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Debt counselling & debt review in South Africa
The door to a future without debt.
Personal debt counselling. Clear explanations. A practical way forward.When debt starts to affect your peace of mind, taking the first step can feel difficult. At PLCS, we listen, help you understand your position and explain the options available to you. You will know who is handling your matter and what is needed next.Debt counselling is led by Ancil van Heerden, registered debt counsellor NCRDC164, with office support from Sonnette Kretschmer.
Our Vision
To help consumers work towards a future without unmanageable debt, with the knowledge and confidence to make responsible financial decisions.
Our Mission
To provide personal debt counselling, practical education and careful follow-through, grounded in the National Credit Act, sound evidence and respect for everyone involved.
Important Information
An enquiry is not an application for debt review. Debt counselling is a formal process. Fees and credit restrictions apply. It does not cancel debt or guarantee a particular outcome. We explain the implications before you decide to apply.
Contact Us
Whether you're struggling with debt repayments, need assistance with an existing debt-review matter or are seeking professional guidance, PLCS welcomes your enquiry.We understand that financial difficulties can be stressful. Our approach is personal, practical and focused on helping you understand your circumstances and the options available.
Speak to Ancil van Heerden
Registered Debt Counsellor: NCRDC164
Telephone: 072 180 6014
Email: [email protected]
How to Make an Enquiry
To help us understand your needs, please provide:- Your name
- Your preferred contact method
- A brief description of the assistance you requireIf you have received a Section 129 notice, summons or other urgent legal correspondence, please mention this when contacting us. We will explain the next steps and how to provide any supporting documentation if required.
Your Privacy Matters
Please do not include identity numbers, banking details, passwords or sensitive financial documents in your initial enquiry.We handle personal information in accordance with applicable South African privacy legislation, including the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
Important Information
Making an enquiry does not automatically place you under debt review.Formal debt counselling requires an application and assessment in accordance with the National Credit Act. We explain the process, applicable fees, restrictions and potential consequences before you decide whether to proceed.
Take the First Step
Contact Ancil today to discuss your circumstances and explore the options available to you.
Our Services
Personal Debt Counselling
For consumers struggling with credit repayments, Ancil assesses your financial circumstances, explains whether debt review may be appropriate and guides you through the process.Where appropriate, this includes preparing repayment proposals, engaging with credit providers and arranging the required legal referrals.
Aftercare and Account Enquiries
We assist with debt-review progress enquiries, payment-distribution queries, account information and follow-up on existing arrangements.Consumers are encouraged to report payment difficulties or disputed account information promptly so these matters can be investigated.
Debt-Review Status and Clearance Enquiries
We assess the documentation and current status of your debt-review matter before explaining the available options.Clearance, transfers between debt counsellors and correction of inaccurate information are separate processes. We do not promise immediate removal of debt-review indicators.
Debt Counselling Practice Setup
Drawing on Ancil's extensive industry experience, PLCS assists new debt counsellors with establishing their practices.Services may include office setup, administrative procedures, mentoring and practical training, with the scope and fees agreed in advance.
Training and Professional Development
PLCS welcomes enquiries about practical debt-review training, workshops and professional support.Ancil is developing Debt Review: Back to Basics (BTB), a learning resource connecting the National Credit Act with the practical requirements of debt counselling.Training availability, materials and fees are confirmed before an engagement is accepted.
Consumer Financial Wellness
PLCS welcomes discussions with employers, credit providers and other organisations about consumer financial education, responsible referrals and financial wellness initiatives.Participation and referrals respect consumer choice and confidentiality.
Fees and Scope of Services
We explain the proposed services, applicable fees and any separate legal or third-party costs before you commit.PLCS does not provide loans or promise debt write-offs. Court representation is arranged through appropriately authorised legal practitioners.
Training and Consumer Wellness
Debt Review: Back to Basics (BTB)
Ancil van Heerden is developing Debt Review: Back to Basics (BTB), a practical learning resource connecting the National Credit Act with the everyday requirements of debt counselling.The programme explores credit agreements, financial assessments, repayment proposals, negotiations, court preparation, aftercare, governance and professional accountability. Training enquiries are welcome. Programme availability, course materials, dates and fees will be confirmed separately.
Mentoring New Debt Counsellors
Establishing a debt counselling practice involves more than understanding the legislation.Ancil has assisted new debt counsellors in establishing their offices and provides practical guidance on administration, file management, consumer communication and professional responsibilities. Mentoring arrangements are tailored to individual requirements, with the scope and fees agreed in advance.Each practitioner remains responsible for their own registration and regulatory obligations.
Professional Standards
PLCS requires its support team to complete the eight-volume BTB programme and relevant assessments, together with practical training in the systems used for their assigned responsibilities.This training does not confer NCR registration or authorise support staff to perform functions reserved for registered debt counsellors.
Consumer Financial Wellness
PLCS welcomes discussions with employers, credit providers and other organisations about consumer financial education and wellness initiatives.Our objective is to help consumers recognise financial difficulties, understand the assistance available and make informed decisions without pressure. Participation is voluntary, and referrals must respect confidentiality and individual choice.Under the proposed credit-provider referral initiative, PLCS does not pay or receive referral commissions.
Received a Section 129 Notice?
If you have received a Section 129 notice under the National Credit Act, read it carefully and seek advice promptly.A referral to PLCS does not replace the statutory notice or automatically suspend legal proceedings. Please tell us about any existing legal action when making an enquiry.
Important Training Information
BTB is a practical professional learning resource. No external accreditation or endorsement is claimed. Participation does not replace any legally required qualification or professional registration.
About PLCS
Experience, Responsibility and Personal Attention
Perceptive Legal & Consulting Resources CC (PLCS) combines extensive experience in debt counselling, legal processes, compliance and consumer service.Our approach is personal and practical. We take the time to understand each client's circumstances, explain the available options and provide professional guidance throughout the debt counselling process.
Ancil van Heerden | Registered Debt Counsellor
B.Proc • LLB • Admitted Advocate of the High Court of South Africa
Registered Debt Counsellor: NCRDC164Ancil has worked in debt counselling since 2007. Her professional background includes banking, legal and compliance work, senior leadership in the debt-review industry, and practical training.She brings this experience to the assessment of consumers' financial circumstances, engagement with credit providers and development of appropriate debt-review solutions.Ancil has also assisted new debt counsellors in establishing their practices, providing mentoring and practical industry training.She is developing Debt Review: Back to Basics (BTB), a professional learning resource connecting the National Credit Act with the practical requirements of debt counselling.At PLCS, Ancil is responsible for professional debt counselling decisions, recommendations and statutory sign-off.
Sonnette Kretschmer | Office Manager
Sonnette brings more than 14 years of experience in debt-review administration, consumer service, executive complaints and communication with credit providers and legal representatives.She coordinates office administration, documentation, consumer enquiries and follow-up, working closely with Ancil to ensure matters receive appropriate attention.
Our Values
Clear communication, confidentiality, accuracy and accountability are central to our approach.We treat consumers with dignity, engage credit providers professionally and believe that informed consumers are better equipped to take control of their financial futures.
Process
Debt counselling starts with understanding your circumstances. The route and outcome depend on your income, expenses, credit agreements and the legal position of each account.Step 1 — Talk to UsTell us what is happening and whether you have received any legal notices. We explain the debt counselling process, applicable fees and potential consequences.An initial enquiry does not place you under debt review.Step 2 — Apply and Provide Your InformationIf you decide to apply, we guide you through the formal application process and required documentation. This usually includes identification, income and expense information, account details and relevant legal documents.Ancil assesses the information and carries out the required notifications and enquiries.Step 3 — Consider a Realistic ProposalWhere appropriate, Ancil develops a repayment proposal based on your verified financial circumstances. She engages with the affected credit providers to explore suitable arrangements.Proposed concessions and reduced instalments are not guaranteed.Step 4 — Follow the Appropriate Legal ProcessThe assessment and applicable legal requirements determine the next steps. Matters requiring a court decision are referred to court. Qualifying agreed arrangements may follow the statutory consent-order process.PLCS explains the appropriate process and the role of any legal practitioner involved.Step 5 — Make Payments and Stay InvolvedFollow the applicable payment instructions and keep records of your payments. Contact PLCS promptly about account enquiries, changes in circumstances or difficulty making payments.A payment distribution agent distributes funds but does not replace the debt counsellor's responsibilities or your obligation to make payments.Step 6 — Check Eligibility for ClearanceWhen the requirements of Section 71 of the National Credit Act are satisfied, the debt counsellor addresses the clearance process. A qualifying mortgage may remain in place where the statutory conditions are met.We assess the relevant evidence before confirming eligibility for clearance.
Your Responsibilities
- Provide complete and accurate information.
- Read documents carefully before signing.
- Ask questions whenever something is unclear.
- Keep records of your payments.
- Report changes in your financial circumstances promptly.Do not assume that an enquiry or pending request changes your existing payment obligations or automatically stops legal enforcement.
FAQ
Is debt counselling a loan or a debt write-off?
No. Debt counselling is a formal assessment and debt-rearrangement process. You remain responsible for your obligations under the applicable lawful arrangement or order.
Will interest stop, or will every payment be reduced?
There is no automatic interest freeze or guaranteed reduction in repayments. We explain what can realistically be proposed in your circumstances.
Can I keep using credit?
Credit restrictions apply during debt review. We explain these restrictions and their implications before you apply.
Will my home or vehicle be safe?
There is no blanket guarantee. Your circumstances, the legal stage of your accounts and compliance with the applicable arrangement all matter.
What does debt counselling cost?
We provide written information about applicable fees and explain any separate legal or third-party costs before you commit.
Can I leave debt review whenever I want?
The lawful process depends on your circumstances and the stage of your debt review. Transferring to another debt counsellor does not automatically end debt review.
What if I cannot afford my next payment?
Contact us immediately. Do not reduce or stop payments on the assumption that a proposed change has already been approved.
Does contacting PLCS automatically place me under debt review?
No. Making an enquiry by telephone, email or WhatsApp does not constitute a formal debt-review application.
How long does debt counselling take?
The duration depends on your debts, repayment capacity and the progress of the required process. We assess your individual circumstances rather than promise a fixed completion date.
Privacy and Personal Information
At PLCS, we respect your privacy and are committed to handling personal information responsibly and in accordance with applicable South African privacy legislation, including the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).We collect and use personal information for legitimate purposes connected with responding to enquiries, providing debt counselling and delivering our professional services.Please do not include identity numbers, bank details, passwords or sensitive documents in an initial website enquiry. We will explain how to submit supporting documents when required.For questions about your personal information or our privacy practices, please contact [email protected].
Perceptive Legal & Consulting Resources CC, trading as PLCS.
Resources
Working With Others
Effective debt counselling requires accurate information and constructive communication.PLCS works with credit providers, payment distribution agents and legal practitioners within their respective professional roles. We believe that cooperation, accountability and clear communication help consumers understand and manage their debt-review arrangements.The National Credit Regulator, National Consumer Tribunal, courts and Debt Counsellors Association of South Africa (DCASA) perform important regulatory, legal and industry functions. These organisations are not presented as commercial partners or endorsers of PLCS.
Newsletters and Media
We aim to share practical information, professional insights and clear explanations about responsible debt counselling. Topics include preparing for debt counselling, understanding payment records, consumer responsibilities and developments affecting the debt-review industry.Articles and updates will be made available as they are prepared and approved.
Resource Library
Understanding your rights and responsibilities is an important part of making informed financial decisions.Our resource library is intended to provide helpful information about debt counselling, the National Credit Act and preparing for your first consultation. Resources may include introductory guides, consumer information and practical document checklists. Only current, approved materials will be made available for download.General information cannot determine the outcome of an individual debt-review matter.
Professional Learning Resources
Ancil van Heerden is developing Debt Review: Back to Basics (BTB), a practical learning resource for debt counselling professionals.For information about BTB materials, professional training or mentoring, please contact PLCS. Training materials are subject to applicable terms of use and are not provided as unrestricted public downloads.
Contact Us
For enquiries about professional collaboration, consumer resources, training or debt counselling, please contact:[email protected]