Impractical, outdated ABSA credit card activation

My Virgin Money credit card expired in November, as the product has sadly been discontinued. I was offered a migration to an Absa credit card with no initiation fee, and decided it would be the easiest way to convert. Unfortunately, this hasn't been the case.

I responded to an SMS expecting a call from ABSA, but had to prompt ABSA Card myself to initiate the application two weeks later. Eventually, I received a call. At no stage was I asked which card I wanted or what my required limit was - I was automatically approved for a Premium card. Nice, but I only need a basic card: the Flexi Core. This led to two cards being delivered to me this week. Confusing, especially since ABSA let me know that the Premium card wouldn't be couriered, and that I'd have to collect the Flexi card from a branch - neither statement being accurate. In addition, an initiation fee appeared on my first card statement (before card activation!), which is what I was promised wouldn't happen.

I was hoping that card activation would be simple, but I'm required to go to a branch. I decided it's not worth it when I arrived at ABSA N1 City this morning and the queue was standing outside the centre, half an hour before opening time. This is 2021, and there are more convenient, relevant technologies available for card activation.

In conclusion, I have lost the little confidence I had in ABSA, and have serious thoughts of cancelling the card. There has to be a better way for activation, and I'm not going to waste hours at a branch.