By Casper le Grange, NCR-registered Debt Counsellor | DCGsa

Completing your debt review journey is a major financial milestone, and at DCGsa, we celebrate this achievement with you. You’ve worked hard to regain control of your finances, and now that you’ve crossed the finish line, it’s time to look ahead with confidence.

But what exactly happens once you’ve finished the debt review process? Let me walk you through the next important steps.

1. Your Clearance Certificate: The Golden Ticket

Once you have paid off all your unsecured debts, excluding bod, under debt review. We’ll then issue a Form 19, known as your Clearance Certificate.

This certificate confirms that:

  • All your restructured debts have been settled in full.
  • Your credit profile is ready to be restored.
  • You are officially released from the debt review process.

2. What About My Credit Record?

One of the most common questions we hear at DCGsa is: “Will my credit record be clean after debt review?”

The good news is, once your Clearance Certificate is issued, we send it to the credit bureaus along with a notice to remove the debt review flag from your credit report. According to the National Credit Act, the bureaus must comply with this and update your profile.

However, it’s important to note:

  • SECTION 71 (5) of the National credit act / Expunge of all adverse information

    (5) Upon receiving a copy of a clearance certificate, a credit bureau, or the national

    credit register, must expunge from its records-

    (a) the fact that the consumer was subject to the relevant debt re-arrangement

    order or agreement;

    (b) any information relating to any default by the consumer that may have-

    (i) precipitated the debt re-arrangement; or

    (ii) been considered in making the debt re-arrangement order or agreement;

    and

    (c) any record that a particular credit agreement was subject to the relevant debt

    re-arrangement order or agreement.

    (6) Upon receiving a copy of a court order rescinding any judgment, a credit bureau

    (7) Failure by a credit bureau to comply with a notice issued in terms of section

    in relation to this section, is an offence.

  • Your credit score will improve over time, provided you continue to practice good financial habits.

3. Can I Apply for Credit Again?

Absolutely! Once the debt review flag is removed, you can re-enter the credit market. However, at DCGsa, we advise taking a responsible and measured approach.

Casper’s Tip: “Before applying for new credit, take stock of your financial goals. Is borrowing necessary, or can you build wealth through saving and investing instead?”

Remember, the purpose of debt review was to help you recover from over-indebtedness, so it’s wise to avoid falling back into old patterns.

4. Rebuilding Your Financial Future

Debt freedom is just the beginning. Here’s how to make the most of your clean slate:

  • Stick to a budget – DCGsa offers free budgeting tools to help you stay on track.
  • Start saving – Even small contributions to an emergency fund can protect you from future financial stress.
  • Rebuild your credit score – If you decide to take new credit, manage it responsibly with timely payments and low balances.
  • Plan for the long-term – Whether it’s saving for retirement, your children’s education, or buying a home, use your newfound stability to work towards your dreams.

5. We’re Still Here for You

At DCGsa, we believe debt review is more than just a legal process – it’s a personal journey. And our support doesn’t end when you receive your Clearance Certificate. If you ever need advice, guidance, or help with financial planning, our team remains just a call away.

Casper le Grange and the DCGsa team have walked this road with thousands of South Africans, guiding them towards financial wellness. Your success story is part of why we do what we do.

Final Thoughts

Completing debt review is a remarkable achievement – one that brings both relief and a fresh sense of empowerment. At DCGsa, we’re incredibly proud to have been part of your journey to financial freedom.