THE National Debt Mediation Association has dealt with 1872 valid complaints since it was set up 19 months ago.
Between April 2009 and September this year, it dealt with 4664 complaints and enquiries - of which 1872 were valid complaints and 2792 were enquiries, chief executive Magauta Mphahlele said yesterday.
The queries related to consolidation loans and credit bureaus.
Many people wanted to know about debt counselling, holiday packages, admin orders, garnishee orders, payment arrangements, school fee disputes, landlord disputes, and furniture disputes.
Of the 1240 complaints received from January to September this year, 940 were finalised and 300 were pending, Mphahlele said.
The association is a nonprofit organisation which tries to help consumers get out of debt through mediation. It is allowed to resolve complaints against credit providers who subscribe to the industry code of conduct.
The National Credit Act offers consumers various legal and voluntary options to resolve debt problems, including direct negotiation with credit providers, or approaching a debt counsellor.
Mphahlele warned people to spend their 13th cheques wisely by drawing up, and sticking to a budget.
"A large portion of your budget should be allocated to necessary items like food, school uniform, debt, transport and emergencies," he said.
"An insignificant part of your income should go towards entertainment."
More consumers have debt complaints
THE National Debt Mediation Association has dealt with 1872 valid complaints since it was set up 19 months ago.
Between April 2009 and September this year, it dealt with 4664 complaints and enquiries - of which 1872 were valid complaints and 2792 were enquiries, chief executive Magauta Mphahlele said yesterday.
The queries related to consolidation loans and credit bureaus.
Many people wanted to know about debt counselling, holiday packages, admin orders, garnishee orders, payment arrangements, school fee disputes, landlord disputes, and furniture disputes.
Of the 1240 complaints received from January to September this year, 940 were finalised and 300 were pending, Mphahlele said.
The association is a nonprofit organisation which tries to help consumers get out of debt through mediation. It is allowed to resolve complaints against credit providers who subscribe to the industry code of conduct.
The National Credit Act offers consumers various legal and voluntary options to resolve debt problems, including direct negotiation with credit providers, or approaching a debt counsellor.
Mphahlele warned people to spend their 13th cheques wisely by drawing up, and sticking to a budget.
"A large portion of your budget should be allocated to necessary items like food, school uniform, debt, transport and emergencies," he said.
"An insignificant part of your income should go towards entertainment."