Debt counselling, plainly explained
Debt counselling — also called debt review — is a formal debt solution for South African consumers who are over-indebted and struggling to manage their finances.
A process created by law, not a marketing gimmick
Debt review is a formal legal procedure established by the National Credit Act of 2007. It exists specifically to protect over-indebted consumers while giving credit providers a structured, court-recognised way to be repaid.
In short, it works in three stages:
Declared over-indebted
A registered debt counsellor formally assesses and declares you over-indebted.
Payments restructured
Your debt counsellor negotiates a new, affordable repayment arrangement with every creditor.
Confirmed by court order
A Magistrate’s Court order makes the new repayment plan legally binding on all parties.
Are you over-indebted?
You may be a candidate for debt review if any of the following sound familiar.
Missing monthly payments
You’re regularly unable to pay one or more accounts on time.
Constant creditor calls
You’re fielding regular calls and letters of demand from creditors or collection agencies.
Too many accounts
You’re juggling several loans and accounts and can’t see a way to consolidate them.
Unemployment is the one thing that disqualifies you — debt review restructures payments around income you actually receive, so a regular monthly income (salaried or self-employed) is required.
A consolidation loan usually isn’t an option
If you’re genuinely over-indebted, credit providers won’t extend you a new consolidation loan — doing so would expose them to a reckless lending claim. Debt review is the legal route built for exactly this situation.
Renting a home is still possible while under debt review — it isn’t classified as a new credit agreement, and we can confirm your ability to pay rent to a prospective landlord.
| Debt Review | Consolidation Loan | |
|---|---|---|
| Stops legal action | Yes | No |
| Available while over-indebted | Yes | Usually declined |
| Lowers interest rates | Often, via negotiation | New loan, new rate |
| Court-enforced protection | Yes | No |
| Upfront cost | None — built into plan | Fees & new credit check |
Less admin, more time with the people who matter
Debt counselling isn’t a punishment — it’s a structured way back to a normal financial life, without creditors calling your home or your employer.
Most clients tell us the biggest relief isn’t the lower payment — it’s not having to think about their debt every day.
Debt-free, with a clean slate
Once your restructured plan is paid off, you receive a clearance certificate confirming you’re no longer over-indebted, and you can re-enter the credit market with no permanent record of having been under debt review.
Wondering if this applies to you?
Take our free, confidential assessment — it only takes about two minutes.
What is debt counselling?
Debt Counselling aka debt review, is a debt solution aimed at South African consumers who are over indebted and struggling to manage their finances.
It is a formal legal process that provides for a consumer to be declared over indebted and for a Debt Counsellor to negotiate a restructured payment plan and obtain a court order confirming the new repayment plan.
The National Credit Act (NCA) introduced the formal debt rehabilitation program, debt review in 2007, as a preventative and/or alternative to administration and sequestration and having to deal with the long term effects of those processes.
Under debt review with DC Experts, our registered debt counsellors follow strict and ethical guidelines under the watchful eye of the industry regulatory body, the National Credit Regulator (NCR), when we assist clients to regain their financial well-being.
When you exit successfully from Debt review, you are debt free and can re-enter the credit market with ease.
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What are the advantages of Debt Counselling?
Reduce your debt, stop the pressure from creditors and move towards a more stable financial future
Lower your monthly repayments.
We work with your creditors to reduce what you pay each month to something you can realistically afford
Protection from legal action
Once you’re in the process, creditors must deal through us and the constant calls and pressure stop
One simple payment
All your debts are combined into a single structured monthly payment that’s easier to manage
Less stress, more control
Know exactly what you owe, what you’re paying and when you’ll be done so you can breathe again
Avoid legal action
You are legally protected which helps prevent repossessions, summons and further legal steps
Clear path to debt free
Follow a structured plan that moves you step by step towards settling your debt completely
three steps to success
We Will Help You Every Step Of The Way
From your first assessment to your final payment, we guide you through the entire process, handling the details so you can focus on moving forward
Contact details
Saturdays: 08:00–13:00
Not ready for the full assessment?
Send a general enquiry and a consultant will call you back — no pressure, no obligation.
CONTACT US
(087) 150-3823
OFFICE HOURS
Weekdays : 08:00 – 17:00
Saturdays : 08:00 – 13:00
- (087) 150 3823
- websupport@dcexperts.co.za
- Head office: 30 Main Road Paarl 7646
- Branch: 33 Cook Street Goodwood 7460
- dcexpertsza