Debt & Consumer
Money owed, debt disputes and letters of demand
Covers: South Africa · Zimbabwe
Whether you are owed money or being pursued for it, the same discipline applies: establish the exact amount, the document that creates the obligation, and the payment history.
What you need
- The agreement, invoice or loan document
- Proof of what was delivered or paid
- A running statement of payments made and outstanding
- Written admissions or promises to pay
- The other party's full name and address for service
Step by step
- 1
Reconcile the amount
Capital, interest and any charges, itemised with dates. A wrong number undermines the whole demand.
- 2
Send a letter of demand
Set out the debt, the basis, the amount and a payment deadline, and keep proof of delivery.
- 3
Consider small claims
In South Africa the Small Claims Court handles claims up to the prescribed limit, with no lawyers and no legal costs.
- 4
Check prescription
Debts can become unenforceable with the passage of time. Confirm the position before paying or suing on an old debt.
- 5
Record every payment arrangement
Get any settlement or arrangement in writing before you make a payment on it.
If a debt is being claimed against you
Ask for the underlying agreement and a full statement. Do not acknowledge an amount you have not verified — an acknowledgement can restart the clock on an old debt.
Official sources
ThusoAssist links to official forms and portals — it never recreates an official document.
Common questions
Do I need a lawyer for small claims?
No. The Small Claims Court is designed to be used without legal representation.
Can ThusoAssist write the letter of demand?
Yes — it is generated from the verified facts in your case file, not a blank template.
Turn this into a case file
A guide tells you the process. A ThusoAssist case works it: adaptive interview, your facts and evidence in one place, what's missing, an action map, documents and follow-up.
Related guides
ThusoAssist is not a law firm, government department or licensed professional. Guidance is general and may need verification. For serious matters, consult a qualified professional.