In 2016 ABSA commissioned the University of Pretoria Law Clinic in collaboration with Enterprises University of Pretoria (Enterprises UP), to develop a Debt Review training programme.

The aim of the programme, called the Advanced Programme in Debt Review, was to empower employees of banks and other credit providers working in the debt collection environment with knowledge about the National Credit Act and provisions in the Act relating to their day to day activities. The program is currently the only program of its sort available to credit providers in South Africa.

The programme is presented in a blended learning model that takes advantage of technology- enabled and assisted learning. This model of learning is ideally suited for the target audience at it minimises the time the delegate needs to be out of the office as self-directed learning, away from the traditional classroom setting form an integral part of the learning. The programme is also developed to allow delegates to access additional reading material, multimedia and other online resources to assist in understanding important concepts. Discussion forums allows for ongoing assistance, support and interaction with peers and the course leader. Evaluation takes place on an ongoing basis through short questions, assignments and case studies and a written exam. Six contact sessions of three hours each with the facilitator from the Law Clinic completes the blended learning model.

The programme is divided into six learning blocks and focus on the application and interpretation of the Act as well as classification of credit agreements, e.g. credit facility, credit transaction, and credit guarantee. The different categories of credit agreements: small, intermediate and large as well as institutional arrangements under the Credit Act are also explained. All of the above is illustrated with practical examples and the latest applicable case law.

Since the commencement of the programme in 2016, employees of three of the large commercial banks in South Africa has enlisted delegates in the programme. A total of almost 200 employees were trained to date and further intakes of the programme are scheduled for the remainder of 2018. Feedback from delegates who completed the course are very positive.

Pictured here are a group of delegates from ABSA who received their certificates at a certificate ceremony held on the 9 th of June.