Debt Review Removal – What You Need to Know (Legal & NCR Compliant Guide)

This is for those who are NOT already clients of DCGsa.
In other words you never applied for debt review with DCGsa and you are not currently listed under DCGsa for debt review.
If you are a client of DCGsa please GO HERE.

If you are looking to be removed from Debt Review, it is important to understand:

There is no quick fix
There is no legal shortcut
And unfortunately, many consumers are misled

This page will guide you through:
✔ When you can legally exit debt review
✔ What your options are
✔ What documents we need to assist you
✔ The risks of doing it incorrectly

IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE

Once a Debt Review Court Order has been granted, it becomes a legally binding order in terms of the National Credit Act.

This means:

  • It cannot simply be cancelled
  • It cannot be removed because you are paying directly
  • It cannot be reversed by a third party

The law is very clear:

➡ The only way to exit debt review after a court order is through a Clearance Certificate (Form 19)

✔ This is supported by NCR guidelines and case law
✔ No company can override this process

According to NCR Withdrawal Guidelines:

  • A consumer cannot voluntarily withdraw from debt review once applied correctly
  • Once a court order is granted, repayment of debt is the only exit route

WHEN CAN YOU EXIT DEBT REVIEW?

You can ONLY exit debt review when:

All your debts (excluding a home loan) are paid in full and your Debt Counsellor issues a Clearance Certificate (Form 19)

📌 NCR confirms:
Consumers who have paid credit providers / accounts directly must provide paid-up letters to the debt counsellor to obtain clearance.

You CANNOT exit debt review if:

You still have outstanding debt (even one account)

You are paying directly to creditors

You want to “cancel” the process midway

Even if you pay directly, you are STILL under debt review
The court order remains active

⚠️ WARNING ABOUT “DEBT REVIEW REMOVAL” COMPANIES

Be extremely careful.

Many companies advertise:
❌ “Remove debt review fast”
❌ “Clear your name instantly”
❌ “Guaranteed removal”

This is illegal and misleading.

According to NCR Circular 2 of 2025:

  • Companies charging upfront fees for “debt review removal” are acting against the National Credit Act
  • Many consumers pay thousands of rands and get no results
  • Payment may not be taken before services are completed

Always verify before paying anyone.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE FINISHED PAYING YOUR DEBTS

If you believe your debts are paid:

OUR ASSESSMENT PROCESS (VERY IMPORTANT SECTION) We cannot give an answer without reviewing your full profile.

💰 Assessment Fee:

R345 (Incl. VAT)

✔ Includes:

  • NCR system check
  • Credit bureau check
  • Document review
  • Legal pathway assessment

📌 This fee is:

  • Payable upfront
  • Non-refundable
  • Required before any work begins

📩 Send us the following:

(If married / applied jointly → BOTH parties must submit)

WHERE TO START?

Fill in the form and submit your information for us to start the process.
You will receive an email with further instructions.

Once we receive everything:

  1. We analyse your status
  2. Determine what is legally possible
  3. Provide you with:
    • Clear feedback
    • Your options
    • Recommended next steps

OUR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE

✔ The BEST outcome is always:

👉 Complete the process
👉 Get a Clearance Certificate

Why?

Because ONLY a clearance certificate:
✔ Removes debt review status
✔ Clears your credit profile properly
✔ Allows you to start fresh

Reminder that if you qualify for a clearance:

We will need to request a transfer from your current Debt Counsellor.

If you owe your previous Debt Counsellor Fees, this will need to be settled before they accept the transfer and before we are legally able to work on your file.

    Please upload a clear copy of your ID document. This is required before we can proceed with your assessment.

    WHAT IF YOU HAVEN’T FINISHED PAYING ALL YOUR DEBT?

    Then removal becomes more complex.

    There are VERY LIMITED legal options, depending on:

    • Your NCR status
    • Whether a court order exists
    • Your payment history
    • Whether process was followed correctly

    In some cases:

    • Court processes may be required
    • Or you may need to continue payments until all debt that was listed under debt review is settled (excl. Bond)

    This is why a proper assessment is required

    IMPORTANT RISKS IF “REMOVAL” IS DONE INCORRECTLY

    If debt review is handled incorrectly, you risk:

    ❌ Being listed as non-compliant
    ❌ Legal action against you by credit providers
    ❌ Credit record not being updated and “bad record” for min 5 years after debt is settled
    ❌ Paying unnecessary fees
    ❌ Paying excessive amounts for a process that doesn’t exit you from debt review

    What we DO NOT do.

    It is important to be transparent about what we can and cannot do as registered Debt Counsellors.

    Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation in the market, and many consumers are misled by companies offering services that are not compliant with the National Credit Act.

    We Do NOT “Fix” Credit Report Listings

    We do not alter or “fix” incorrect listings on your credit report.

    👉 If you believe there is an error on your credit profile, you must contact:

    • The relevant credit provider, or
    • A registered credit bureau, or
    • The National Credit Regulator (NCR)

    These entities are responsible for investigating and correcting any inaccuracies.

    We Do NOT Remove Consumers from Debt Review Illegally

    We do not offer any service that attempts to remove a consumer from debt review outside of the legal process.

    If you are under debt review and still have outstanding debt:

    • Your debt must be settled (excluding a home loan where applicable)
    • A Clearance Certificate (Form 19) must be issued

    ⚠️ If any company promises to “remove” you from debt review while you still have outstanding debt, this is a major red flag.

    We strongly advise that you verify such companies directly with the National Credit Regulator (NCR).

    We Do NOT “Fix” Credit Scores

    There is no legitimate way to “fix” or artificially improve your credit score.

    👉 Your credit score improves naturally when:

    • Your debts are paid
    • Your accounts are up to date
    • Your credit profile reflects good behaviour over time

    We Do NOT Offer “Quick Fix” or “Guaranteed Removal” Services

    We do not:

    • Guarantee immediate removal from debt review
    • Offer “fast-track” or “express” exit solutions
    • Charge large upfront fees for unrealistic outcomes

    Every case must follow the legal process and be assessed individually.

    We Do NOT Take Over or Cancel Your Existing Debt Counsellor Without Process

    If you are currently under another Debt Counsellor:

    • We cannot simply “cancel” your existing arrangement
    • A proper transfer process must be followed
    • Outstanding fees may need to be settled first

    We Do NOT Ignore NCR Guidelines or the National Credit Act

    All our services are conducted in accordance with:

    ✔ The National Credit Act
    ✔ NCR Withdrawal Guidelines
    ✔ Applicable case law

    👉 This ensures that:

    • You are protected legally
    • Your credit record is updated correctly
    • You avoid further complications

    The Truth About Clearance Certificates (Section 71)

    Once you successfully complete debt review and receive a Clearance Certificate, your credit profile is updated in terms of the National Credit Act.

    In terms of Section 71(5):

    • The record of debt review is removed
    • All adverse information related to the debt review is expunged
    • Credit agreements under the arrangement are cleared

    This allows you to start fresh financially, legally and correctly.

    ⚠️ Final Word of Advice

    If something sounds too good to be true — it usually is.

    👉 Always:

    • Verify service providers with the NCR
    • Avoid paying large upfront fees for “removal”
    • Seek proper, legal advice

    We are here to guide you the right way — legally, transparently, and professionally.