As a member of ADRA (the Association of Debt Recovery Agents), Credit Intel was invited to send representatives to the 2014 Gauteng ADRA Roadshow; a forum at which developments in the debt collection industry are presented, debated and discussed by leaders in the industry. Credit Intel was capably represented by Carl Knight (Chief Executive Officer), Christine Sturgeon (Manager of Debtors’ Outsourcing) and Michael Shackleton (Legal Executive). The main attraction of the Roadshow, held at the Fairway Hotel in Randburg, was certainly Marius Jonker’s presentation on the National Credit Amendment Bill.

The Bill must first be published in the Government Gazette in order to come into operation. The most contentious part of the Bill is the clause making it illegal to sell or collect prescribed debt. Numerous speakers mentioned how this would impact on the industry and the fact that certain companies will be forced to close as much as 80% of their accounts. Fortunately, Credit Intel will only be affected by this amendment in a minimal way and will continue to strive to be an industry leader in turbulent times for many involved in the debt collection business. Attendees were also treated to meeting the Credit Ombudsman, Manie van Schalkwyk.

The Credit Ombud is tasked with resolving disputes between creditors and debtors, and he provided much clarity as to how disputes are investigated and resolved. It was a good day for Credit Intel employee, Michael Shackleton, who was the recipient of an iPad Mini from AJS Call Centre Software, a company that held a raffle at the Roadshow.