The National Credit Regulator (NCR) has issued Circular 02 of 2026, reminding all registered credit providers of their obligations regarding language compliance under Section 63 of the National Credit Act (NCA). The circular reinforces the importance of ensuring that consumers can access and understand credit-related documents in languages they can read and comprehend.
Section 63 of the NCA provides that consumers are entitled to receive prescribed documents in an official language they understand. To support this, registered credit providers are required, as a condition of registration, to submit a language policy proposal to the NCR. These proposals must outline the languages in which consumer documents will be made available and demonstrate how the provider will ensure that documents are provided in at least two official South African languages.
The circular establishes clear deadlines for compliance. Registered banks, insurance companies, and credit providers classified within categories 1 to 4 must submit their language policy proposals within five months of accepting the proposed registration conditions. Credit providers within categories 5 to 9 are afforded a longer period and must submit their proposals within twelve months of accepting the proposed registration.
Once submitted, the NCR will assess each proposal in accordance with Section 63(4)(b) of the NCA. The regulator may either approve the proposal or require a revised submission if it determines that the proposal does not adequately promote the maximum practicable enjoyment. Approved proposals will be subject to a second-year review to evaluate implementation and assess how effectively language preferences of consumers are being accommodated.
The NCR has also clarified the types of documents that should be covered by language policies. These include pre-agreement disclosures, credit agreements, enforcement notices, and other relevant credit-related communications. In addition, credit providers must explain how their branch staff and call centre personnel will accommodate consumers who speak different official languages. Credit providers are permitted to make use of the same official language throughout the Republic or use different official languages in different parts of the country.
Language policy proposals must be submitted via email to submissions@ncr.org.za and should be clearly labelled with the provider’s NCR registration number. The regulator has encouraged all credit providers to comply promptly to ensure greater consumer protection, transparency, and inclusivity within South Africa’s credit industry.
Through Circular 02 of 2026, the NCR seeks to strengthen consumer rights and improve access to financial information, ensuring that language barriers do not prevent consumers from fully understanding their credit obligations and rights under the law.