The Act makes provision for the registration of debt counsellors which have complied with all the provisions of The Act and satisfied the training requirements of the NCR.
Debt cousellors will conduct independent enquiries into consumers’ financial circumstances and make recommendations to the courts concerning debt restructuring and suspension of reckless credit agreements.
Requirements for Registering as a Debt Counsellor as per Section 44 and Regulation 10 of the National Credit Amendment Act, 19 of 2014:
1. Applicant must be 18 years or older
2. Must have a grade 12 certificate or equivalent level 4 qualification issued by the South African Qualifications Authority in terms of regulation 10 ( a) ( i)
3. Must successfully complete a debt counselling course approved by the National Credit Regulator and provided by an institution approved by the National Credit Regulator; be 18 years or older
o University of Pretoria (Law Clinic) - 012 420 5235
o Damelin - 011 796 2000
o Rudo Research Training - 012 663 3251/3120
o Summit Financial Partners - 087 806 1000
o Compuscan Academy - 021 888 6000
4. Must have a minimum of two years working experience in any of the following fields;
o Consumer Protection
o Complaints Resolution
o Consumer Advisory Services
o Legal or Paralegal Services
o Accounting or financial services
o Education or training of Individuals
o Counselling of Individuals
o General Business Environment
5. Must not be subject to an Administration order as contemplated in section 74 of the Magistrate‘s court Act 32 of 1944
6. Must not be subject to debt re-arrangement as contemplated in section 86 and 87 of the National Credit Act.
7. Must not be engaged in, employed by or acting as an agent for a person that is engaged in –
o Debt collection
o The operation of a credit bureau
o Credit provision
8. The person must demonstrate ability to manage his / her own finances at the time of applying for registration as well as providing counselling or transfer of skills
