Who we are
DCASA is a voluntary association and a professional body representing the best and most ethical registered Debt Counsellors accross South Africa. It was established in 2007, with the commencement of the National Credit Act. DCASA has contributed significantly to the industry by engaging with industry stakeholders to improve Debt Review.
DCASA aims to develop a streamlined Debt Counselling industry by setting process guidelines and training Members, in addition, DCASA aims to provide Members with various products and services that will allow them to effectively and professionally deliver Debt Review services for over-indebtedness Consumers.
The Association insists on high ethical behaviour on the part of its members to preserve and maintain the integrity and status of DCASA.
If you are searching for an accredited and registered Debt Counsellor check out this link: https://www.dcasa.co.za/debtcounsellor-search/
Read more about our Code of Conduct
Staff Profiles
Vanessa Johst
Operations Manager
NCRDC Nr: 2824
Vanessa Johst is the Operations Manager of the Debt Counsellors Association of South Africa (DCASA) and has been managing the Association since 2015. She plays a central role in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the organisation, stakeholder engagement, regulatory alignment, member support, governance processes, and strategic industry initiatives. She works closely with the Executive Committee, credit providers, regulators, and industry stakeholders to ensure stability, integrity, and effective collaboration within the debt review ecosystem.
Vanessa studied at the University of Johannesburg, where she completed her LLB degree. She served her articles at a general litigation firm and was promoted to Professional Assistant, gaining valuable experience in litigation, legal interpretation, and court processes.
In 2015, she elected to transition into the corporate and regulatory environment by joining DCASA. Through her work within the Association, she developed extensive practical and strategic expertise in the National Credit Act and the broader debt review framework, focusing on governance, compliance, operational efficiency, and industry best practice.
In addition to her operational leadership role, Vanessa is a part-time Trainer, Assessor, and Moderator for the Debt Counselling course, contributing to the development and professional standards of future Debt Counsellors. She is actively involved in industry education, capacity building, and promoting ethical conduct within the sector.
In 2023, she received the “Most Valuable Contribution to the Debt Review Industry” award in recognition of her leadership, commitment, and ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration and sustainability within the industry. She continues to guide and support DCASA members through regulatory developments, industry challenges, and strategic engagement initiatives, ensuring that the voice of debt counsellors remains professional, constructive, and solutions-driven.
Zinelle Carstens
DCASA Events Co-Ordinator
As DCASA’s Events Co-ordinator, she plays a vital role in planning, organising, and executing branch meetings, stakeholder engagements, and national DCASA events. She works closely with industry role players, sponsors, and members to ensure that every event provides meaningful collaboration, professional development, and valuable networking opportunities for debt counsellors and stakeholders across the industry.
NEC Profiles
Casper le Grange
President of DCASA
NCRDC Nr: 1560
Casper le Grange currently serves as the President of the Debt Counsellors Association of South Africa (DCASA), where he represents debt counsellors nationally and advocates for ethical standards, regulatory compliance, and the protection of financially distressed consumers across the country.
Registered with the National Credit Regulator since 2010, Casper has over 15 years of experience in the debt counselling industry. He is the founder and director of DCGsa (Debt Counselling Group South Africa), established in East London in 2011. Under his leadership, DCGsa has consistently been recognised nationally for service excellence and integrity within the debt review sector.
DCASA represents debt counsellors who assist over-indebted consumers through the formal debt review process in terms of the National Credit Act. The organisation plays a vital role in engaging regulators, credit providers, and industry stakeholders to ensure that debt counselling remains a credible, structured, and rehabilitative solution for South African families facing financial hardship.
In addition to his presidency at DCASA, Casper serves on the Credit Industry Forum of South Africa (CIFSA), contributing to industry dialogue and policy discussions that shape the future of credit regulation and consumer protection. He has also been a key speaker at national industry forums, where he shares insight on debt review, regulatory developments, and financial rehabilitation strategies.
Casper is passionate about strengthening collaboration between government, business, and industry bodies to promote responsible credit practices and sustainable financial solutions that restore dignity and stability to South African households.
Drisha Pillay
Vice President
NCRDC Nr: 1242
She has over 20 years of experience within the financial and credit industry. This diverse career journey has enabled her to work with professionals across various levels and sectors, fostering strong, lasting relationships while maintaining a professional, open-minded, and client-centric approach in all engagements.
She currently serves as a Managing Executive, providing strategic and operational leadership. Her role focuses on ensuring regulatory compliance, governance excellence, and the efficient management of end-to-end operations within a highly regulated environment.
Previously, she served as a Managing Executive, leading the Customer, Collections, Legal, Marketing, and Industry Relations portfolios while overseeing a high-performing team of 85 professionals. In this role, she was responsible for strategic direction, operational excellence, stakeholder engagement, and driving sustainable business growth.
She has also held the position of Regional Manager within the financial wellness sector, where she managed both operational and sales teams, focusing on performance optimisation, revenue growth, and service excellence.
In addition, she worked as a Debt Counsellor Relationship Manager, overseeing debt review–related queries and serving as a key liaison between stakeholders to ensure efficient case management, regulatory alignment, and strong professional relationships.
In addition to her corporate leadership roles, she served as Chairperson of the Debt Counsellors Association of South Africa from 2013 and has been an active member of the National Executive Committee since 2015. She is also a part-time Facilitator, Assessor, and Moderator for the Debt Counselling course through BSI, contributing to industry skills development and professional standards.
She is a goal-driven, focused, and results-orientated leader with strong interpersonal, planning, organisational, and communication skills. Her corporate sales experience enables her to operate confidently in the field, while her proactive and self-motivated nature allows her to perform effectively under pressure and independently. She is a strategic thinker with a proven ability to drive operational efficiency and company profitability.
As part of her professional career, she has participated as a host and speaker at various industry conferences, contributing to sector thought leadership and professional discourse. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Human Resources and Project Management, as well as a Higher Certificate in Business Management, and is a qualified NCR-registered Debt Counsellor. She has completed Facilitator, Assessor, and Moderator certifications.
Ancil van Heerden
Deputy Treasurer - NEC Member
NCRDC:164
Ancil van Heerden is an admitted legal practitioner of the High Court of South Africa and a registered Debt Counsellor since 2007, with extensive expertise in consumer credit law and debt review under the National Credit Act. Holding B.Proc and LLB qualifications, she combines strong legal knowledge with operational and compliance experience across the credit and financial services industry.
As Deputy Treasurer and a member of the DCASA National Executive Committee, Ancil plays a key role in governance, compliance support, and industry development. She is widely respected for her in-depth understanding of debt review processes, regulatory frameworks, and her ability to translate complex legal principles into practical, workable solutions for industry professionals.
Known as “The Legal Architect,” Ancil is passionate about strengthening ethical consumer protection while supporting practitioners through training, policy development, and compliance guidance. Her professional philosophy centres on creating clarity, fairness, and structure within the debt review environment, ensuring the law is applied effectively and responsibly to benefit both consumers and industry stakeholders.
Mauritz van den Heever
Treasurer - NEC Member
NCRDC Nr: 192
Mauritz is a Partner at Leocorp Debt Counsellors, based in Centurion, bringing with him nearly two decades of experience in the consumer credit and debt review environment.
His career began in the banking sector, where he serviced both Personal and Business markets as a Credit Manager. During this time, he gained extensive, practical knowledge of the consumer credit landscape, risk assessment, and responsible lending practices. This strong foundation has proven invaluable in his work as a Debt Counsellor.
Mauritz registered as a Debt Counsellor in 2007 and has since built a reputation for professionalism, integrity, and balanced decision-making. His deep understanding of credit provider processes, combined with his commitment to consumer protection, allows him to approach complex matters with clarity and fairness.
Since 2012, Mauritz has served as an active member of the DCASA National Executive Committee (NEC). In his role as Treasurer, he oversees the association’s finances with diligence and accountability. He also manages new member onboarding, ensuring that every new DCASA member receives the guidance and support they need from the outset.
Within the NEC, Mauritz is known as a good-natured, objective, and calm presence — someone who brings steady leadership and thoughtful perspective to every discussion. When it comes to financial oversight, governance, or membership matters, he is truly the person to speak to.
Vacant
Secretary
NCRDC Nr
Branch Profiles
Zinèlle Carstens
Gauteng - Branch Representative & Events CO-Ordinator
NCRDC Nr: 2051
Zinelle Carsten is our Gauteng Representative and Events Co-Ordinator
As DCASA’s Events Co-ordinator, she plays a vital role in planning, organising, and executing branch meetings, stakeholder engagements, and national DCASA events. She works closely with industry role players, sponsors, and members to ensure that every event provides meaningful collaboration, professional development, and valuable networking opportunities for debt counsellors and stakeholders across the industry.
She began her journey in the debt review industry in 2009 as a debt counsellor’s assistant and progressed to become a registered Debt Counsellor in 2011. In the same year, she joined DCASA to strengthen her knowledge and enhance the support she provides to consumers. In 2015, she became a director of her own practice, Debt Relief Proz, where she has spent the past nine years guiding clients through the debt review process from initial consultation to successful completion.
Known for her passion, dedication, and solution-driven approach, she is committed to supporting consumers and industry professionals alike. She is recognised for her willingness to assist, share knowledge, and take on challenges, while continuously promoting professionalism, collaboration, and growth within DCASA and the broader debt counselling industry.
Leandie Brink
Gauteng - Branch Representative
NCRDC2414
With 15 years in the industry and 13 years as a practising Debt Counsellor, Leandie Brink is deeply committed to helping South African consumers restore financial stability with dignity. Through Gauteng Debt Counselling, she provides ethical, practical, and compassionate debt review solutions nationwide.
Leandie is passionate about consumer education and firmly believes that informed consumers are empowered consumers. She extends her impact beyond her practice through her TikTok platforms, Leandie Talks Debt and Skuld in Afrikaans, where she simplifies debt review and personal finance for a broad South African audience.
As Gauteng’s DCASA NEC Representative, she champions responsible debt management, industry integrity, and strong consumer protection. Her mission is clear: raise awareness, elevate standards, and make debt review understandable, accessible, and credible for every consumer she serves.
Gaynor Els
Eastern Cape - Branch Representative
NCRDC Nr: 1346
Registered as a Debt Counsellor since 2009 (NCRDC1346), Gaynor Els brings over a decade of experience and heartfelt dedication to the debt counselling profession. She is passionate about walking alongside her clients as they move from fear and anxiety toward relief, stability, and ultimately financial freedom.
Gaynor firmly believes that no one should face financial challenges alone. Her approach combines compassion with professionalism, ensuring that every consumer receives structured, compliant, and supportive guidance throughout the debt review process. Her work is driven by a genuine desire to restore hope and empower individuals to rebuild their financial futures.
As the newly elected Eastern Cape Branch Representative for DCASA, Gaynor has accepted this role with a strong sense of responsibility and purpose. She recognises the vital contribution DCASA continues to make in promoting compliance, professionalism, and best practice in alignment with the National Credit Act.
She is committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen regulatory alignment, enhance consumer protection, and contribute to the sustainable growth of the debt counselling industry. Within the Eastern Cape, she will provide guidance to members, share important industry updates, and actively promote ongoing professional development to ensure consistently high standards of service delivery.
Gaynor’s leadership reflects both heart and principle — a balance of empathy for consumers and dedication to excellence within the profession.
Annienne Nel
Western Cape - Branch Representative
NCRDC Nr: 2452
Annienne Nel is a registered Debt Counsellor with over 17 years of experience in finance, property, and consumer credit support. Since entering the debt review industry in 2009, she has built a reputation for integrity, discipline, and a deeply client-centred approach. As the founder of Consumer Debt Support, she combines strong operational leadership with hands-on consumer guidance, ensuring ethical compliance and practical, results-driven solutions.
Annienne’s professional journey spans roles within law enforcement administration, the Department of Justice, property sales, and bond origination, providing her with a well-rounded understanding of financial processes and consumer affordability. Her expertise lies in regulatory compliance, consumer counselling, and structured debt review processes aligned with the National Credit Act.
Known as “Mamma-Fix-It,” Annienne is recognised for her calm authority, strong leadership, and ability to guide both consumers and industry professionals through complex financial challenges with clarity and compassion. Passionate about community upliftment, she is actively involved in outreach initiatives supporting families in financial distress.
As Western Cape Representative, she is committed to strengthening professional standards, supporting debt counsellors, and enhancing consumer confidence in the debt review industry.
Danielle Duval
Kwazulu Natal - Branch Representative
NCRDC3384
Danielle Bronwyn Duval is the Managing Executive at The South African Pioneer Group of Companies and a registered Debt Counsellor (NCRDC3384) at Pioneer Debt Solutions. She represents KwaZulu-Natal on the Debt Counselling Association of South Africa NEC.
Since entering the industry in 2015, Danielle has progressed from Proposals Auditor to Executive Leader, building deep expertise across compliance, customer service, and collections. Known as “Captain Compliance” and “The Closer,” she blends operational discipline with people-focused leadership — balancing commercial growth, regulatory integrity, and client dignity.
Her superpower? Turning complexity into clarity and driving disciplined execution — with a human touch.
Her weakness? Occasionally over-engineering solutions because excellence matters.
Danielle believes sustainable success is built on integrity, accountability, and consistency — doing the right things even when no one is watching.
She joined DCASA to strengthen professional standards, support collaborative solutions, and contribute to a debt review environment that is ethical, credible, and future-focused. Her goal is simple: raise the bar, protect consumers, and help build an industry we’re proud to represent.
Johan Stassen
North West - Branch Representative
NCRDC3151
Johan Stassen brings over three decades of experience in the financial services industry, with a career spanning banking, housing finance, bond origination, and debt counselling. Beginning his professional journey in 1982 at Saambou Building Society, he progressed from cashier to Assistant Manager before expanding his expertise into housing finance, bond broking, and ultimately debt counselling, where he has been active since 2010 and registered as a Debt Counsellor in 2018.
Johan is recognised for his strong practical understanding of the full credit lifecycle and his client-focused approach to financial rehabilitation. He is passionate about empowering consumers through transparency, ethical guidance, and responsible financial advice that supports long-term stability.
Known for his ability to analyse complex financial situations and develop effective, workable solutions, Johan is committed to advocating for clients facing financial distress while maintaining professional and compliant industry standards.
As North West Representative, he is dedicated to strengthening the debt counselling profession, supporting DCASA members, and promoting ethical, sustainable practices that benefit both consumers and industry stakeholders.
Johnny Jansen
Free State - Branch Representative
NCRDC1770
Johnny Jansen is a highly respected Debt Counsellor based in Bloemfontein, bringing 17 years of dedicated experience to the industry. Throughout his career, he has become known for his professionalism, integrity, and compassionate approach to assisting consumers in financial distress.
For Johnny, debt counselling is more than a profession — it is a calling rooted in people upliftment and empowerment. He believes that financial recovery is not only about restructuring debt, but also about restoring dignity, confidence, and hope. Over the years, he has guided hundreds of individuals and families through challenging financial circumstances, providing both technical expertise and genuine emotional support.
His greatest strength lies in his ability to connect personally with consumers. Johnny listens without judgment, carefully assesses each unique situation, and walks alongside his clients throughout their entire debt review journey. His steady guidance and sincere care have earned him the trust of both consumers and industry peers.
As DCASA’s Free State Branch Representative, Johnny brings this same passion and commitment to the association — advocating for excellence, ethical practice, and meaningful support for debt counsellors within the province.
His mission remains clear: to uplift lives, strengthen the profession, and bring renewed hope where financial stress has taken hold.