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Debt Review Awards | Part 2

After opening words from organiser and host for the day, Mr Zak King, various speakers addressed the in-person and online audience.

 

Zak’s interactive demo (with help from Pepla Voice) had everyone answering their calls and making predictions about possible winners on the day.

The DTIC | NCR | NCT | NFO

Mr Klaas Makaba of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition was the first speaker of the day and discussed all that the DTIC have done in the last turbulent year and what lies ahead. Mr Trump has been keeping them busy.

He also mentioned the exciting 5 year plan for the local Debt Review Awards to begin to include new international partners and regions in the future. 

Eventually, this will result in an International Debt Management Awards process celebrating all that is done worldwide to support consumers dealing with debt.

Mr Trevor Bailey, Executive Chairperson of the National Consumer Tribunal, discussed how hundreds of thousands of SA consumers benefit from the amazing debt review process. 

He shared stats on how many cases the NCT has handled recently and the ways they are using technology to improve service. It is clear they are embracing technology to make things better for both consumers and Debt Counsellors using their services.

Mr Kwanda Verbaza, Manager, Adjudication Banking and Credit Division, spoke about how debt review brings hope and how important that is.

He also hopes for more opportunities for the NFO to assist debt review and other consumers, and commended all the Debt Counsellors and credit providers for all their ongoing hard work.

Mr Timmy van der Grjip, Legal Advisor to the Debt Counselling Department at the National Credit Regulator, gave many encouraging updates on ways the NCR is currently busy taking action to improve things across the industry. 

He shared insights into how SA has a great international reputation for world-class legislation to assist consumers with debt. He even shared pictures of the visit of the Queen of Holland who visited SA and the NCR to find out more about how we do things here.

There were many exciting details shared. From crackdowns on rogue players, and faster turnaround times on enforcement to plans for expanded training of Debt Counsellors in the near future and what that will look like. The crowd were very excited to hear all the good news.

DebtPal

While sharing amusing and uplifting stories about the charity work that Digital Orchestrators are involved with, Mr Brian Gubbins’ message to the credit providers in the audience was to the point (with some help from ChatGPT): Buy DebtPal.