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What is Debt Review in South Africa? A complete Guide

Written by Meerkat | 07-Mar-2026 07:27:25

What Is Debt Review? (Quick Answer)

Debt review is a legal process created by the National Credit Act to help South Africans who cannot afford their debt repayments.

A registered debt counsellor reviews your finances and works with your creditors to:

• reduce interest rates
• extend repayment terms
• combine your debts into one affordable monthly payment

While under debt review:

• creditors cannot harass you
• legal action is paused
• you cannot take new credit

Once all your debts are repaid, your debt counsellor issues a clearance certificate and the debt review flag is removed from your credit report.

Debt review gives you legal protection and a structured path to becoming debt-free.