National Debt Helpline - Specialists in Debt Review and Debt Review Removals
Expert guidance to navigate Debt Review and Debt Review Removal
About Our Founder
"I have always had a personal relationship with debt"
This profession found me long before I understood what debt truly meant. Growing up, its presence was impossible to ignore—like a visitor that had somehow become a permanent part of our lives.
Perhaps that is why, even today, I see this work as something far greater than a profession. Behind every file is a person, a family, a story—and often, a burden that has been carried for far too long.
If we can make a meaningful difference in even one person’s life; if we can ease the financial burden carried by one family; if we can help someone wake up without the constant weight of wondering which bill will go unpaid, which creditor will call next, or whether there will be enough left at the end of the month—then the work is worthwhile.
For me, success is found in the difference we are able to make—in the weight we can help lift, the hope we can help restore, and the lives we can help move forward without the burden of debt or the shadow of a debt review flag.
I firmly believe that the future should never be determined by the past. The financial challenges faced by so many South Africans can often be resolved. Sometimes, what is simply needed is the right help, the right guidance, and knowing where to find it.
Katlego Lenoke
BCom. Accounting, University of Cape Town
LLB, University of South Africa
Debt Counselling, University of Pretoria
Registered Debt Counsellor (+10 years), NCRDC2629
Our Services
What we do...
01
Debt Review
Debt Review is not necessary for everyone, particularly where financial difficulties are temporary and can be resolved without formal intervention. However, when a person is genuinely struggling to meet their credit obligations, Debt Review can provide a structured and legally recognised mechanism to help manage their debt.
02
Debt Review Removal
There are times when you may no longer need to remain under Debt Review. You may have regained financial stability, settled your obligations, or reached a point where you are ready to pursue new financial goals—such as purchasing a home or vehicle—but find that your Debt Review status is preventing you from accessing credit.
03
Prescription
Some debts may no longer be legally enforceable because they have prescribed, subject to the applicable legal requirements. We assist in assessing potential prescription and, where appropriate, preparing and submitting the necessary disputes to the relevant South African credit bureaus to seek the removal of information that should no longer be reflected on your credit record.
04
Reckless Lending Investigations
Credit should only be granted after a proper assessment of a consumer’s ability to afford the repayments. Where a credit provider fails to conduct the required affordability assessment, or grants credit despite information indicating that the consumer could not reasonably afford it, the credit agreement may potentially constitute reckless credit. We investigate potential instances of reckless lending and, where appropriate, challenge the validity of the credit agreement in accordance with the National Credit Act.
How do I know if I need professional help?
A professional assessment by an experienced and qualified expert is often the best way to find out.
“I paid up all my debts but couldn’t get hold of my Debt Counsellor. After being stuck under Debt Review for many years, I applied online with National Debt Helpline. This was less than two months ago, and the Debt Review flag no longer appears on my credit report.”
Thembi
Client, Centurion
F.A.Q.
Find answers to commonly asked questions about our services.
Can I remove debt review myself?
Yes, it is possible, but not in all circumstances. If you need to be removed from debt review by way of a Clearance Certificate, then you need a debt counsellor to issue one for you.
The National Credit Act makes provision for you to approach a court and make an application for the removal of your debt review flag. This often requires extensive legal knowledge regarding the provisions of debt review contained in the National Credit Act. However, it is possible to make an application to court yourself and for a court to issue an order for the removal of your debt review flag.
Is it a good idea to go under debt review?
This largely depends on your circumstances. There are times when being under debt review is the best possible option, and there are times when it might not be such a good idea. It is therefore important to find a debt counsellor who genuinely wants to help you, rather than simply signing up clients for debt review, even when they do not need to be under debt review.
For instance, if you experienced a financial setback and were unable to pay your debts in a particular month, you generally would not need to be placed under debt review. However, if you have continuously missed payments and are finding it increasingly challenging to keep up with your debt repayments, then debt review might be a good solution.
How much does it cost to be removed from debt review?
There is no single prescribed amount for the removal of debt review. This is largely because the removal process may involve legal fees, which can vary depending on the attorney, location, scope of work and the specific circumstances of the matter.
At National Debt Helpline, the cost generally starts at R5,000.00 for the removal of debt review. However, this may vary slightly depending on what needs to be done on your particular file.
What are the disadvanges of Debt Review?
If a person actually needs to be placed under debt review, then the process itself does not carry any “disadvantages” as such.
Under the National Credit Act, your credit report will be flagged to reflect that you are under debt review, and you will not be able to be credit active until you have been removed from debt review.
The idea behind this is to allow you to finish paying the debts that you currently have without incurring additional debt. If you could take out more debt while we try to manage your existing debt, you would most likely need to remain under debt review for a very long time.
How long does it take to be cleared from Debt Review?
At National Debt Helpline, we start working on your file to remove your debt review flag immediately after you complete the signing process.
We may need to make a court application for the removal of your debt review flag, which means the duration will depend on how busy the Magistrates’ Court in your area is.
From our experience, we manage to have most of our clients removed from debt review within 10 to 90 business days, depending on what needs to be done.
Can I buy a car while I am under debt review?
If you are buying the car cash, then yes. However, if you are looking to finance the purchase of a car, then no. The National Credit Act specifically prohibits a person that is under debt review to be credit active. This means that you should not be given any form of finance while under debt review, including Vehicle Finance, Home Loans, Personal Loans, Credit Cards or even a Retail or Clothing Account.
You will need to be removed from debt review before you can finance the purchase of a car.
My Debt Counsellor issued a Form 17.W or suspended services. Am I off debt review?
No. A Form 17.W—where a debt counsellor is suspending debt review services—does not remove the debt review flag from your records. A person would still, for all intents and purposes, be actively marked as being under debt review. Such a person would still be prohibited from accessing credit. Any finance or loan application made to the banks would be rejected.