Debt Review Flag Removal Platform Shows Stronger Bureau Alignment

The Debt Counsellors Association of South Africa (DCASA) recently met with the Credit Bureau Association (CBA) to discuss the operation of the Debt Review Flag Removal Platform, current challenges, bureau alignment, fraud prevention, and opportunities to improve the debt review exit process.

## Significant Improvement in Bureau Alignment

The CBA confirmed that when the platform was first introduced in March 2026, alignment between the five participating credit bureaux was approximately 37%, resulting in inconsistent responses and varying outcomes. Following weekly alignment meetings involving all participating bureaux, alignment has now improved to approximately 95% during May and June. Acceptance rates of submissions have similarly improved from approximately 90% in March to almost 99% during May.

The CBA confirmed that these weekly alignment sessions will continue to ensure that all bureaux apply the validation rules consistently and to resolve any discrepancies as they arise.

## Turnaround Times

The CBA confirmed that the Debt Help System (DHS) should be updated at least three days before a submission is made through the CBA platform. Once all required documentation has been correctly submitted, bureaux should generally finalise amendments within approximately four business days.

Where a debt review flag remains active beyond this period despite all documentation having been accepted, the matter should be escalated for investigation.

## Compliance and Data Integrity

An important distinction was made between the Debt Counsellor's legal obligations under the National Credit Act and the operational responsibilities of the credit bureaux. Debt Counsellors remain responsible for ensuring that all debts included in debt review have been settled, prescribed or otherwise extinguished, and that the Debt Clearance Certificate has been correctly issued and aligns with the applicable Form 17.1 and/or court order.

Both organisations acknowledged that future legislative reform should focus on mandatory updating of bureau information by credit providers, improved data integrity, greater automation, and reducing reliance on manual paid-up letters.

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**Source:** DCASA

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**Related:** - Understanding the debt review process - Find a registered debt counsellor - Read the National Credit Act