The extent of unpaid debt in South Africa declined in the first six months of this year compared with the same period last year, Statistics SA reported on Thursday.
It recorded a decrease of two percent in the total number of civil summonses issued for debt, while the number of civil judgments for debt dropped by 8,8%.
The total value of civil judgments for debt in the first half the year compared to the same period last year declined by 12,7%.
Stats SA said the total number of civil summonses issued in the second quarter of this year increased slightly (0,7%) compared with the second quarter of last year.
”The major contributor … was civil summonses issued in respect of money lent. However, the increase was partially counteracted by a decrease in summonses issued for debt relating to good sold on account.”
The total number of civil judgments for debt recorded in the second quarter of this year fell by 5,1% compared with the second quarter of last year.
There had also been a decline (18,2%) in the total value of such judgments issued over the period concerned.
A comparison — after seasonal adjustments — of figures from the first and second quarters of this year showed a 4,3% rise in the number of summonses issued for debt.
Judgments for debt recorded increased by 1,1% from the
first to the second quarter of this year, while the total value of such judgments fell by 19,3%. – Sapa