DCASA Conference 2025 Round Up
Facing Challenges, Finding Solutions
The Debt Counsellors Association of South Africa (DCASA) held its 2025 annual conference in Gauteng, at the Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre, bringing together over 200 delegates from across the country.
Funny man and MC for the day Lew Williams keeping the crowd laughing and engaged, helping steer the day.
Overall, the conference balanced serious industry issues with motivational inspiration, provided networking opportunities, and highlighted high levels of collaboration between government, debt counsellors and credit providers.
Setting the Tone For The Day
In his opening remarks for the day, DCASA President Reinhard Pettenburger did not shy away from tough truths.
He highlighted how the reputation of debt review is under threat from “rogue” counsellors and scam operations, even showing a recruitment video to illustrate the problem.
He also noted that some banks have reportedly called consumers to suggest leaving debt review. This is not a new phenomenon but has died down and it would be bad to see it reemerge. It is a concern DCASA along with the 2 banks in questions debt review departments are investigating.
With only around 260,000 South Africans currently under debt review, protecting the credibility of the process is vital for the future of the industry.
Inspiration and Madness
Motivational speaker Gavin Sharples gave the first presentation of the day.
His presentation style is to mix jokes, songs, and funny anecdotes into a blend of insightful storytelling.
He spoke of several famous South Africans who had done things others considered mad or impossible (such as Nelson Mandela or Christian Barnard). They were not prepared to wait or shy away from things others considered too hard or crazy. He then said that to be “mad” is to Make A Difference, likening industry professionals in debt review to these pioneers who changed lives.
Make
A
Difference
His uplifting message about cooperation and communication struck a chord.
Are you mad?
Following him, Nerosha Maseti of the National Finance Ombud of South Africa (NFO) shared case studies of their efforts to protect consumers and fight unfair practices, while keeping her audience entertained despite promising a “serious” presentation unlike Gavin’s.
Delegates also heard from FNB economist Koketso Mano, who painted a cautiously optimistic picture of the economy despite global uncertainties, and from SACRRA’s Magauta Mphahlele, who explained how better tracking of payments could help improve credit scores once consumers complete debt review. SACRRA are working closely with various industry parties and entities (such as the credit bureaus) to help identify the movement of consumer data. It is hoped they can help cut down on abuses that can expose consumers to “lower payment” or “get out of debt review” scams.
The NCR
One of the standout aspects of the day was the NCR’s strong presence, with Legal Advisor Timmy van der Grijp outlining enforcement actions and updates.
In his speech, Timmy confirmed that investigations have tackled false advertising, fake clearance certificates, and debt review without consent. He was quick to praise the work of the NCR legal team and Louise Page for her efforts in bringing cases to the National Consumer Tribunal (NCT).
He also focused a lot on Task Team 2.0, and announced that a first draft is expected later this year, aimed at addressing both past and future challenges. He revealed that following some recent meetings, the NCR is now collaborating more closely with the FSCA and the Information Regulator to address fraud and data misuse. He feels this is key in handing out punishment to scammers and those abusing consumers.
‘keep reporting suspicious activities’
Timmy urged DCASA members to keep reporting suspicious activities, stressing that informal tips often help regulators know where to look.
He finished up his update with a discussion about scams promising to remove people from debt review for large upfront fees. He reminded the audience that such payments are illegal under the National Credit Act. He reassured those attending that the NCR are aware of these industry issues and are taking action to address them through cases at the NCT and cross institutional cooperation. He is confident that many will be resolved shortly.
Panel Discussion
After lunch and a chance to catch up with other attendees, the day closed with a panel discussion.
The panel featured voices from the NCR, NCT, MFSA, NFO, PDASA, credit bureaus, attorneys, DCASA, and Debtfree Magazine.
Moderated by DCASA’s Nadia De Weerdt, the panel tackled questions submitted by members, covering everything from the dangers of scammers to how to boost consumer education about debt review. While different opinions emerged, there was clear willingness from all sides to work together.
This is always a popular part of the conference and gave members the chance to voice concerns and get live feedback from all on the panel. There was even a chance to talk about the Debt Review Awards and all attending were encouraged to visit www.debtreviewawards.co.za to learn more about criteria for the different categories.
As usual, the discussions could have gone on all day but had to be wrapped up in view of time.
Following the panel there were many prizes announced and some guests walked away with several gifts or prizes thanks to the various sponsors.
An Encouraging Step Forward
The Conference can only be described as an uplifting success.
That is, of course, a big testament to the hard work and organisational skills of DCASA’s Vanessa Johst, all the willing volunteers and sponsors.
The presence of the NCR with its own display table for the first time in many years symbolised a renewed spirit of collaboration and engagement. Combined with networking opportunities, sponsor displays, prize giveaways, and a buffet lunch, the day blended substance with a sense of community.
‘challenges do exist and were acknowledged throughout the day’
Though challenges do exist and were acknowledged throughout the day, the mood at DCASA’s 2025 conference was upbeat. With regulators, associations, and industry stakeholders all showing commitment to tackling problems head on guests left with a more positive outlook and perhaps even a little optimism.
Read more about the conference tomorrow.