The office of the Credit Information Ombud resolves complaints from consumers and businesses that are negatively impacted by Credit information.

At all times we will act honestly, independently and fairly, balancing the rights of both credit receivers and credit grantors. All matters will be treated in confidence.

Another responsibility for the office is to act as an educator for the public in matters pertaining to the credit information industry.

Any consumer or business that is negatively affected by credit information may approach us for assistance. The service is free and the only requirements that must be met are that:

 

• The complaint must be within the jurisdiction of the office
  
• The complainant must follow the complaint process as stipulated

We resolve complaints by investigating matters according to the rules of the Office. After investigation, a formal decision may be taken, if the matter has not been resolved by negotiation. The decision may be in the form of a ruling that is binding on the credit grantor and/or credit bureaux. If the complainant is not happy with the ruling of the office, he/she can reject the ruling and seek alternative measures to resolve the matter.

The office of the Credit Information Ombud is an independent and impartial body that reports to the CIO Council and not to the Credit industry. The council is made up of four (4) constituencies: Consumer Bodies, Credit Granting industry, Credit Bureau industry and Business.Representatives on the Council:

Consumer Bodies:
Woman’s National Coalition – Laura Kganyago
Legal Resources Centre – Achmed Mayet
Consumer Activist – Siva Naidoo

Business:
NAFCOC – Buhle Mthethwa
SACCI – Bill Lacey
AHI – Tjaart van der Walt

Credit Providers:
Banking Association – Nicky Lala-Mohan
Credit Providers Association – Albert Elliott
Micro Finance South Africa – Dave de Beer

Credit Bureaux
Transunion  - Paul Hutton
Experian -  Kim Jenkins
Credit Bureau Association – Prudence Busane

The Credit Information Ombud:

The Credit Information Ombud is Manie van Schalkwyk. He has extensive experience in the Credit Information Industry for the past 10 years and was one of the founding members of the Credit Industry Forum. He started the Office of the Credit Information Ombud in February 2004.

Manie holds a B.Comm degree from the University of Pretoria and started his career in the Banking industry, has good experience in the Insurance industry and for the past 10 years specialized in the Credit Information Industry.

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