Debt Counsellors are a ****

I was previously registered with Zero Debt Counsellors, who assisted me with managing and paying my debts. After some time, I requested to cancel my contract with them as I wanted to take responsibility for paying my debts myself. I made this decision because I felt that I was paying a significant amount in fees while the process was taking longer than expected.

While continuing to pay my debts independently, I was advised by a friend to transfer to Mzansi Debt Counselling, which I did. However, Mzansi Debt Counselling did not render any services to me, and I continued paying my debts without assistance from a debt counsellor.

I have now fully paid my debts and have letters confirming that my accounts have been settled. I therefore require a clearance certificate.

I was advised that I would need to pay R6,000 to obtain the clearance certificate through Mzansi Debt Counselling. I do not believe this is reasonable, particularly as I have paid my debts independently and did not receive any services from them. I subsequently requested to be transferred back to Zero Debt Counsellors, as I understand that their fee for assisting with the clearance certificate would be R1,750. However, Mzansi Debt Counselling has refused to transfer me back and has advised that I would need to pay them R3,000 to do so.