Registered debt counsellor · NCRDC1437
Debt counselling in South Africa
Debt counselling in South Africa: assessment and support
If debt repayments no longer fit after your basic living costs, debt counselling can help you understand whether formal debt review or another next step is appropriate. Start with a clear assessment of your income, expenses and credit commitments.
Meet the registered counsellors behind DRC
Cornel and Susan Strydom are listed by the National Credit Regulator under Debt Review Centre. You can check their names, registration numbers and Newton Park address in the regulator’s register.
Registered debt counsellor · NCRDC1355
Based at 22 Burt Drive, Newton Park, Gqeberha. Contact DRC about an office visit or remote assessment.
NCR-registered process
— Debt counselling must be handled by a debt counsellor registered with the National Credit Regulator.
Assessment before promises
— A counsellor should check your income, living expenses and credit commitments before recommending a route.
Fees explained upfront
— A free first assessment is not the same as free debt counselling. Ask for the applicable fees before a formal process starts.
A practical next step
— You should leave the first conversation understanding what happens next and what is expected from you.
What debt counselling means
Debt counselling is a regulated service for consumers who may be over-indebted. You apply to an NCR-registered debt counsellor, who assesses your income, necessary living expenses and credit commitments before deciding what route is appropriate.
In South Africa, debt counselling and debt review commonly refer to the same formal service. The counsellor handles the assessment, an appropriate repayment proposal and ongoing support. A free first conversation is separate from a formal application. For the full application and repayment process, read our debt review guide.
Debt counselling is not a new loan, instant debt cancellation or a guaranteed reduction. The recommendation, repayment proposal and time needed depend on your finances, your credit agreements and the formal process that applies to your case.
When debt counselling may be worth discussing
Your income covers basic living costs but not all agreed debt repayments.
You are borrowing or using one credit facility to pay another debt or to cover essentials.
You are skipping some accounts so that you can pay others.
You are receiving demands, summonses or repeated creditor contact.
You want a registered professional to assess your full position before it gets worse.
Eligibility and the right next step depend on your individual circumstances and the stage of each account. Tell the counsellor about every account and legal notice.
How to choose a debt counsellor
Check that the counsellor is registered with the National Credit Regulator and ask for the registration details.
Ask for the current fee schedule and a plain explanation of when each fee becomes payable.
Expect a proper affordability assessment before any promise is made.
Ask who will communicate with creditors, how payments will be distributed and how progress will be reported.
Avoid anyone who guarantees an outcome, pressures you to sign immediately or presents a new loan as debt counselling.
Important points before a formal debt review
Debt counselling fees apply if you enter the formal process. Ask for the current NCR-aligned fee schedule and make sure the costs are explained before you commit.
You cannot take new credit while you are formally under debt review. After the required debts are settled and a clearance certificate is issued, you may apply for credit again, but approval is never guaranteed.
There is no single fixed repayment period for everyone. The time depends on your income, necessary living costs, debt balances, repayment plan and whether you keep to the agreed payments.
Do not ignore a summons, repossession notice or other legal document. Share it immediately so the counsellor can explain what options may still be available at that stage.
Why speak to Debt Review Centre
DRC works through NCR-registered debt counsellors NCRDC1437 and NCRDC1355.
Your first assessment is free. It is a chance to understand your position and next step; it is not the full formal debt counselling process.
The assessment focuses on your actual income, expenses and credit commitments before a route is recommended.
Know the costs before you apply
DRC’s calculator and initial assessment are free. A formal debt review application is a separate step with fees. Ask for a written quote before you decide to proceed.
- Application, administration and restructuring charges.
- Ongoing aftercare, payment distribution and legal costs.
- VAT, payment dates and the amounts reaching each creditor.
- Any optional product, its separate price and your agreement to it.
A smaller monthly instalment can mean paying for longer. Compare the full payment schedule and total cost, including fees.
What to have ready
For the first conversation, have a rough picture of your income, living costs and debts. A formal assessment may require supporting documents.
- Recent proof of income and bank statements.
- Statements showing balances and instalments for your credit accounts.
- A household budget covering necessary living expenses.
- Any arrears letters, legal notices or court documents.
- Identity and marital-status documents when needed for the formal process.
You can use the calculator without giving us your ID. An enquiry is not permission for a credit check or a formal debt review application.
Support while your repayment plan is running
Debt counselling continues after the assessment. Ask who will answer your questions, explain statements and help you address changes in your circumstances.
- Keep your proposal, fee disclosure and any court or tribunal order together.
- Check payment statements and raise missing or incorrect allocations promptly.
- Tell your counsellor when your income or necessary living costs change.
- Ask for current balances and the requirements for completing your arrangement.
Hear Judith's experience
Judith describes how buying and furnishing a home left more of her salary going towards debt. In this video on DRC’s channel, she shares her experience of asking for help.
Published in 2020. This is a personal account, not a promise of the same result for someone else.
“…helpful, patient, and always takes the time to explain everything clearly.“
“She was helpful, kind and considerate.“
Selected excerpts from public reviews. Read other feedback on Google.
Answers before you decide
Check registration, fees, payment arrangements and the support available.
What each charge covers and what to ask before accepting a quote.
Bring your budget, account details and questions about the next step.
What to prepare before contacting your counsellor about a changed budget.
Keep records, understand the account status and share notices with your counsellor.
Find answers about repayments, job loss, completion and other concerns.
Debt counselling FAQs
Is debt counselling the same as debt review?
In South Africa, debt counselling and debt review commonly refer to the same formal service. A registered counsellor assesses your finances, prepares an appropriate repayment proposal and provides ongoing support. A free initial conversation is separate from applying for that process.
How do I know if I qualify?
A debt counsellor must assess your income, necessary living expenses and credit commitments. The answer depends on your full financial position, not only the size of one instalment.
Can I get new credit while under debt review?
No. New credit cannot be granted while you are formally under debt review. Eligibility to apply again returns after the required process is completed and a clearance certificate is issued, but a future credit provider still makes its own decision.
How long does debt counselling take?
There is no fixed period that applies to everyone. The length depends on your income, essential expenses, debt balances, repayment plan and whether payments remain up to date.
Does debt counselling have fees?
Yes. Formal debt counselling is not free. The applicable fees should be explained before you commit. DRC’s initial assessment is free.
What if creditors are already calling or I have received legal papers?
Tell the counsellor about every call, demand, summons or notice. The options and protections available can depend on the stage of each account, so do not delay or ignore legal documents.
Can I speak to someone before applying?
Yes. Start with a free assessment to understand your options before deciding whether to enter a formal process.
Start with a clear debt assessment
Share your income, expenses and credit commitments with an NCR-registered debt counsellor. We will explain whether debt review may fit your situation and what happens next.