8.7/10
Our Score
Rating Breakdown
212 reviews
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🛡️ Our Honest Take
Debt Rescue was established in 2007, the same year the National Credit Act came into full effect and formally introduced debt review as a structured, legally protected mechanism for over-indebted South African consumers. This makes them one of the most experienced debt counselling firms in the country, having navigated the full evolution of the industry over nearly two decades. Their long track record, combined with a prominent national media footprint of more than 10 000 media mentions across print, radio, and television, positions them as one of the most visible and established names in South African consumer debt relief.
The debt review process at Debt Rescue follows the formal Section 86 procedure prescribed by the National Credit Act. A prospective client starts with a free debt assessment, sharing details of their income, expenses, and credit obligations. If the counsellor determines the client is over-indebted, the formal application is submitted, credit providers and bureaus are notified, and the client immediately receives legal protection. Debt Rescue's counsellors then negotiate directly with all credit providers to restructure outstanding obligations into a single, reduced monthly payment that accommodates the client's essential living costs. Once a repayment proposal is agreed upon, the firm's attorneys present it to court for a formal order, after which the client pays through a registered Payment Distribution Agency for the duration of the plan, typically between 36 and 60 months.
On the matter of fees, the NCR regulates what debt counsellors may charge. This includes a once-off restructuring fee and a monthly aftercare fee, commonly capped at 5% of the monthly distribution amount up to a maximum of R450. Debt Rescue's website does not publish a specific fee schedule, so prospective clients should request a full breakdown during the initial consultation and confirm that all fees fall within NCR guidelines. Similarly, while Debt Rescue is described as a registered debt counselling firm, their NCRDC registration number is not prominently displayed on their public website, and consumers are encouraged to verify this directly with the National Credit Regulator at ncrportal.ncr.org.za before engaging any debt counselling firm.
Customer feedback for Debt Rescue is notably strong. Across multiple independent review platforms, they carry ratings of 4.9 out of 5 from over 1 400 reviews and a score of 10 out of 10 from more than 2 100 reviews. On Trustpilot, they hold a 4.8 from 228 reviews. Reviewers frequently commend specific consultants by name, highlighting responsiveness, clear communication, and genuine care. Recurring positive themes include efficient resolution of queries, the professionalism of individual relationship managers, and the relief of no longer being contacted by creditors.
Overall, Debt Rescue presents as a well-established, consumer-focused debt counselling firm with a strong service record and genuine credentials in the South African debt relief space. Their 18-year history, high review scores, dedicated relationship manager model, and clear adherence to the Section 86 process make them a credible option for over-indebted South Africans seeking legal protection and a structured path to a debt-free future. As with any debt counselling engagement, consumers should ensure they understand the full duration of the process, the impact on their credit profile during the review period, and the complete fee structure before signing any agreement.
Latest Reviews (showing 40 of 212)
My experience with Debt Rescue has …
My experience with Debt Rescue has truly outstanding. Owen Naidoo and the entire team have consistently demonstrated dedication, and genuine care throughout my debt review and annual review journey. Whenever I needed clarity, reassurance,the team was always there to guide me with patience and understanding Thank you once again, Owen Naidoo, for all your assistance and support during the process. Regard Fk
To Trisha and Bongani
To Trisha and Bongani Thank you for assisting with what has happend and i do apologize for my rudeness. You are kind and warm people and was uncalled for from my side. Hope you can accept my apology
Review
Owen Naidoo made the process quote smoothe and effortless. Debit Rescue has always been accommodating and understood my plight from day one. Thank you for your continued support
Owen Naidoo
From the beginning I've had good service. I'm always being kept up to date. Owen Naidoo has also been amazing in my annual review. Weel Done!
Thank You!
I have only received good service from the team at debt rescue. Particularly, when I needed a grace period...Owen Naidoo really simplified the entire process. Thanks!
I can ONLY say a big thank you to Dept…
I can ONLY say a big thank you to Debt Rescue! All you ladies are fantastic and I received the best service from day one in 2021, COVID-19 wasn't kind to my debt, but you saved me, helped me every step of the way! I am Debt free and about to receive my clearance certificate and dept flagged removal! Lucy, Eklesista, Beyonce and everyone I missed out, thanks you!! You're seriously the best team, business and people in South Africa! Regards Leon Rossouw
Awesome service from Sha-Sha-Lee…
Awesome service from Sha-Sha-Lee Gordon. Since I started the process to remove the debt review she has been assisting me and keeping me updated of all changes. Really appreciate her prompt responses, kindness and professionalism in handling my case. High Five to her.
Debt Review Process
I was terrified making the decision to place myself under Debt Review in 2020 when my salary was slash in half and had to finance my daughters through University as a single dad. I've done my research and chose Debt Rescue after extensive due diligence. I am happy and so relieve that I am approaching the end of this process and that Debt Rescue stood with me for the last 5 years. I will be completely debt free within the next few months. Debt Rescue accounted for every cent that I spend in the process. It was worth it. Shammie also assisted me to get refunds from the Creditors when and where they were overpaid. Remember Creditors will never acknowledge over payments . But having Debt Rescue by your side make them more conscious and aware to be fair and reasonable. Thank you Shammie and Debt Rescue for standing by me and making me strong. Debt is sometimes necessary but it must be made responsibly for the right reasons. Michael Dhlamini, Cape Town
Debt Rescue are very professional
Debt Rescue have handled my debt review process very well. Owen Naidoo has done my annual review and everything is still on track. Looking forward to being debt free again. Thank you so much.
Great service
When dealing with the right consultant, this company is amazing. So shout out to Marlize van Wyk - you make things happen and you make them happen SUPER efficiently. Thanks for all your help.
Great service from Owen Naidoo
A quick and swift response from the specialist Owen Naidoo !!. It is great to have a personalised service when you communicate with Debt Rescue because it shows you are not just a client but are valued. Great service from Owen, keep it up and do the same to others
Debtrescue saved my life
During Covid it felt like the end of the world to me, and I did everything to keep going and keep my home. Without them not only stepping in to help me, but also giving me the expert advice that they did and the things I knew nothing about, I don't think I'd still be standing here today. I just want to give a shout out to Greg Best and Owen Naidoo for everything that they've done for me.
Review for Debt Rescue
Review for Debt Rescue Rating: ★★★★★ (10/10) I cannot recommend Lornah from Debt Rescue highly enough. From the very beginning, she has been extremely quick to help and clarify any questions I had. No matter when I need assistance, she is always on call and incredibly fast to reply, making sure I feel supported every step of the way. The service provided is 100%—a true 10 out of 10. If you are seeking help in this area, Lornah is the person to go to. I would recommend Debt Rescue to anyone who needs help because that is exactly what they do: they help people. There is absolutely no need to feel any shame; it is so much better to have the help you need than to go without it. If you're looking for a team that genuinely cares and acts fast, this is it!
Memor is the most pleasant Consultant…
Memor is the most pleasant Consultant ever very caring. Keep up the good work
I recommend Debt Rescue
I cannot recommend Debt Rescue highly enough. Interactions with the staff of Debt Rescue are always knowledgeable and friendly and addresses any questions promptly and efficiently. My latest interaction was with Owen Naidoo. From the very first interaction, Owen was professional and gave feedback in a quick timeframe. Thanks to the Debt Rescue team, I now have peace of mind and a clear path forward. If you’re looking for a company that combines expertise with compassion, Debt Rescue is the right choice.
Good service .
I worked with lornah from debt rescue and i am very satsified with her service . Such a breath of fresh air , very kind , helpfull and patient. Will recommend to everyone. Keep up the good work
It is now my second time that Debt…
It is now my second time that Debt Rescue came to aid and help me manage and live again, Owen Naidoo and the Debt Rescue Team have been nothing but the most professional team I expected them to be. Would highly recommend Debt Rescue Also a shout-out to A van der Poole Neil Fitzgerald Grace Nyamane Legals Department Enquiry Department Debt Rescue Support Team
The team at Debt Rescue is outstanding
The team at Debt Rescue is outstanding, making sure I am up to date with every thing every step of the way… communication is great, the one consultant Memory is brilliant in her field of work, making sure that every thing is communicated to me and that I understand what’s going on and what’s going to happen. Thanks for assisting me Memory. Great job.
You are incredibly helpful
My experience with dept Rescue has been outstanding and helped me a lot. The best and friendliest assistance you can ask for. Thank you Owen Naidoo
Excellent Customer Service - Shammie Moonsamy
I have been a customer of Debt Rescue's for the past 4 years now. Shammie Moonsamy has always been my go to person for prompt response and support. She goes over and beyond to assist her clients providing great advice , guidance and support. She always provides timeous feedback and even assists in queries that isn't her own providing feedback and guidance. She has made my dealings with Debt Rescue simple and stress free. She is dedicated to her role and is really an asset to her team. Thank you Shammie
1 year on
Awesome assistance from Owen Naidoo and the Debt Rescue team👍
Great service
While Debt Rescue is a devastating thing to go through, I've had a pleasant experience throughout the process. Owen Naidoo has also been super helpful as of recent with a request and went above and beyond to assist in a timeous manner.
Always helpfull
Always helpfull. Friendly staff. Owen Naidoo thanks for your assistance.
I just wana say thank u to Marlize Van…
I just wana say thank u to Marlize Van Wyk for doing an awesome job at debt rescue . Any time of the day she was willing to help me with what ever questions and help i needed .She really is very good at her job and does it with love ,kindness and patience. Keep up the good work👍
Customer service experiences with Shammie Moonsamy
I've been a client for quite some time now, and during this time I met a wonderful lady by the name of Shammie Moonsamy. I've had numerous queries via email, or telephonic that I would address to Shammie, and she never hesitated to assist me, even if it did not fall within her ambit. She was quick in her responses, always very efficient. She would follow up regularly, and respond to emails in a very professional manner. She always had a very friendly disposition. Very pleasant, always without a doubt willing to assist and go the extra mile for me. Her attention to customer service was excellent. Thank you for everything you did for me Shammie. It was highly appreciated.
Fantastic customer service
Prompt service
Professional service from Debt Review
Just wanna send a huge shoutout to the Debt Rescue team, including Sha-Sha Lee Gordon, Annelien van der Poel and Hlamalani Baloyi, for walking with me every step of the way towards regaining my financial freedom. Thank you for your patience, guidance and professionalism as you held my hand till the end. Dankooo!!!
Sha Sha Lee was always ready and…
Sha Sha Lee was always ready and willing to help me I am true greatful
I'm not a client had an issue with my…
I'm not a client had an issue with my current debt counsellor and Greg went out of his way to assist me. If I knew about debt rescue earlier I would have chosen them instead.
Owen has proven to be a real help in…
Owen has proven to be a real help in creating a smooth path from beginning to end.
Owen Naidoo has been very helpful in…
Owen Naidoo has been very helpful in all aspects with my account. Feedback on anything is swift and they also give advice that assists you to make constructive decisions
Big shoutout to Trisha Govender at Debt…
Big shoutout to Trisha Govender at Debt Rescue for being a total lifesaver! She handled my case with care and professionalism, getting me a clearance certificate quickly. Highly recommend her services 😊
Owen Naidoo gave me excellent service…
Owen Naidoo gave me excellent service ensuring I can continue to pay my monthly installments while also putting food on the table. Without Debt Rescue I would be lost and most likely homeless.
Best debt review company in South…
Best debt review company in South Africa. Thank you Owen Naidoo for your exceptional service.
Greg Best, the very best from Debt Rescue
I had a really great experience with Debt Rescue. I was seen to by Greg Best, he was very helpful and very informative about the process. I asked tons of questions and he answered every one patiently and showed great empathy. There was 0 judgement. I really appreciated being seen. Greg made me realize that I was not alone, this is happening to many people. I immediately knew I could put my trust in him and this company. I cannot thank him enough.
I would like to recommend mama Memory…
I would like to recommend mama Memory from Debt Rescue for saving the day when she handled my issue with payments to my creditors, she explained to me far better than all others who ever tried to help me. She was friendly to ensure am at ease yet on point professionally. Her reverting to me as promised, to inform me that all was sorted, made my day, and I can for sure say Debt Rescue is the way to go if one needs services. Again thank you mama Memory, you are a star and an asset to the company.
The company is great in assisting with…
The company is great in assisting with the legal and functional processes of the debt review process. Updated statements of your progress is emailed to you timesouly as well as they keep to the deadlines set by court for payments to be made to your creditors. Overall a very effecient debt management company with solid practices and systems in place. Owen Naidoo from Debt Rescue has been most helpful in guiding me through this process.
Owen Naidoo was very professional and…
Owen Naidoo was very professional and friendly, and the service was quick.
Very good service
Very good service. I have received the necessary letter that i have requested. Thank You Maria.
Owen Naidoo
Owen Naidoo, what a champ always ready to help with a smile.
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