Kenny asks: I was employed by one of the large insurance companies in South Africa. When I resigned, I was blacklisted for policies that lapsed after my resignation.
I tried to make arrangements to pay this debt but no one is able to assist me. The insurance company sends me from pillar to post while the attorneys appointed to recover these monies say they do not hand out acknowledgement of debt letters.
Now I can’t get employed by any institution without an acknowledgement of debt letter from my previous employer, which means I will stay broke for a very long time.
Please advise as to what I can do to get them to give me a letter.
Maya replies: It is very important to know your rights and also to know how to enforce them. If you have acknowledged your debt and you are repaying it, then you should receive a letter to that effect.
A starting point is to contact the National Debt Mediation Centre on 086 111 6362 or SMS them on 32422. They will be able to assist you with what processes need to take place.
You can also contact the National Credit Regulator 0860 627 627 or email them at [email protected].
The Consumer Affairs Offices should also be able to assist. Below is a list of the regional offices:
- Eastern Cape — (040)609 3663/3050
- Gauteng — (011)335 8006/8
- Mpumalanga — (013)752 3761
- Limpopo — (015)293 8300
- North-West — (018)387 7700
- Free State — (051)400 4852
- Kwazulu Natal — (033)264 2500
- Northern Cape — (053)830 4800
- Western Cape — 0800 007 081
This type of contract would most likely fall outside of the Credit Ombuds but they would be able to assist you at least in understanding what you can expect from the attorneys and your former employer: You can contact them on 0861 662 837.
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