Understanding Your Debt Review Status in South Africa

Illustration explaining debt review status in South Africa including pre-court status, D4 court order status, and clearance codes F1.

If you have applied for debt counselling, your debt review status is recorded on the National Debt Help System (DHS) and reflected on your credit profile. Many consumers do not understand what their debt review status means — or how it affects their ability to apply for credit, finance, or a home loan. In this guide, we explain: Understanding your...

Will I End Up Under Debt Review If I Apply for a Debt Consolidation Loan?

Will I End Up Under Debt Review If I Apply for a Debt Consolidation Loan?

Many South Africans hesitate to apply for a debt consolidation loan because they believe it might automatically place them under debt review.This is not how debt consolidation works.To properly answer this concern, we need to understand how a debt consolidation loan functions under South African credit law and what actually determines whether someone qualifies. How a Debt Consolidation Loan Works...

January Business Cashflow Gap

January Business Cashflow Gap

Why businesses apply for unsecured funding in January January is often misunderstood as a slow or difficult month for businesses. In reality, it is rarely a sign that a business is struggling. The pressure most business owners feel in January comes from timing, not from a lack of work or profitability. When businesses return from the December break, operations restart...

December 2025 Business Loans

December 2025 Business Loans

December is the final window to secure working capital before year-end. Lenders close their applications mid-month, and once the shutdown begins, no new funding is processed. If your business needs capital for December operations or January cashflow, this is your last opportunity to apply before the deadline. Below, you’ll find estimated monthly repayments for different loan amounts. These figures are...

How long does credit repair take to improve my credit score?

How long does credit repair take to improve my credit score?

One of the most common questions people ask is:“How long will it take to improve my credit score?” The truth is, there is no simple answer — because every credit record is different, and each person starts from a different place.The time it takes to see real improvement depends on the condition of your credit report, the severity of the...

How to calculate working capital and strengthen your cash flow

How to calculate working capital and strengthen your cash flow

Understanding how to calculate working capital is one of the most important skills for any business owner. Think of it as checking the financial “vitals” of your business — a quick way to see if your company can comfortably meet its short-term obligations and continue operating smoothly. Healthy working capital ensures that cash flows freely through your operations so you...

I Cancelled Debt Review But There’s Still a Flag on My Name

I Cancelled Debt Review But There’s Still a Flag on My Name

This is one of the most common statements we hear from clients who decided to cancel debt review and go back to paying their creditors directly. Let’s unpack why the flag is still there — and the only two ways it can be removed. Understanding the Debt Review Flag When you sign up for debt review, you are entering into...

Case Study: Strengthening Cashflow with Smart Funding

Case Study: Strengthening Cashflow with Smart Funding

Running a business often means balancing opportunity with risk — especially when it comes to managing cashflow. Discover how smart funding decisions can protect your working capital, improve cashflow, and keep your business ready for new opportunities. In this article, we explore a practical example that shows why using finance strategically can strengthen liquidity, reduce stress, and help businesses grow...

What Credit Score Do You Need to Apply for a Business Loan?

What Credit Score Do You Need to Apply for a Business Loan?

When business owners approach me for funding, one of the first questions I’m asked is: “What credit score do I need to qualify for a business loan?”It’s a fair question — and one that often reveals how misunderstood credit scores really are when it comes to business finance.I’ve checked with my funders, and most prefer to see a credit score...

What Credit Score Do I Need to Qualify for a Loan in South Africa?

What Credit Score Do I Need to Qualify for a Loan in South Africa?

We recently received a question on WhatsApp from a client:“What credit score do I need to qualify for a loan offer?” It’s one of the most common questions we receive — and also one of the most misunderstood. Most people assume that a good credit score automatically guarantees a loan. But while your credit score is important, it’s just one...