Debt collection becoming a real problem in SA - these are your rights

Most consumers are struggling to make ends meet and more often than not, they turn to credit and debt when they run out of money long before month-end.

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Since they are unable to pay their debts, debt collections are becoming a problem.

While the bad news is that you have to pay your debts in the end, the good news is that you have rights when it comes to debt collection.

According to Experian, nearly 10 million South Africans are more than three months behind on their debt payments and many face aggressive calls, threats and pressure to pay up.

Rynhardt de Lange, director and head of legal at Milaw Legal, says creditor harassment remains a major issue.

One of the most common tricks he sees is how Section 129 notices are misused.

"Section 129 notices are meant to open a conversation between the consumer and creditor before any legal action but these days, they are often sent like a final warning meant to scare people," he says.