Appalling service every step of the way

Most appalling service ever from Absa! Some time ago I received an SMS stating that I would be receiving a new credit card within 7 to 10 days. It never arrived so after about a month I contacted the bank. I was told that a new 'upgraded' card had been issued as they were changing to Visa card. It turned out that the new credit card had been destroyed somewhere as I had put a hold on the previous card - I had done this as I had received a few SMSes that looked as if someone was trying to use my card. (Why on earth was there absolutely NO communication from Absa in this regard?) So I removed the hold on the card and was told I could collect the card at the bank. (Why does Absa not deliver like other banks?!) Then there were a few more problems as I was contacted and told the hold had not been removed! So I said that it had. After more to-ing and fro-ing between the ***** division and the card division, my card was finally issued. I collected it (after a 90 minute wait in the bank). Then I discovered that I was no longer receiving SMS notifications when I used the card. When I contacted the card division I was told I needed to go to the bank to sort this out. I went to the bank (another one hour wait) and was told that SMS notifications were no longer possible because this was the only Absa account I have. (Why could the card division not have told me this?) So the only option was to use the Absa app. I told the person who was helping me that I had tried to download it before but I could not register. She tried to register me on her side but apparently this was no longer possible. I have tried registering on the app a few times today, but I am told 'an unexpected error occurred - try again later'.

So here I am doing my utmost to ensure that there is no ********** activity on my account (I have had issues before) and I am blocked every single step of the way. I cannot believe the sheer incompetence and poor technological support experienced every step of the way.

As an aside, both my children have savings accounts with Absa, and Absa does not even bother to inform us when the cards are due to expire or replace them at no inconvenience. Nope - another two-hour wait at one of their customer 'service' counters.

Time to close all these accounts, I think.