Verify Before You Sign.Only DEMASA Authorised Providers Carry the Seal.
DEMASA is the independent self-regulatory body for debt mediation in South Africa. Only providers who meet our verified standards, pass our compliance review, and are approved by our Board carry the DEMASA Authorised Provider designation.
Check a Provider in Seconds
Enter a DEMASA Membership Number or company name to confirm that a provider is currently Active.
View the full public register →What Is Debt Mediation?
Debt mediation is a voluntary process where you work with an accredited provider to restructure your debt repayments — creating an affordable arrangement that works for both you and your creditors.
It is not the same as debt review and does not involve a court process.
Read the Consumer GuideThree Checks Before You Sign
- 1
Ask for the Membership Number
Every Authorised Provider has a unique DEMASA Membership Number, such as DEMASA-S-0012. It must appear on all contracts.
- 2
Verify it on the public register
Confirm that the provider is listed as Active before you sign anything or pay any fee.
- 3
Get everything in writing
Only one assessment fee is allowed, disclosed in writing before any service begins. Your funds must flow through an attorney trust account.
The Debt Mediation Industry Needed a Governing Authority.
An Industry Without Oversight
Debt mediation is largely unregulated — any company can offer these services without meeting a single standard or undergoing any verification.
Inconsistent practices have led to consumer uncertainty, reputational damage to ethical providers, and no reliable way to distinguish legitimate operators.
Consumer funds are routinely held in unprotected operating accounts instead of attorney-managed trust accounts, creating serious financial risk.
Multiple undisclosed fees and absent documentation leave consumers with no understanding of what they have agreed to or what protections they have.
Structure, Accountability and Trust
DEMASA establishes minimum compliance standards, enforces a binding Code of Conduct, and promotes responsible practices across the sector.
Every accredited provider must operate through an approved attorney with a trust account — ensuring proper oversight, an audit trail, and correct fund distribution.
Transparent fee structures and compliant documentation are mandatory — consumers know exactly what they are paying and why, before they commit.
DEMASA's long-term vision is to build an industry benchmark comparable to regulated environments — bringing lasting trust between providers, attorneys and creditors.
What Every Authorised Provider Must Meet
These are not aspirational guidelines. They are binding requirements — verified at accreditation, re-confirmed at every annual renewal, and enforced if breached.
Fee Transparency
One assessment fee per consumer, disclosed in writing before any service is rendered. Hidden, multiple or excessive fees are grounds for disciplinary action.
Attorney Trust Account
All consumer funds must flow through an attorney-managed trust account. The attorney provides oversight, an audit trail, and proper distribution to creditors.
POPIA Compliance
Full compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act is mandatory. An appointed Information Officer and compliant privacy policy must be in place.
Informed Consent
Written consumer consent must be obtained before any mediation commences. Consumers must not be misled about the nature, cost, legal status or outcome of services.
Service Clarity
Debt mediation must be clearly distinguished from debt counselling, debt review and legal proceedings in all consumer-facing communication.
Client Management System
Members must operate with an approved client management system to ensure accurate records, audit trails and compliant consumer documentation at all times.
The DEMASA Stamp of Approval
When a provider displays the DEMASA Authorised Provider Badge, it means they have been independently verified, formally approved by our Board, and are actively operating under our Code of Conduct and enforcement framework.
Issued only to approved, verified providers
The Badge is issued exclusively after a full compliance review and Board approval. It cannot be purchased, self-declared or inherited.
Verifiable by any consumer or creditor
Every Badge carries a unique DEMASA Membership Number, such as DEMASA-S-0012. Anyone can verify it instantly on our public register.
Revoked immediately if standards are breached
Suspended or terminated providers must remove the Badge within 48 hours. Unauthorised display is a separate disciplinary offence.
Five Steps to Becoming a DEMASA Authorised Provider
Frequently Asked Questions
Can't find your answer? Email compliance@demasa.co.za.
Raise Your Standard. Earn Your Accreditation.
Join the national self-regulatory body for ethical and compliant debt mediation in South Africa.