumers need to distinguish between needs and wants. He encouraged the use of “good” credit and borrowing responsibly.

After the presentations, there was time to field many, many questions from the large number of attendees.

It is great to see organisations and associations like CASA helping educate consumers about the process.