Straight talk on borrowing in South Africa
Plain-English guides to loans, credit and your rights, so you know the facts before you borrow.
A winter budget plans for the extra costs the cold brings: electricity, heating, warm clothing and food.
Use a SARS tax refund in this order: clear the most expensive debt, build a small emergency fund, cover a real upcoming cost such as school fees, put the rest towards a savings goal, then enjoy a planned treat.
You can remove a default only if it is wrong or it has reached its retention period.
The Credit Ombud is a free, independent service that resolves disputes between consumers and credit providers, credit bureaus and debt counsellors in South Africa.
Prescribed debt is a debt the Prescription Act no longer lets a creditor enforce in court.
If you face retrenchment in South Africa, you are generally entitled to notice or pay in lieu, any accrued leave pay and severance pay of at least one week for each completed year of service.
Why these guides are different
Grounded in SA credit law
Costs, rights and rules are explained in line with the National Credit Act, with official sources linked.
Plain-English only
Short sentences, real rand examples and no jargon you need a dictionary for.
No hype, no fake promises
We never promise guaranteed approval or "no credit check" loans. Every lender must check affordability.
Ready to see your options?
One free 5-minute form, referred to NCR-registered lenders.