How Debt Review Works in South Africa – A Step-by-Step Guide

Junaid Parker
6 days ago
2 min read

If you're drowning in debt and unsure how to move forward, you're not alone. Many South

Africans are struggling to keep up with bond repayments, vehicle finance, personal loans, and credit card debt. Fortunately, there’s a powerful solution called Debt Review—and it could be the lifeline you need.

At Smart Debt Solutions, we help everyday South Africans take back control of their finances through the Debt Review process. Here’s how it works, step by step.

Step 1: Free Debt Assessment

Your journey starts with a confidential, no-obligation debt assessment. We’ll review your income, expenses, and all current debts to determine whether you're over-indebted—that means you're unable to meet all your financial obligations on time.

If you're over-indebted, you legally qualify for Debt Review under the National Credit Act (NCA).

Step 2: You Enter Debt Review

Once we confirm your situation, you’ll be placed under Debt Review. This means:

✅ All credit providers must stop contacting you✅ Legal action (like repossession) is paused✅ You can’t take on more credit until you exit the process

We notify all your creditors and the credit bureaus that you’re under Debt Review, and they’re legally bound to cooperate.

Step 3: We Create a New Repayment Plan

Our team of registered Debt Counsellors will:

Negotiate lower interest rates with your credit providers
Extend your payment terms to make installments more affordable
Combine all debts into a single monthly payment that fits your budget

You’ll only have one payment to make each month, handled by a Payment Distribution Agency (PDA) registered with the National Credit Regulator (NCR). No more juggling multiple accounts and due dates.

Step 4: Your Debt is Repaid Safely Over Time

As long as you stick to the restructured payment plan, you’ll remain protected. You’ll continue to pay monthly until all debts under review are settled, usually over a period of 36 to 60 months.

This gives you time to recover financially without the threat of losing your home or car.

Step 5: You Get a Clearance Certificate

Once all debts are fully paid off (except your home loan, if excluded), you’ll receive a Clearance Certificate (Form 19). This certificate confirms you’re debt-free, and we’ll send it to all credit bureaus so they can update your credit record.

You’re then officially released from Debt Review—and ready for a fresh financial start.

Is Debt Review Right for You?

You may qualify if:

Your debts are more than your monthly income
You are behind on payments or legal action is looming
You want to protect your assets from repossession
You are serious about becoming debt-free

Why Choose Smart Debt Solutions?

We're a trusted name in South Africa for a reason:

100% NCR-compliant service
Transparent and affordable fees
Empathetic, expert support from start to finish
Thousands of South Africans helped

✅ Get Started Today – It’s Free and Confidential

Ready to take control of your finances?📞 Call us now for your free debt assessment📝 Or apply online in under 5 minutes

Let Smart Debt Solutions walk the journey with you—from financial pressure to peace of mind.