No. Debt review is not a criminal record. Debt review is a civil financial status created under the National Credit Act 34 of 2005 to assist over-indebted consumers. It has nothing to do with criminal law or the Criminal Procedure Act.
Debt review appears on your credit profile at the major credit bureaus: TransUnion, Experian, XDS, and VCCB. It shows as a flag indicating you are participating in a debt restructuring process. The flag:
• Prevents new credit applications under Section 88 of the NCA.
• Is visible to credit providers when they check your profile.
• Does not appear on a criminal record check or police clearance certificate.
• Does not affect your ability to vote, travel internationally, or hold a driver's licence.
• Does not affect employment in most sectors, though some financial sector employers consider it during screening.
A criminal record is a separate record maintained by the South African Police Service through the Criminal Record Centre. It records convictions for criminal offences tried in a criminal court. Debt and inability to pay creditors is not a criminal offence in South Africa.
If you have been told debt review creates a criminal record, that information is incorrect. The solution to debt review affecting credit applications or employment screening is removing it through the proper legal process.