So, I chatted to a buddy that works for one of the major banks in SA, and what he told me was quite interesting yet not surprising.
The amount of asset repossessions has risen dramatically the last few months. They are now repossessing thousands of cars and houses every month. It is a complete madhouse, the bank actually had to employ additional agents (and sub-contract in some areas) to actually perform the repossessions. There are so many cases, they are having a hard time keeping up.
Also some sad stories. Apparently having your car attached is even worse than having your house attached. There are cases where both the house and the car have to be attached, and then the guy still wants that they take the house first (immediately), but come back for the car later! Also some cases where they would think of any excuse to get rid of the repo person, when friends are coming for a visit, friends are currently visiting, or busy leaving. Also many cases of men breaking down in tears, begging the person to please give him another day, as the car is already being reversed out of the driveway. That is the worst moment of all.
It is really a sad and desperate state of affairs. And apparently most of these houses and cars are high-end. This just proves what I said before about South Africans just wanting nice cars and houses to impress others, without really thinking about their ability to afford it.
I'm awaiting some detailed stats about cars and models, will post it here when I get it. I won't be surprised if BMW is at the top of the list. Typical snob vehicle brand chosen by most South Africans who can afford it least.
Also some more boats being repossessed lately, but didn't get more details about that.
The amount of asset repossessions has risen dramatically the last few months. They are now repossessing thousands of cars and houses every month. It is a complete madhouse, the bank actually had to employ additional agents (and sub-contract in some areas) to actually perform the repossessions. There are so many cases, they are having a hard time keeping up.
Also some sad stories. Apparently having your car attached is even worse than having your house attached. There are cases where both the house and the car have to be attached, and then the guy still wants that they take the house first (immediately), but come back for the car later! Also some cases where they would think of any excuse to get rid of the repo person, when friends are coming for a visit, friends are currently visiting, or busy leaving. Also many cases of men breaking down in tears, begging the person to please give him another day, as the car is already being reversed out of the driveway. That is the worst moment of all.
It is really a sad and desperate state of affairs. And apparently most of these houses and cars are high-end. This just proves what I said before about South Africans just wanting nice cars and houses to impress others, without really thinking about their ability to afford it.
I'm awaiting some detailed stats about cars and models, will post it here when I get it. I won't be surprised if BMW is at the top of the list. Typical snob vehicle brand chosen by most South Africans who can afford it least.
Also some more boats being repossessed lately, but didn't get more details about that.