Meerkat runs debt review as a registered debt counsellor, trading as MyMeerkat FSP (Pty) Ltd. Two registration numbers matter here and they do different jobs: the debt counselling side is registered with the National Credit Regulator as NCRDC2613, and the insurance and savings side is an authorised financial services provider, FSP 50979. A debt review query belongs against the NCRDC registration.
Official provider route
- Telephone: +27 (0) 21 003 4535
- WhatsApp: 060 633 7528
- Email: [email protected]
- Offices: Pinelands, Cape Town. Meerkat invites walk-ins to the Pinelands office.
The contact form on the Meerkat site has a subject selector, and Clearance Certificate is a separate option from Debt Management. Choosing the right one matters, because a clearance certificate request is an end-of-process task handled differently from a new debt review application.
Product or service support
Debt review, which Meerkat also calls debt management, consolidates multiple credit agreements into one reduced monthly payment. It is a legal process under the National Credit Act, not a private arrangement, so the restructuring works by extending the terms of your credit agreements and reducing interest rates.
- Debt review and debt restructuring
- Clearance certificate issue at the end of the process
- Credit life cover
- Funeral cover and group funeral cover
- Savings
When the debt is repaid, the counsellor issues a clearance certificate, which is then submitted to the credit bureau so your record can be updated and negative information removed. That final step is what closes the review, and it does not happen automatically without the certificate.
Eligibility, account or policy requirements
- Debt review is for consumers who are over-indebted. Debt consolidation is the opposite test: a consolidation loan requires that you are not over-indebted at the time of application. If you have been declined for consolidation because of affordability, debt review is the route that remains open.
- Debt counsellor fees are regulated by the National Credit Regulator and form part of your monthly repayment rather than being charged separately.
- You have a right to written disclosure of the fees before you apply, and to full disclosure of the process before you apply. Ask for both in writing.
- You have a right to apply for debt counselling, and a right to be given reasons if your application is rejected.
- You have a right to receive distribution statements monthly, from both your debt counsellor and the payment distribution agent handling the money. If those statements stop arriving, that is the early warning sign to act on.
Escalation route
- Raise the matter with Meerkat first on 021 003 4535 or [email protected], quoting NCRDC2613 if you are querying the debt counselling service specifically.
- Verify the registration is current. The National Credit Regulator maintains a public register of debt counsellors, separate from its register of credit providers, and NCRDC2613 can be checked there.
- Complaints about a debt counsellor go to the National Credit Regulator: call centre 0860 627 627, reception 011 554 2700, email [email protected].
- Complaints about the insurance and savings products fall under the FSP licence, number 50979, which is regulated by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority. Advice complaints route to the FAIS Ombud rather than to the NCR.
- Matters the NCR refers onward are heard by the National Consumer Tribunal.
Sources
- meerkat.co.za/contact-us/ (telephone, WhatsApp, email, Pinelands office, contact form subject options)
- meerkat.co.za/debt (NCRDC2613 debt counsellor registration, debt review mechanics, consumer rights, fee regulation, clearance certificate process, debt review versus consolidation)
- meerkat.co.za footer (legal entity MyMeerkat FSP (Pty) Ltd and FSP 50979)
- ncr.org.za contact page (NCR call centre and reception numbers and the complaints mailbox)