A Western Cape High Court judge has ruled that the debt collecting procedure used by micro-lenders is “unconstitutional” and “an assault on human dignity”. The application, brought by the University of Stellenbosch and the Legal Aid Clinic on behalf of 15 consumers, focused on the processes employed by micro-lenders to secure repayment of loans…“For debtors who work in low paid and vulnerable occupations, their salaries or wages are invariably their only asset and means of survival. A substantial reduction of this asset has the potential of reducing human dignity.”…“The reduction of a low earning debtor’s income has a direct impact on his right to shelter, health and family life,” said [Judge] Desai.