NCR warns festive spending could deepen consumer debt


The National Credit Regulator (NCR) has renewed its call for South Africans to practice strict financial discipline during the festive season.

The NCR has warned that irresponsible spending could leave millions of people trapped in debt at the start of 2026. Around 10 million consumers are already over-indebted.

The NCR’s Jimmy Golele says people should prioritise paying the debt that they have, as much as they should put something aside to enjoy the festive season.

“They should also avoid reversing debit orders because that is another trend that has been observed over the years, that in order to free additional cash, that reversed debit order can be used to take care of things over the festive season. A lot of consumers tend to do this,” adds Golele.

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