Dear Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services,

Regarding the Debt Collectors Amendment Bill and inclusion of attorneys, members of the public remain confused and feel that the government is longing to finalise this legislation. Attorneys continue to appoint agents in the call centres and charge unregulated fees unlike the capped fees of the normal debt collection practice.

The debt collection industry remain frustrated since some of the amendments only affect their practice and not attorneys. It had been 8 years since the Council for Debt Collectors requested the amendments and in 2016 DOJ decided to include attorneys.

We will be pleased that the legislature consider the amendment as one which will assist in job creation and protecting the consumers against the attorneys who are doing the same job as debt collectors but charging uncapped fees.

It will be appreciated to have a constant update and considering this legislation since is been long with no movement.