Learning from Great Examples

Jenny, a beloved mother and co-founder, was a foundational figure in shaping the values that still guide us today. Her example of selfless service, compassion, and unwavering faith helped establish the principles that continue to drive our approach to client care.

Jenny was an excellent example of compassion and service, teaching us what it means to put others first and to work with integrity. Her wisdom helped shape the early decisions of the business, and her example of serving others continues to inspire our approach to client care.

When Jenny went on pension in 2010-2011, her calling evolved toward missionary work, but the foundation of service and compassion she helped establish remained central to our business philosophy. Though we sadly lost Jenny due to Covid-19 in August 2021, the principles she exemplified—treating people with dignity, serving with integrity, and maintaining faith through challenges—continue to guide our team's approach to helping clients.

Bernidene's Vision and Leadership

Today, Bernidene stands as the sole owner and driving force behind CS Debt Counselling. She has shaped the original vision into something extraordinary—a business led by Biblical values and rooted in compassion.

As Bernidene shares:

"Since I was a little girl, I've always dreamed of running my own business. But even more than that, I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to help people—to be a light in someone's dark moment. Today, as a registered debt counsellor, I know this path was never just my idea—it's part of the beautiful story God has written for my life."

Her journey wasn't without challenges. When she was unable to complete her studies, it felt like a dead end—but God had another plan. He opened the door for her to become a registered debt counsellor, merging her two lifelong dreams: to serve others and to own a business.

Years before she even knew what debt counselling was, Bernidene received a prophetic word: that she would be used to help people in need—to become a vessel of hope. That word has come to life in the work we do each day at The CS Group

Building a Kingdom-Centred Business

Under Bernidene's visionary leadership, CS Debt Counselling has grown into three sister companies, all under The CS Group banner:

CS Debt Counselling - Our original mission: helping people regain control of their finances and their lives.

CS Clear - Specialising in ITC clearances, assisting consumers in restoring their credit records and reputations.

CS Insure - Offering insurance solutions to protect our clients and their futures. Bernidene is currently furthering her studies in insurance to continue providing exceptional value.

For Bernidene, this journey has always been about more than just business—it's about bringing the Kingdom of Heaven into the workplace. That means prioritising people, integrity, and service over profit, and allowing God's character to shape every interaction, decision, and policy.

Lynn Nel: A Pillar of Excellence and Compassion

No story of CS Debt Counselling would be complete without honouring Lynn Nel—a cornerstone of our success and a faithful presence on this journey. Lynn has been part of CS Debt Counselling for nearly 17 years, which speaks volumes about her loyalty and heart for service.

Last year, we proudly celebrated Lynn's registration as a debt counsellor (NCRDC 4398)—a significant milestone that formally recognised what we've always known: she's exceptional at what she does.

As we shared in our celebration:

"Lynn's not just an expert in debt counselling—she's a steady, calming presence for clients facing tough situations. Her leadership and empathy have touched so many lives here, from her colleagues to the people who count on her guidance."

For more than a decade and a half, Lynn has stood with families through some of their most challenging seasons. Her calm, caring approach and deep understanding have made her not only a reliable counsellor but a steady, gentle force for everyone around her.

To this day, Lynn continues to carry that same heart into every interaction. Her consistency, humility, and deep care for people are part of what makes CS Debt Counselling so special. We are deeply grateful for her, and we know that our journey would not have been the same without her dedication and expertise.

Our Core Values: The Foundation of Everything We Do

These Kingdom principles are lived out daily through our core values:

Compassion - Understanding Your Struggles, Guiding You Forward

We don't just see financial problems; we see the human hearts behind them. As Bernidene explains: "Here, we don't just manage numbers. We speak life into situations that feel hopeless. We walk alongside clients who feel like they've reached the end, and we remind them that there's still a future. We help carry the weight when finances feel overwhelming. It's not just about debt—it's about dignity, healing, and restoration."

Integrity - Building Trust Through Open Communication

Honesty and transparency aren't just business practices for us—they're Biblical mandates. We believe in open communication, clear expectations, and doing what's right, even when it's difficult.

Expertise - Your Financial Health is in Capable Hands

We combine professional excellence with genuine care. Our team continuously develops their skills and knowledge to provide you with the best possible service. Bernidene truly believes that debt is one of the great forms of slavery in today's world, but we were not created to live in bondage. We were made to live in freedom—and that's what we're here to offer: hope, help, and a way forward.

Personalised Service - One-on-One Guidance Every Step of the Way

Every client is unique, with their own story, circumstances, and needs. We believe in treating each person as an individual worthy of personal attention and customised solutions.

Our Mission: To empower individuals and families to overcome financial obstacles and build a secure future.

A Complete Financial Solution Rooted in Kingdom Values

What started as a single mission has grown into a comprehensive approach to financial wellness. Through The CS Group, we now offer:

Complete debt rehabilitation through CS Debt Counselling

Credit record restoration through CS Clear (operating since 2017)

Financial protection through CS Insure, with Bernidene's ongoing insurance studies ensuring we provide the most current and valuable coverage options

This holistic approach means we can walk with our clients through every stage of their financial journey—from debt crisis to financial freedom to ongoing protection. Every service we provide is grounded in our commitment to Biblical values and treating each client as God would want us to treat them.

Our Philosophy: Excellence Through Kingdom Principles

In a world where bigger often seems better, we've chosen a different path guided by Kingdom values. We’re not aiming to be the biggest debt counselling firm in the country—we’re striving to be the best, showing God’s character in all we do.

As Bernidene reflects: "Being a business owner hasn't always been easy. There have been tough days—and even tougher decisions. But through it all, God has been faithful. We've seen miracles, favour, and breakthrough—things that make no sense to the world, but make perfect sense in His kingdom. Where others might say it was luck, I know it was God."

What does being the best mean to us? It means:

Treating every client with the dignity and respect that reflects their worth as God's children

Providing personalised solutions that honour each person's unique circumstances

Being available when our clients need us most, demonstrating Christ's love in action

Celebrating every milestone on their journey to debt freedom as a victory for God's kingdom

Never giving up on someone who hasn't given up on themselves, just as God never gives up on us

At The CS Group, we're not just running a business. We're answering a calling—to help others step into financial freedom, emotional healing, and renewed hope.

Lynn Nel: A Pillar of Excellence and Compassion

No story of CS Debt Counselling would be complete without honouring Lynn Nel—a cornerstone of our success and a faithful presence on this journey. Lynn has been part of CS Debt Counselling for nearly 17 years, which speaks volumes about her loyalty and heart for service.

Last year, we proudly celebrated Lynn's registration as a debt counsellor (NCRDC 4398)—a significant milestone that formally recognised what we've always known: she's exceptional at what she does.

As we shared in our celebration:

"Lynn's not just an expert in debt counselling—she's a steady, calming presence for clients facing tough situations. Her leadership and empathy have touched so many lives here, from her colleagues to the people who count on her guidance."

For more than a decade and a half, Lynn has stood with families through some of their most challenging seasons. Her calm, caring approach and deep understanding have made her not only a reliable counsellor but a steady, gentle force for everyone around her.

To this day, Lynn continues to carry that same heart into every interaction. Her consistency, humility, and deep care for people are part of what makes CS Debt Counselling so special. We are deeply grateful for her, and we know that our journey would not have been the same without her dedication and expertise.

We believe that every employee who has joined The CS Group  is a key team member in this business for their divine purpose. We are so grateful for each person God has brought into our story, knowing that each team member plays a vital role in fulfilling our mission to help others achieve financial freedom.

The CS Debt Counselling Difference

What sets CS Debt Counselling apart isn't just our experience or our services—it's our heart and our foundation in Kingdom values. We understand that behind every debt counselling case is a human being created in God's image, with hopes, fears, and dreams. We understand that financial difficulties don't just affect bank accounts; they affect families, relationships, and peace of mind.

In this business, we don't like doing things in a commercialised way. We know each client as they walk through our door, we know their story, we know their struggles. They aren't just a number in our books. This is in stark contrast to large debt counselling operations—and to say "company" is actually wrong according to the National Credit Act, as debt counselling services can only be provided by a person, meaning a registered debt counsellor, and not a company.

When you work with CS Debt Counselling, you're not just getting professional debt counselling services offered by Bernidene and Lynn —you're becoming part of a story that began with a vision to make a difference, continues today under Bernidene's dedicated leadership guided by Biblical principles, and is strengthened by the unwavering commitment of team members like Lynn, Maria & Sweetness who have dedicated their careers to helping others.

Our Promise to You

As we continue to grow and evolve under Bernidene's leadership, our core mission remains unchanged: to help people regain control of their finances and their lives. We promise to bring the same compassion, dedication, and expertise that built this company to every client we serve.

Your journey to financial freedom starts with a single step, and we're here to walk that path with you—guided by the leadership of Bernidene, supported by the expertise of Lynn and our entire team, and most importantly, keeping Christ at the centre of everything we do.

Since 2008, Bernidene and her dedicated team have been assisting consumers to gain control over their debt repayments. We've walked alongside countless clients as they've navigated their way from financial chaos to financial freedom. Each success story reminds us why we do what we do.

We have seen miracles happen here. We have also seen sorrow, heartbreak, and desperation. But through each client's story of how they ended up in financial struggle, we have learned to have deeper compassion, to serve with integrity, and we have built strong relationships with credit providers who trust our commitment to finding solutions that work for everyone involved.

At CS Debt Counselling, we believe that everyone deserves a second chance at financial freedom. Contact us today to learn how The CS Group can help you take control of your debt, clear your credit record, and protect your financial future.