Training debt counsellors

In an effort to assist debt counsellors overcome the challenges they are facing, the National Credit Regulator (NCR) and the Banking Association of South Africa (BASA) are currently conducting training sessions for debt counsellors until the end of August 2008.

Mpho Thekiso: project manager for debt counselling at the NCR says these training sessions are a result of discussions that were held between major credit providers and a select group of debt counsellors on challenges they were both facing in dealing with debt counselling cases.

According to Thekiso, the objective of the training workshops is to update counsellors on new rules and standardised procedures that were agreed upon by the two parties on communicating with credit providers, debt restructuring, submission of proposals and taking matters to court that would be generally acceptable to most credit providers.

“These rules will ensure speedy resolution of most debt counselling cases and less referrals to the magistrate courts,” says Thekiso. The training is provided free of charge, but Debt Counsellors are requested to make their own travel arrangements.

The NCR and the Banking Association (on behalf of credit providers) have joined hands in funding these workshops. The workshops are only for registered debt counsellors.

Thekiso disclosed that independent trainers were appointed to facilitate these workshops. She also advised that such training is crucial to the debt counsellors' practice.

Apart from protective measures offered by the National Credit Act, beleaguered consumers also have the services of Debt Counsellors who ensure that they get out of the debt spiral.

The sections of the National Credit Act relevant to over-indebtedness, debt counselling and debt restructuring became effective on 1 June 2007.

The Act makes provision for the registration of Debt Counsellors to assist over-indebted consumers. Debt counsellors are required to undergo training approved by the NCR.

Course venues and dates:

Pretoria: 14 - 15 July 2008 (RSVP by 10 July)
Bloemfontein: 16 - 17 July 2008 (RSVP by 11 July)
Midrand: 24 - 25 July 2008 (RSVP by 17 July)
Kimberley: 30 - 31 July 2008 (RSVP by 24 July)
Port Elizabeth: 19 - 20 August 2008 (RSVP by 12 August)
Potchefstroom: 26 - 27 August 2008 (RSVP by 15 August)

Any queries can be sent to Thabang Moledi on 011 554 2728, while bookings can be made through Zweli Biyela on zweli.iss@fais.co.zaor 083 522 1623