NCR Workshop Review – Part 2
NCR Workshop Review – The afternoon session
Debtfree DIGI presents a review of the recent NCR workshop for Debt Counsellors.
Read all our tweets from the event here: https://twitter.com/Debtfree_DIGI
After a shortened lunch and some important networking as well as a chance to talk to DC Partner, Hyphen and NPDA at their stands Ms Melanie Padayachee of Standard Bank was the first speaker of the afternoon session.
She considered how the Standard Bank Debt Review department has progresses from a paper based system to a fancy computer system. She discussed how Standard Bank are working on old issues like changing account numbers and several different attorneys handling a matter. They are also trying to ensure that statements on all products are regularly provided. If these are not being received they can be requested.
Selby Mokgotho of ABSA began his presentation with thanks to all parties from the DCs to the NCR. He says that ABSA are committed to the rehabilitation of consumers and the debt review process. He noted that from some comments he has heard today it may not seem that way but assured the audience that it is the case. ABSA have been struggling to meet the required time lines for certain information supplying and responding to matters promptly. They have also had a recent run of collection agent woes.
African Bank’s Muhammed Laher spoke briefly (so as not to “bore” us – his words) about how there are many consumers who still need debt review. One issue that African Bank face is account number issues with payments from the PDAs. This has made allocation of funds an issue. They are also like the NCR concerned that consumer info is not being updated on the ncrdebthelp system. They ask that consumers themselves cancel debit orders when beginning debt review or that a Power of Attorneys be sent by DCs who are asking for debit orders to be cancelled. African Bank often see 2 or even 4 missed payments when consumers first enter debt review and this effects the account balances they have on their system before court orders are granted. The PDAs also track interest from the date of the CoB but not all additional fees which might get added due to late payments etc. This means that later there definitely will be a difference between their figures and the PD A reports which are based on the original CoB. He also took some time to promote their LegalWeb system.
Mpho Lekala of FNB was the final speaker of the day. She went through a list of common problems that the he NCR had gathered from local Debt Counsellors before the event. Even if she was unable to give resolution or total clarity on each point she did make brief comments on most issues. For instance she revealed that BASA have created some new standard forms such as a PoA for use for cancellation of debit orders. These will shortly be sent to DCs. She also discussed some of the issues that might be tabled at the upcoming CIF meeting.
Q&A
A short question and answer session followed with one or two comments on the presentations from the audience as well as some suggestions on how DCs would like recommend some matters be handled. The panel took notes and answered a few other questions.
At this point the meeting was concluded and the audience went their various ways. Many DCs said that they would have enjoyed even more chance to pose questions to the panel and NCR but had been able to approach the speakers informally at lunch and after the event. The NCR then handed out certificates of attendance. If attendees filled in the register Morris promised to send them some of the presentation material for their later use.
If the NCR workshop comes to your area be sure to attend. You may not get to ask all your questions in view of the limited time but you will get a chance to meet those who later will be able to do so.