Vantage Debt Management accepted my application knowing my primary debt (Absa Home Loan under auction) was legally excluded – now refusing to cancel and trapping me with a debt review flag

Vantage accepted invalid application and refuses to cancel debt review.

Good day, I am writing to formally complain about Vantage Debt Management’s handling of my Debt Counselling application (NCR Form 16, signed 04 March 2026). What I app**** for I approached Vantage specifically to protect my Absa Home Loan which was facing auction/summons. My clear goal was to save my primary residence. What Vantage did They accepted and processed the application even though they knew legal action had already been instituted on the home loan. Under Section 86(2) of the National Credit Act, such a debt is excluded from debt counselling. They only restructured my smaller, manageable retail and payday loans while leaving my house completely unprotected. This made the entire service useless for the reason I app****. My current financial position (as per the application form):

Net income: R32 700 Total expenses: R14 850 Surplus: ±R17 850

I am fully able to service the smaller debts myself and therefore do not meet the legal definition of over-indebtedness once the excluded home loan is removed. My repeated requests & Vantage’s response On 19 March and again on 2 April 2026 I emailed requesting a full withdrawal (not suspension) and demanded Form 17.4 (Rejection) or Form 17.W (Withdrawal). Vantage insists they can only “suspend” services. This leaves the debt counselling flag on my credit report while providing zero protection or service. They are now proceeding with suspension without my consent. Fees I am willing to pay the once-off application fee (R50) and admin fee (R300). I dispute any restructuring fee or withdrawal penalty, as the plan ignored my primary crisis. Impact on me

My credit record still shows “under debt counselling”. I cannot access new credit. My home loan has reverted to the original higher instalment and interest rate. I am now in a worse position than before I approached them.

What I request from Vantage Debt Management

Immediate issuance of Form 17.4 (Rejection) or Form 17.W (Withdrawal) to remove the debt counselling flag. Written confirmation that they are processing a full withdrawal, not a suspension. Refund of any disputed fees beyond the R350 already offered. An apology for the misleading advice and delays.

I have all emails and the complete signed application pack as proof. This experience has been extremely stressful. I urge Vantage to reso