Cash-Flow Specialist Debbie Vandekan Shares the Story Behind Three Peaks Payment House

Durban — Cash-flow strategist and business leader Debbie Vandekan (née Jones) is drawing renewed attention for her role in building Three Peaks Payment House, a company that has become a long-standing pillar of support for South Africa’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). During a recent discussion with ActionCOACH’s Trevor Clark, Vandekan outlined the development of the business and the principles that shaped its success.

Three Peaks was established in the early 1990s after Vandekan identified a structural gap in the financial sector. At that time, automated debit-order facilities were largely reserved for large corporates, leaving smaller businesses with inconsistent revenue and limited access to reliable payment systems. Drawing on nearly two decades of commercial banking experience, she recognised that SMEs required a dedicated service provider capable of delivering predictable collections and improved cash-flow stability.

Addressing an Overlooked Market

Vandekan and co-founder Alain Vandekan launched Three Peaks with the aim of supporting smaller organisations that were not adequately served by major banks. The company focused on providing accessible debit-order solutions designed for schools, medical practices, gyms, service providers, and other businesses that relied heavily on recurring monthly income.

Through a combination of flexible payment tools, consistent processing, and tailored customer support, the business created a model that reduced administrative workload and helped clients maintain healthier cash-flow cycles. Over time, Three Peaks expanded its services to include credit checks, payment monitoring, and debt-reduction support.

Entrepreneurial Growth Through Practical Systems

Vandekan’s journey reflects the challenges and opportunities familiar to many South African entrepreneurs. After relocating to Durban amid corporate restructuring in the banking sector, she pivoted to building a business that served real, practical needs in the market. Her approach prioritised stable systems, operational reliability, and long-term client relationships rather than high-volume transactional interactions.

This method positioned Three Peaks as a steady, dependable partner for SMEs operating in an economy marked by volatility, late payments, and cash-flow instability.

Impact on the SME Landscape

More than 30 years since its establishment, Three Peaks continues to service organisations across multiple industries. The company’s debit-order infrastructure has enabled many businesses to transition from manual invoicing and unpredictable payment behaviour to automated, structured income cycles. This has had a measurable effect on sustainability, helping enterprises reduce defaults, avoid cash-flow crises, and plan more confidently for growth.

Industry observers note that Three Peaks’ long-term stability reflects a broader shift in the financial services sector, where specialised payment houses are increasingly providing solutions that traditional banks have not prioritised.

Guidance for Business Owners

During her engagement with ActionCOACH, Vandekan highlighted several core principles that support resilient cash-flow management. These include implementing automated income systems early in the life of a business, monitoring financial performance on a weekly basis, setting prices that reflect value rather than fear, establishing efficient operational structures, and cultivating consistent long-term relationships with clients.

These principles echo the foundations on which Three Peaks was built and continue to guide the company’s approach to supporting SMEs nationwide.

A Continuing Role in Business Development

Vandekan remains active in the fields of cash-flow education and business support, contributing to programmes that assist entrepreneurs in strengthening their operational and financial systems. Three Peaks continues to expand its services and maintains a reputation for reliability, longevity, and practical problem-solving.

As South African SMEs face ongoing economic pressure, the systems and practices developed under Vandekan’s leadership remain relevant, offering small businesses a proven method for achieving stability and sustainable revenue.