Short answer:
Yes. Debt Counselling is a proven solution for over-indebted South Africans, helping thousands of people manage their debts in a structured and legal way under the National Credit Act (NCA). While there were isolated cases of unscrupulous debt counsellors in the past, the industry is now well-regulated and reliable. For guidance on selecting a trustworthy provider, see What does Debt Rescue mean?
How Debt Counselling Has Evolved
Debt Counselling has been in operation since the NCA was introduced in June 2007. In the early years, some grey areas in the law had to be clarified through court rulings. Over time, the industry has matured and now functions largely as intended by the legislature, providing effective debt relief for consumers.
Addressing Negative Rumours
• Some early negative experiences were caused by a few “bad apples” in the industry.
• These isolated cases have been largely addressed, and regulators now maintain stricter oversight of debt counsellors.
• The industry is regarded as one of the most effective debt management systems in the world, with thousands of South Africans successfully completing debt review.
Choosing the Right Debt Counsellor
To benefit fully from Debt Counselling, it is important to select a qualified, experienced, and reputable debt counsellor. A skilled counsellor ensures:
• Your repayments are structured correctly
• Legal protection is enforced
• You are guided safely through the debt review process
For more information about how Debt Rescue helps clients and ensures competence, see How does Debt Rescue manage to lower debt payments?
