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How to Dispute Your Credit Bureau Record in Gauteng

If your credit bureau record in Gauteng contains incorrect or outdated information — from a prescribed debt, an error, or identity theft — the National Credit Act gives you the right to challenge it for free. Credit bureaus must remove incorrect information within 20 business days.

The Law That Protects You

National Credit Act 34 of 2005 — Section 72
Every consumer has the right to a free credit record once per year. Consumers may dispute inaccurate information; credit bureaus must investigate and correct within 20 days.
National Credit Act 34 of 2005 — Section 71
Paid-up judgments must be removed from your credit record by the credit bureau within seven days of receiving proof of payment.

What To Do — Step by Step

  1. Get your free credit report from the major bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, Equifax, XDS) — you are entitled to one free report per bureau per year.

  2. Identify incorrect information — wrong amounts, old paid-up judgments, identity fraud accounts, or prescribed debts.

  3. Submit a written dispute to the credit bureau with supporting evidence. They must investigate and respond within 20 business days.

  4. Escalate to the National Credit Regulator (0860 627 627) or approach the National Consumer Tribunal if the bureau does not correct genuine errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does negative information stay on my credit record in Gauteng?
Default listings: 1 year after payment. Adverse information: 2 years. Court judgments: 5 years or until rescinded. Debt review: until clearance certificate issued.
Can I have a paid judgment removed from my credit record in Gauteng?
Yes. Once the judgment is paid, you can apply to the magistrates' court for a rescission. The credit bureau must remove it within 7 days of being notified.
What if someone opened accounts fraudulently in my name in Gauteng?
Report to SAPS (open a fraud case), contact the credit bureau's fraud department, and report to the NCR. The NCR investigates identity fraud affecting credit records.

Legal Resources in Gauteng

📋 CCMA: Johannesburg CCMA (011 377 6650) or Pretoria CCMA (012 843 1000)

⚖️ Legal Aid SA: Legal Aid South Africa — Johannesburg (011 877 2000) or Pretoria (012 325 1726)

🏛️ High Court: Gauteng Division of the High Court (Johannesburg: 011 335 0082 | Pretoria: 012 315 0868)

🏢 Magistrates' Courts: Johannesburg, Pretoria, Randburg, Soweto, Midrand, and other magistrates' courts

🏠 Rental Housing Tribunal: Gauteng Rental Housing Tribunal (011 355 4000)

Gauteng has the highest volume of labour disputes, housing evictions, and consumer complaints in the country. Multiple CCMA regional offices serve the province.