South African consumers encouraged to be proactive rather than reactive and alert their creditors when they find themselves unable to meet their financial obligations

The Weekend View

South African consumers across the board find themselves increasingly under pressure due to the high cost of living and other factors outside their control, such as the increasing food and petrol prices. What's also concerning, is the shrinking budget allocation on essential items, such as education, healthcare and savings. Where consumers do have a say though, is in how they spend their money, on purchases such as new vehicles, property or on credit cards. But the newly established National Financial Ombud Scheme urges consumers to think long and hard, taking into consideration the long term consequences should they not be able to service their debts and possibly face a repossession scenario down the line. For more on repossesions and consumer rights , Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Nerosha Maseti, Lead Ombud for the Banking Division at the National Financial Ombud Scheme