The National Credit Act 34 of 2005 is a piece of legislation that aims to protect consumers from unfair lending practices and prevent over-indebtedness in South Africa. One of the key aspects of the act is the enforcement of credit agreements, which sets out the rules and procedures that lenders must follow when dealing with borrowers who default on their payments.
When a borrower enters into a credit agreement with a lender, they are legally obligated to repay the loan in accordance with the terms and conditions set out in the agreement. If the borrower defaults on their payments, the lender has the right to take legal action to recover the outstanding debt, subject to the provisions of the National Credit Act.
Under the act, lenders must follow a specific process when enforcing a credit agreement. First, the lender must issue a written notice of default to the borrower, giving them at least 20 business days to rectify the default and bring their payments up to date. If the borrower fails to do so, the lender may proceed with legal action to recover the debt.
Before taking legal action, however, the lender must provide the borrower with a Section 129 notice, which informs them of their rights and the consequences of defaulting on their payments. The notice must include details of the outstanding debt, the amount of arrears, and the steps that the borrower can take to remedy the default.
If the borrower fails to respond to the Section 129 notice or does not make arrangements to repay the outstanding debt, the lender may apply to the court for a judgement order, which allows them to attach assets or garnish the borrower`s wages to recover the debt. The court may also order the borrower to repay the debt in instalments or through a debt counselling process, which involves the lender and borrower working together to find a solution to the debt problem.
It is important to note that the National Credit Act provides significant protection to consumers who default on their credit agreements. Lenders are prohibited from using illegal or unfair collection methods, such as threats, harassment, or violence, and must follow strict rules when enforcing credit agreements. If you are having difficulty making your repayments or have received a notice of default or Section 129 notice, it is recommended that you seek professional financial advice and legal assistance to understand your rights and options.