How to Remove Debt Review from Your Name in South Africa in 2025

Being under debt review can be a lifesaver if you're struggling financially, but once you're back on your feet, removing the debt review status from your name is essential to regain financial freedom. In 2025, understanding the legal steps involved is key to restoring your creditworthiness and moving forward.

At Jonker Vorster Attorneys, we’ve helped many South Africans navigate the complexities of debt review removal—and we’re here to help you too.

Understanding Debt Review

Debt review is a legal process introduced under the National Credit Act (NCA) to protect over-indebted consumers. A registered debt counsellor assesses your finances and negotiates a more manageable repayment plan with your creditors. While you’re under debt review:

• You can’t take on new credit.

• A flag appears on your credit profile.

• Legal action from creditors is paused—if you’re compliant.

Although this offers protection, the debt review flag limits your financial flexibility. Once your debts are settled or your financial position has improved, the next step is to clear your name.

Steps to Remove Debt Review from Your Name

1. Settle All Debts

The primary requirement to exit debt review is the full settlement of all accounts that were placed under the debt review arrangement. These typically include:

• Personal loans

• Credit cards

• Store accounts

• Overdraft facilities

A home loan may be excluded if it was up to date when you entered debt review. Partial settlements, payment arrangements, or missed instalments can disqualify you from receiving a clearance certificate.

2. Obtain a Clearance Certificate (Form 19)

Once all debt is paid off, your debt counsellor must issue a Form 19 clearance certificate. This legally confirms that you’ve fulfilled your obligations under debt review.

Only an NCR-registered debt counsellor can issue this certificate, and they’re obligated to do so once they confirm that:

• All short-term debts are paid in full.

• The home loan (if included) is up to date.

3. Credit Bureau Notification

Your debt counsellor is then responsible for submitting the clearance certificate to all credit bureaus. These bureaus will remove the debt review flag from your profile—though the timing may vary between agencies.

Keep in mind:

• You have a right to receive confirmation from the bureaus.

• If the bureaus don’t update your status, you can escalate the issue with the NCR.

Alternative Route: Court Application for Removal

In some situations, consumers wish to exit debt review before settling all debt—perhaps due to improved income or errors in the original assessment.

In this case, you may approach the Magistrate’s Court and apply under Section 87(1)(a) of the NCA to be declared “no longer over-indebted.” A successful application will allow:

• The removal of the debt review flag.

• Restoration of access to credit.

• An end to the obligations under the review order.

This process requires legal assistance, supporting financial documents, and a court appearance.

How Long Does It Take to Remove the Debt Review Flag?

The timeline for removal depends on how you exit the process:

After Debt Settlement & Clearance Certificate

• 7 to 21 working days (including credit bureau updates)

• Delays may occur if the debt counsellor is slow to act or credit bureaus have a backlog.

Via Court Application

• 30 to 90 days depending on the court’s availability and complexity of the matter.

• This includes preparing documents, filing court papers, and awaiting a court date.

You can fast-track the process by:

• Working with a proactive legal team.

• Gathering all relevant documentation early.

• Following up regularly with your debt counsellor or legal representative.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Unresponsive Debt Counsellors

Some consumers find that their counsellor has closed, moved, or refuses to issue a clearance certificate. In such cases, a new counsellor or an attorney can assist in retrieving the necessary data from the Payment Distribution Agent (PDA) and initiating removal.

Bureau Delays

Credit bureaus are legally obligated to update your profile within 20 business days. If they don't, lodge a complaint with the National Credit Regulator.

Debt Not Fully Paid

If you still owe money or settled for less than the original amount, the debt review flag will remain. In this case, a court application is your best option.

FAQs About How to Remove Debt Review from Your Name

Can I remove myself from debt review without help?

No, either a registered debt counsellor or a court order is required.

Will I be able to take out a loan immediately after removal?

What if my debt counsellor is no longer in business?

Can I start the process if I’ve missed payments?

Conclusion on the Debt Review Flag

Removing the debt review flag from your name is a critical step toward regaining financial independence. Whether you’ve settled all your debts or need to approach the court for early exit, the process must be handled correctly to avoid further complications.

At Jonker Vorster Attorneys, we assist clients throughout South Africa with legal debt review removal. From reviewing your debt situation to representing you in court if necessary—we ensure your financial rights are protected.

Contact Jonker Vorster Attorneys today to remove your Debt Review flag and take the first step toward financial freedom in 2025!