Stay informed with the latest news and expert opinions from South Africa’s leading news agencies. Debt Rescue’s CEO Neil Roets and Debt Rescue’s COO, Annaline van der Poel, shares economic insights, explains how debt review can help over-indebted consumers, and valuable financial advice. From expert interviews to breaking news, this page brings you honest discussions about money, debt counselling, and actionable tips to help you take control of your debt.
The unrelenting convergence of hikes in fuel, food, and municipal tariffs have transformed a temporary cost-of-living squeeze into a critical structural consumer debt crisis across South Africa, with more than half of the country’s population now spending over 40% of their take-home pay servicing debt, said Debt Rescue CEO, Neil Roets. “The fact is, people are simply unable
Consumers drowning Neil Roets, CEO of Debt Rescue, said that while the latest economic indicators suggest a glimmer of hope on the horizon, the harsh reality facing millions of South African consumers on the ground must be considered. “It is certainly welcome news that headline consumer inflation dropped to 4.3% in July 2026, and that
Neil Roets, CEO of Debt Rescue, said the rapid increase in illuminating paraffin prices was adding to an already severe financial burden on households. “The recent and rapid escalation in the price of illuminating paraffin has dealt a compounding blow to South African households, unfolding into an economic emergency that the country’s consumers simply cannot
Debt Rescue CEO Neil Roets said that rising diesel prices is particularly concerning because of its widespread impact across the economy. “From a consumer debt perspective, a sharp diesel increase is particularly concerning because diesel is embedded in the cost of transporting food, operating public transport, supporting agriculture and delivering essential goods. “Even consumers who
Neil Roets, Chief Executive of Debt Rescue, said while the petrol price reduction provides some welcome relief, consumers should not view it as a sign that financial pressure on households is easing. “We at Debt Rescue welcome the 52 cent per litre reduction in petrol prices, but I do not believe consumers should mistake this
South African motorists could see marginal relief at the pumps in August, but businesses and consumers are likely to feel the impact of significantly higher diesel prices as global oil market volatility continues to influence local fuel costs. Broader impact on households Debt Rescue CEO Neil Roets said the broader concern extends well beyond the
The MPC opted to keep borrowing costs unchanged, a move welcomed by debt counselling firm Debt Rescue. However, the organisation cautioned that the decision does little to address the financial hardship experienced by millions of South Africans. Debt Rescue CEO Neil Roets said that while avoiding another increase in interest rates was positive news, consumers
The 2025 Debt Rescue Consumer Savings Survey found that only 18% of South Africans save more than 10% of their monthly income, while 27% do not save at all. According to National Treasury estimates, only around 6% of South Africans retire with sufficient income to maintain their standard of living. This highlights the importance of
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Speak to the bank before you start missing payments because many are willing to look at temporary payment relief or restructure debt because it’s less hassle (and has a better outlook) than repossessing something. If push comes to shove, maybe Debt Rescue is an option.
Margin for error A study by Debt Rescue last month showed nearly half of consumers would experience severe financial pressure and struggle to manage if interest rates were to rise further, while more than three-quarters expected borrowing costs to continue increasing.
