Debt Review in South Africa
Yes, debt counselling and debt review are the same thing. They are two names for the same legal process under the National Credit Act (NCA). The terms are used interchangeably in South Africa. 'Debt counselling' refers to the process of being counselled by an NCR-registered debt counsellor, while 'debt review' refers to your application being 'under review' by creditors and the court. Both lead to the same outcome: reduced monthly payments and legal protection.
What is debt review?
Debt counselling is a legal program regulated by the NCR under the National Credit Act. It helps over-indebted South Africans by restructuring their debt with affordable monthly payments and legal protection from creditors. A registered debt counsellor negotiates with your creditors to create a payment plan based on what you can afford that gets court approval.
Who can apply
South African residents with regular income who are struggling to meet monthly debt obligations can apply. You must be over-indebted (expenses exceed income). Consumers married in community of property must apply jointly. Self-employed individuals can also apply with proof of income.
Legal protection you get
Once you apply for debt counselling, creditors cannot repossess your assets (home, car), take legal action against you, harass you with collection calls, or issue new garnishee orders. This protection begins immediately upon application.
How long it takes
The debt counselling process typically takes 6-8 weeks for court approval once all documents are submitted. The complete debt repayment period is usually 3-5 years depending on your total debt and repayment capacity.
What it costs
Debt counselling costs are regulated by the NCR: Application fee R50-R300, Administration fee R300, Restructuring fee R8,000-R9,000 (spread over 12-24 months), Monthly aftercare maximum R450. Most fees are included in your reduced monthly payment.
Application Fee
R50-R300 once-off fee payable upon application for debt counselling
Administration Fee
R300 once-off fee for administrative processing and NCR registration
Restructuring Fee
R8,000-R9,000 spread over 12-24 months for debt restructuring and creditor negotiations
Monthly Aftercare Fee
Maximum R450 per month for ongoing case management until clearance certificate
Getting out of debt review
Two regulated exits are available once your circumstances change. Read the dedicated guides for each route:
Clearance Certificate (Form 19)
For consumers who have settled all debts or where only an up-to-date home loan remains.
Clearance guideDebt Review Removal
Court application for consumers no longer over-indebted under the National Credit Act. Clearance certificate from R450, court route from R8,550 (VAT excl.).
NCR-registered debt counsellor
Sibabalwe Samora Dakana — The National Debt Review Center — Gqeberha, Harborview Building. NCR registration NCRDC3106, certificate valid until 31 July 2027.
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