THE NEW CREDIT LAW WILL ENABLE GOVERNMENT TO CRACK ON ILLEGAL LENDERS

THE NEW CREDIT LAW WILL ENABLE GOVERNMENT TO CRACK ON ILLEGAL LENDERS

BY BRIAN KAJENGO

President Jacob Zuma has signed into law the National Credit Amendment Act, 2014. The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies says this will amongst others offer more protection to consumers against irresponsible/ reckless lending practices.

He said it is unacceptable that 50% of about 21 million credit active consumers’ records are impaired, and many are currently unable to access credit and employment due unsecured lending and irresponsible lending practices

Minister Davies says it is an obligation of the government to protect vulnerable consumers against unscrupulous practices. This law will improve the effectiveness of Debt Counselling, Debt Review, and the work of Payment Distribution Agencies

“Currently a lot of credit is extended recklessly against the spirit and objectives of the Credit Act. Our investigation in Marikana found that 100% of the lenders looked at, did not adhere to the Act, thus leading to reckless credit. The National Credit Amendment Bill (NCAB) therefore empowers the Minister to prescribe affordability assessment regulations to achieve uniformity and consistency in this area. The affordability assessment regulations will include elements relating to discretionary income as well as determine the buffer in respect of income that not be taken into account when conducting affordability assessments. This will assist as most credit providers have provided credit to the maximum of the consumer's income, leaving the consumer with not much income for other things,’ said Minister Davies.

Davies added that government will be able to crack down on illegal lenders as all lenders required by the Law to register with the National Credit Regulator (NCR)

“The NCAB requires that all credit providers must be registered, irrespective of the threshold or number of credit agreements. However, it is proposed that the requirements for registration and fees payable should be less for smaller lenders in recognition of their size. If registered, it will be easier to identify unlawful ones, shut them down and prosecute the owners. It is a criminal offence for any person to operate as a credit provider illegally, and these people should be reported to the NCR”, he stated.

He highlighted that the Law will deal harshly with Deceptive Advertising of Credit to Consumers

Complaints rose about consumers being enticed and tempted to take credit, especially short term credit with high interest rates. These adverts come through emails, SMS, etc., and include offers of pre-approved loans and credit cards, which prey on vulnerable consumers. It is sad that most legitimate credit providers are involved in these kinds of practices. The Act empowers the NCR to deal with these practices, and we have impressed on them to closely monitor and take action against these unscrupulous companies,” eluded Minister Davies.

Explore minister Davies further said naming and shaming of these entities.