I decided to read through the marketing practices part of the NCA to figure out what the story is with unsolicited calls.

The way I read it is that you must be able to opt-out of any marketing when you enter into a credit agreement. I can't see any reason why they would not be allowed to call you if they have your contact details, unless you have specifically opted out. Banks have been doing this for ages anyway, so I don't really see how this changes anything.

Here is the relevant section,

(6) When entering into a credit agreement, the credit provider must present to the consumer a statement of the following options and afford the consumer an opportunity to select any of those options:

(a) To decline the option of pre-approved annual credit limit increases as provided for in section 119(4), if the agreement is a credit facility; and

(b) to be excluded from any-

(i) telemarketing campaign that may be conducted by or on behalf of the credit provider;

(ii) marketing or customer list that may be sold or distributed by the credit provider, other than as required by this Act; or

(iii) any mass distribution of email or sms messages.

(7) A credit provider-

(a) must maintain a register in the prescribed manner and form of all options selected by consumers in terms of subsection (6); and

(b) must not act in a manner contrary to an option selected by a consumer in terms of subsection (6).