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The 30-Second Verdict
If you are spending more than 40% of your income on debt repayments, or if you are taking out “new loans to pay old loans,” you aren’t growing—you’re spiralling. DebtBusters specialises in Debt Counselling (Debt Review), a legal process that protects you from creditors while you fix your finances.
How it Works: The DebtBusters Method
In 2026, DebtBusters uses a highly digitalised process to get you from “underwater” to “debt-free” in typically 3 to 5 years.
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Free Debt Assessment: You provide your ID and income details. They pull your credit report from all bureaus to see exactly what you owe (and to whom).
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The Budget Fix: A consultant builds a “Survival Budget” that covers your rent, food, and lights first. Only the money left over is used for debt.
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Negotiation: DebtBusters contacts your creditors (Banks, Retail stores, etc.). Because they have massive “buying power,” they can often negotiate interest rates down from 20%+ to as low as 0% to 5%.
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One Payment: You stop paying 10 different creditors. You pay one fixed amount to a Payment Distribution Agency (PDA), which splits it among your lenders.
The “Small Business” Catch: Individual vs. Company
This is the most important part for you to understand as an entrepreneur:
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Personal Debt: If you took out a personal loan or credit card in your name to fund your business, DebtBusters can help.
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Company Debt: If the debt is in the name of a registered Pty Ltd and you didn’t sign a personal guarantee, it cannot go under Debt Review. For that, you would need “Business Rescue.”
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Sole Traders: If you are a Sole Proprietor, your personal and business finances are legally the same. This makes DebtBusters a powerful tool to save your livelihood.
Insight: Debt Review as a “Strategic Reset”
Many South African entrepreneurs feel “shame” about debt review. In 2026, the mindset is changing. Think of DebtBusters as a Financial Reset Button.
If your personal debt is so high that you can’t afford to invest in your business, you are essentially working for the banks. By entering Debt Review:
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You stabilise your home life.
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You free up monthly cash.
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You learn the “hard discipline” of running a business without relying on expensive credit cards.
When to use DebtBusters vs. Lulalend
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Use Lulalend/Bridgement if: Your business is healthy, and you need capital to make more money (Growth).
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Use DebtBusters if: Your debt is so high that you are struggling to buy food or pay rent (Survival).
DebtBusters is the gold standard for debt management in SA. They have the best technology, the strongest relationships with big banks, and a high success rate for getting Clearance Certificates.
Are you tired of the “Debt Trap” and ready to breathe again?
Pros and Cons
The Good
Legal Protection: Once you start, creditors are legally forbidden from calling you, harassing you, or repossessing your assets (like your delivery vehicle).
Cash Flow Relief: Your monthly repayments are often reduced by up to 50%, giving you “breathing room” to run your business.
Interest Savings: By lowering your interest rates, you end up paying back much less over the total life of the debt.
The Bad
No New Credit: While under Debt Review, you are legally flagged. You cannot take out new loans (including Lulalend or Bridgement) until you finish the process.
Long-Term Commitment: This isn’t a “quick fix.” You will be in the program for a few years until the debt is paid.
Public Record: Your credit report will show you are under “Debt Review” until you get your Clearance Certificate.