Debt Review Awards 2024 (Part 4)
The National Consumer Tribunal
Mr Trevor Bailey of the NCT spoke after the break.
He quickly got everyone’s attention as he spoke about the NCT’s recent interactions with the DTIC.
The topic of discussion?
Possible amendments to the National Credit Act.
Many in the industry are eager to see amendments made to the wording of the Act which could help make things easier for consumers in the process, Debt Counsellors and credit providers.
He also impressed the audience with stats about the NCT’s fast turnaround times and fantastic output. The NCT are eager to be more and more involved in the industry and said they want to make things better, faster and cheaper for consumers who need help through debt review.
Legal Certificates and Award
This year two certificates of recognition were handed out to attorneys working with credit providers and Debt Counsellors and their clients.
The certificate of recognition for attorneys representing consumers and Debt Counsellors went to: Johnathan Van Druten (JVD Attorneys)
The certificate of recognition for attorneys representing credit providers went to: CF Van Coller (CF Van Coller Inc)
Then it was time for the 2nd winner of the annual Nousheen Pore Award.
This award, in memory of Nousheen, is aimed at those working on the legal side of debt review who are enthusiastic mentors and leaders in the field.
After some words from Mr Benay Sager of DebtBusters the award was then presented by last year’s winner Mr Cornel Van Heerden (of VHT Attorneys).
This year the Nousheen Pore Award went to not one but two members of the National Consumer Tribunal team; namely Mr Bax Nomvete and Mr Prenesen Moodely.
Both are well known by those interacting with the tribunal and have been instrumental in helping make submitting applications easier than ever.
Updates & Awards Process Amendments
Mr Steve Rosenberg then shared some insights into the Awards process for the 2023/2024 period.
Though the changes this year were minor other than the addition of the two new Rising Star category Awards, we are excited with all the possibilities that next years Awards process holds.
Many fine suggestions have been received and will be incorporated and there may be some exciting developments allowing the recognition of even more industry participants in 2025.
PDA Awards
This year, presenters Anila Pillay of Capital Data and Isobel Townsend of Digital Orchestrators handed out 2 Awards in the Payment Distribution Agent Category.
This year the Award for PDAs as Reviewed by DCs went to: DC Partner PDA.
This year the Award for PDAs as Reviewed by CPs went to: Hyphen PDA.
We may see some exciting changes to this category in the future based on new feedback. We wish to thank the PDAs for their ongoing hard work in supporting the industry and facilitating consumer payments, payment tracking and reporting.
Credit Provider Awards
The certificate for Most Improved Credit Provider Debt Review Department this year went to: African Bank
Though they did not take home any awards this year it seems that Debt Counsellors agree that they are making an effort and 2025 could be their year.
The Award in the Category Retail & Recoveries went to: Consumer Friend. Consumer Friend are the company to beat in this category and have taken this award many times in the past.
The Award in the Category Short Term Finance went to: Unifi Credit. This is the first time Unifi has received this award.
The Award in the Category Vehicle Finance went to: Wesbank
The Award in the Category Large Non Bank Credit Provider went to: Old Mutual. Old Mutual have also dominated this category over the years.
In the banking section, there are 2 awards namely Secured and Unsecured.
The Award in the Category Bank | Unsecured went to: Nedbank
The Award in the Category Bank | Secured went to: Absa
This year the Award for Highest Rated Debt Review Department went to Consumer Friend (their second award of the day.
Debt Counsellor Awards
This year there were certificates handed out to the Top 5 Debt Counsellors in the various size categories (Boutique, Small, Medium, Large, National and National Plus).
The highest rated Debt Counsellors in the peer reviews received the new look Piggy Bank Awards.
Boutique Debt Counselling Practice: Susan Pretorius of Debt Solutions
Small Debt Counselling Practice: Gerhard Stoltz
Medium Debt Counselling Practice: Debt Therapy
Large Debt Counselling Practice: DebtSafe
National Debt Counselling Practice: DC Experts
National Plus Debt Counselling Practice: DebtBusters
Bye Bye People of the Internet | The Good Times Go On
After the Awards ceremony was over it was time to say goodbye to the online viewers. At the venue the guests then got to relax with some food and drinks and time to relax and mingle.
Sponsors
The entire Debt Review Awards Peer Review and Gala are made possible due to the financial generosity of our various sponsors.
We want to say thank you for your financial contributions. The entire process helps contribute to the ongoing professionalisation of the industry and makes sure we recognise those who are making an effort to go above and beyond in making debt review work well for consumers.
Thank You!
