LoanRating.co.za
MC

Msd Consulting

Debt Counselling Β· 8 reviews

#15

Rank

5.7/10

Our Score

Naledi KhumaloDr. Marcus Pretorius
Rating compiled by LoanRating.co.za
Text written by Naledi Khumalo, Personal Finance Editor
Material reviewed by Dr. Marcus Pretorius, Credit & Lending Compliance Expert
Last updated: 27 April 2026

How we rate

Each lender is scored out of 10 across five weighted factors: customer reviews (35%), loan terms & cost (25%), transparency (15%), NCR registration (15%), and customer support (10%). We are independent and never accept payment for higher rankings. Read full methodology β†’

Advertiser disclosureβ–Ύ

You're our first priority. Every time.

We believe every South African should be able to make borrowing decisions with confidence. While we don't cover every credit provider in South Africa, we work hard to feature a wide range of NCR-registered lenders and provide objective editorial comparisons you can trust.

Affiliate compensation is one of several factors that may affect which products we highlight or where partner lenders appear within promotional placements. Other factors include loan availability, NCR registration status, customer review volume, and the editorial relevance of a lender to a specific guide or comparison page.

However, these factors do not influence our editors' opinions or our scores. Every rating is calculated using the same independent methodology applied to every lender, partner or not. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favourable reviews, hide negative customer feedback, or alter their score. If a partner performs poorly on customer reviews or NCR compliance, their rating reflects that.

Debt Counselling Terms

Min Debt

Any amount

Process Length

36–60 months

Initial Fee

NCR-regulated

Monthly Fee

NCR-regulated

NCR Number

Not listed

Services Offered

  • βœ“Debt Counselling
  • βœ“Debt Consolidation
  • βœ“Debt Settlement
  • βœ“Credit Monitoring

Top Loans from Our Experts

Amount:
R500 – R350Β 000
Term:
2 months – 6 years
Interest:
0.1%
Min Age:
18+
First Free:
No
β˜… Expert Choice
Amount:
R500 – R15Β 000
Term:
1 day – 1 year
Interest:
0.01%
Min Age:
18+
First Free:
No
Amount:
R500 – R350Β 000
Term:
2 months – 4 months
Interest:
0.03%
Min Age:
18+
First Free:
No
Amount:
R500 – R4Β 000
Term:
5 days – 1 month
Interest:
0.16%
Min Age:
18+
First Free:
No
Amount:
R500 – R9Β 000
Term:
1 day – 6 months
Interest:
0%
Min Age:
18+
First Free:
Yes
Amount:
R500 – R9Β 000
Term:
1 day – 6 months
Interest:
0%
Min Age:
18+
First Free:
Yes

Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • βœ“ Offers a comprehensive range of debt relief services including formal debt counselling, consolidation, settlement, and credit monitoring
  • βœ“ Cape Town-based with real consultants available Monday to Friday, providing a personal and accessible service
  • βœ“ Multiple positive client reviews highlight patient, professional, and knowledgeable individual consultants
  • βœ“ Debt counselling process provides legal protection against creditor harassment and asset repossession under the NCA
  • βœ“ Negotiates directly with credit providers to reduce monthly repayments and interest rates, potentially saving clients significant amounts over time
  • βœ“ Process covers a broad range of debt types, helping clients consolidate obligations into a single managed monthly payment
  • βœ“ Operates under the regulatory framework of the National Credit Act, which sets consumer protections and fee caps for debt counsellors

Disadvantages

  • βœ— No NCR registration number (NCRDC) is publicly displayed on the website, making independent verification of regulatory status difficult
  • βœ— No specific fee information is disclosed on the website, so prospective clients cannot assess costs upfront before making contact
  • βœ— Some customer reviews raise serious concerns about poor communication, unanswered phones, and failure to respond to emails
  • βœ— Formal debt review under the NCA typically takes between 36 and 60 months, which is a significant long-term commitment
  • βœ— Clients under debt review are legally prohibited from accessing new credit for the duration of the process
  • βœ— Debt review is listed on a client's credit profile with the credit bureaus for the full duration, which may affect future credit applications
  • βœ— No physical branch address or walk-in facility is listed on the website, which may be a concern for clients who prefer face-to-face consultations

About Msd Consulting

MSD Consulting is a Cape Town-based debt management company that helps over-indebted South Africans take back control of their finances. The company offers a range of services including formal debt counselling under Section 86 of the National Credit Act (NCA), debt consolidation, debt settlement, and credit monitoring. Their consultants work directly with credit providers to negotiate reduced monthly repayments and lower interest rates on behalf of clients.

The company positions itself as an accessible, client-focused service, emphasising personalised guidance over generic solutions. Consultants such as Zulfah, Britney, and Alfonso are mentioned by name in client feedback, suggesting a hands-on, relationship-driven approach to debt management. MSD Consulting is primarily aimed at South Africans earning a regular income who are struggling to meet obligations across multiple creditors each month.

As a debt counselling service, MSD Consulting does not provide loans or advance credit. Instead, its registered debt counsellors assess a client's financial position, determine over-indebtedness as defined under the NCA, and then propose a restructured repayment plan to creditors. This process provides clients with legal protection against creditor action for the duration of the review, making it one of the most effective debt relief mechanisms available under South African law.

How Does Msd Consulting Work?

1

The process typically begins with a free initial consultation, during which an MSD Consulting debt counsellor reviews your income, expenses, and outstanding debt obligations to assess whether you qualify as over-indebted under the National Credit Act. If you qualify, the counsellor submits a formal application to the National Credit Regulator and notifies all your credit providers, which immediately triggers legal protection against creditor action. A restructured repayment proposal is then negotiated with your creditors, and once accepted, it is confirmed by a court order. From that point, you make a single reduced monthly payment to a Payment Distribution Agency (PDA), which distributes funds to your creditors on your behalf until all debts are settled.

Requirements

Who Is Msd Consulting Best For?

MSD Consulting's debt counselling services are best suited to South Africans who earn a regular income but find that their monthly debt repayments across multiple credit accounts exceed what they can realistically afford. The service is particularly relevant for individuals facing creditor calls, threatened legal action, or the risk of asset repossession, who need structured relief and legal protection while they work towards becoming debt-free. It is not suitable for individuals who are currently unemployed with no income, as an affordable restructured repayment plan requires a stable monthly cash flow.

Is Msd Consulting Safe & Legit?

Debt counselling in South Africa is a regulated process governed by the National Credit Act 34 of 2005, and all practising debt counsellors are required to hold a valid registration with the National Credit Regulator (NCR) in the format NCRDC followed by a unique number. However, MSD Consulting does not display its NCR registration number on its website, and prospective clients are encouraged to request this number directly and verify it independently on the NCR's public register before signing any agreement. Once formally under debt review, consumers receive statutory legal protection under Section 86 of the NCA, preventing creditors from taking legal action or repossessing assets while the process is active and payments are being made.

Registered Credit Provider (NCR)

Our Full Review

MSD Consulting is a Cape Town-based financial solutions company that has positioned itself as an approachable and professional option for South Africans seeking relief from unmanageable debt. Operating Monday to Friday from its Cape Town base, the company offers debt counselling, debt consolidation, debt settlement, and credit monitoring services. It targets consumers who are over-indebted but still earning a regular income, helping them restructure their obligations rather than simply deferring them.

The debt counselling process at MSD Consulting follows the formal framework set out in Section 86 of the National Credit Act. A registered debt counsellor assesses a client's full financial picture, determines over-indebtedness, and then engages directly with credit providers to negotiate a restructured repayment plan. Once an agreement is reached and confirmed by a magistrate's court, the client makes a single monthly payment to a Payment Distribution Agency. This consolidates what may have been numerous separate repayments into one manageable amount, often at a reduced overall cost. The full process typically spans between 36 and 60 months depending on the total debt load and the terms negotiated with creditors.

On the question of fees and regulatory compliance, MSD Consulting does not disclose specific fee information on its website. Under the NCA, the NCR sets maximum fee guidelines for debt counsellors, which typically include an application fee, a restructuring fee, and a monthly aftercare fee capped at around 5% of the monthly distribution amount (subject to NCR-prescribed limits). Prospective clients should request a full fee disclosure before signing any agreement. Importantly, MSD Consulting does not display its NCR registration number (NCRDC) on its website, which is an area where transparency could be improved. Consumers should verify registration status directly on the NCR's public register before engaging any debt counsellor.

Customer feedback for MSD Consulting is mixed. Several clients have praised individual consultants, particularly Zulfah, Britney, and Alfonso, highlighting patience, clear communication, and professional handling of their cases. These positive experiences suggest that where the service is delivered well, clients feel genuinely supported. However, a number of reviews raise significant concerns about communication failures, including unanswered phones, unreturned emails, and delays in providing documentation. For a service that requires ongoing monthly engagement over several years, consistent communication is critical, and this appears to be an area where MSD Consulting has room for improvement.

Overall, MSD Consulting offers a relevant and potentially valuable service for over-indebted South Africans, particularly those who appreciate a personalised, consultant-led approach. The range of services is practical and covers the key mechanisms available under South African debt relief law. That said, the absence of publicly displayed NCR credentials, limited fee transparency, and inconsistent client communication are meaningful shortcomings. Prospective clients should request the company's NCRDC registration number upfront, obtain a written fee disclosure before committing, and ensure they have a named consultant and clear communication channel before starting the process.

User Reviews (8)

See all reviews β†’
β˜…β˜†β˜†β˜†β˜†Sibongile Nkabinde
2026/04/08

I am an existing customer of theirs(for…

I am an existing customer of theirs(for over 5 years now) and there no communication and reply to emails. Their phones rings unanswered and there is no physical address on their website.

β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…Simphiwe Gazo
2026/03/11

I would like to appreciate the good work and service received .

I would like to appreciate the good service i received from consultant - Mishka Abrahams . Keep up the good work , very professional .πŸ™πŸ™ From Simphiwe Gazo

β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…Mzolisi Komani
2026/02/19

I was assisted by Alfonso I'm happy the…

I was assisted by Alfonso I'm happy the way he axplain to me now I'm aware about every thing the way forward.

β˜…β˜†β˜†β˜†β˜†LLOWELLEN DINGLE
2025/10/27

Worst debt review company EVER

Worst debt review company EVER. How does debt prescribe under debt review, ask MSD, only they can answer. They DO NOT answer mails. no call backs, and please DO NOT REQUEST documents from them, it WILL NOT be provided. I am STILL waiting for forms that I SUPOSSIBLY signed. They get HELLO PETER to remove ALL BAD REVIEWS. Shows how they care for clients. Will not even recomend to my worst enemy.

β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜†Gabriel De Bruin
2025/08/19

Thanks to the excellent service and…skills by Zulpha

Thanks to the excellent service and assistance by Zulpha. Great people's skills and very patient

β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…Pinkie Mosese
2025/07/21

I was assisted by Zulfah

I was assisted by Zulfah. She has given me an outstanding service. She is very patient and brilliant.

β˜…β˜†β˜†β˜†β˜†Maggie Bhugwandeen
2025/01/14

I've been with msd for over 2 years

I've been with msd for over 2 years. I spoke to a consultant last year . No feed back to date. I'm frustrated balance seems to be the same since onset. Asked for a copy of court details. My balance as well as how long more to pay. No feedback. No emails.

β˜…β˜†β˜†β˜†β˜†Olga
2024/10/18

I am completely dissatisfied with the…

I am completely dissatisfied with the services of your company, I took a risk to put myself under debt review causing a red flag to be next to my name in order have a once off payment made every month then rather having multiple payments made. I got word from Standardbank who has handed me over to LGR attorneys due to no payments being made to my credit card account, yet the Distribution statement of DCpartner shows that they pay atleast R228.04 a month. Now I feel like I was actually manipulated to be put under debt review because it seemed like a good way to save and also balance out my budget. I demand this matter to be resolved immediately because your consultants cant assist accordingly by explaining what is actually happening. I feel like I am being scammed and I am going to log a complaint with the FAIS Ombudsman as this is unacceptable.

Contact Msd Consulting

🌐msd-consulting.co.za

Frequently Asked Questions

What services does MSD Consulting offer?

MSD Consulting offers four main services: formal debt counselling under Section 86 of the National Credit Act, debt consolidation, debt settlement, and credit monitoring. Each service is aimed at helping over-indebted South Africans reduce their monthly repayment burden and work towards becoming debt-free.

Is MSD Consulting registered with the NCR?

All debt counsellors in South Africa are required by law to be registered with the National Credit Regulator (NCR) and to hold a valid NCRDC registration number. MSD Consulting does not currently display its NCR registration number on its website. Prospective clients should ask for this number directly and verify it on the NCR's public register at ncr.org.za before signing any agreement.

How long does the debt review process take?

The formal debt review process under the National Credit Act typically takes between 36 and 60 months, depending on the total amount owed and the repayment terms negotiated with your creditors. Debt settlement or consolidation arrangements may be concluded in a shorter timeframe in some cases.

What fees does MSD Consulting charge?

MSD Consulting does not publish its fee schedule on its website. Under NCR guidelines, debt counsellors may charge an application fee, a once-off restructuring fee, and a monthly aftercare fee which is typically capped at 5% of the monthly payment distributed to creditors. Always request a full written fee disclosure before committing to any debt counselling agreement.

Can I take out new credit while under debt review?

No. Once you are formally placed under debt review, you are legally prohibited from applying for or accessing new credit for the full duration of the process. This restriction is a requirement of the National Credit Act and is intended to prevent you from increasing your debt burden while your existing obligations are being restructured.

What happens when I complete the debt review process?

Once all debts included in your debt review have been fully paid, your debt counsellor is required to issue you with a clearance certificate. This certificate is sent to all credit bureaus, and the debt review flag is removed from your credit profile. You are then legally free to apply for new credit again.

Will debt review affect my credit profile?

Yes. While you are under debt review, a notice is placed on your credit profile at all major credit bureaus indicating that you are undergoing the process. This means you will not be able to obtain new credit during this period. The flag is removed once your clearance certificate is issued upon completion of the review.

How do I get started with MSD Consulting?

You can contact MSD Consulting by phone on 021 697 0939 or by email at info@msd-consulting.co.za, Monday to Friday between 05:00 and 17:00. Their consultants will conduct an initial assessment of your income, expenses, and outstanding debts to determine whether you qualify for debt counselling and which service is most appropriate for your situation.