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In accordance with Section 8 of the Debt Collectors Act, 1998 (Act No. 114 of 1998) [ "pdf" size: 720 KB] no person, excluding an attorney, may act as a debt collector unless registered with the Council for Debt Collectors. Should an unregistered company, close corporation or individual collect debts on behalf of another, such a person commits a criminal offence.
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| 2. |
The Council for Debt Collectors is a statutory body and is established to exercise control over the occupation of debt collectors. The database of registered debt collectors is available on the Council’s website (www.debtcol-council.co.za) or by contacting the Council at telephone number 012 804 9808 /3402, fax number 012 804 0744 or email address info@debtcol-council.co.za.
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| 3. |
The Council has informed the department that it has come to their attention that certain educational institutions are making use of debt collectors to recover debts on their behalf, whilst such debt collectors are not registered in terms of the Debt Collectors Act, 1998.
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Principals and governing bodies are requested to ensure that debt collectors are registered with the Council for Debt Collectors and that proof of registration (valid for one year) is kept on file for inspection purposes.
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| 5. |
Please bring the contents of this circular to the attention of all persons concerned.
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SIGNED: L.J. ELY
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2005:10:25
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