Credit card locked abroad

Even though I opened my credit card before I left South Africa for use abroad, my ABSA credit card was constantly locked and I could not use it at all. It was a major embarrassment and total inconvenience because I could not get my cars at the different locations since they needed to lock a deposit on my credit card. I emailed ABSA twice with no response. I do not use intentional roaming and dialling because of the exorbitant cost. They told me that cannot phone me on Whatsapp. Really? Are they so much behind the world? So, the emails served no purpose and I was stranded for 24 days without the transport I so desperately needed. Shame on you ABSA. I will go to a better bank that can actually deliver service. This is not on, especially towards a loyal client of 43 years!