ABSA 'system' not service oriented

ABSA is my own current bank. I apply online for a credit card and it doesn't give me options to choose from I get a call from a third party agent, on behalf of ABSA, asKing for all my personal details again (not happy about that). Then she tells me she can only offer me the same single option that the website offered me and I have to go into the branch. I go into an Absa branch and they are not able to give me a credit card as they are 'locked out of the system due to an existing application on the system'. The branch calls the helpline who 'will put in a request to get it removed' which will take a few days. I go back to the branch a week later, and the system is still locked. Helpline tells the branch to phone this 3rd party and ask them(Market SA) to remove it from the system (seriously). We phone the given number a few times and no reply. I am advised to come back in a month and 'hopefully' it will be off the system and then they can help me. Seriously pathetic.