Number deactivated

I have my number for over 20 years

On 06/05/2025, I received an SMS stating: "Your cancellation request was processed successfully and your contract will be terminated on 06/05/2025." This was alarming, as I am on a prepaid plan and have never had a contract with Cell C, nor did I request any cancellation.

What’s especially troubling is that this SMS was sent at night, on the very same day the disconnection was scheduled to occur. This gave me no time to respond, query the cancellation, or take any action to prevent the termination. I believe this lack of reasonable notice is unacceptable and shows a disregard for customer rights.

Following this, my number stopped working.

I contacted Cell C and was informed that my number had been disconnected. I was advised to purchase a new SIM card and call back to have my old number reassigned. I have been to their stores repeatedly. I followed these instructions, but after multiple calls and over two months of waiting, I was told that my number had been recycled.

I attempted to call my old number and received a message indicating that the number is no longer in service — contradicting Cell C’s claim that it had been reassigned. This leads me to believe I was misinformed. I have repeatedly requested a reference number over this time, but Cell C agents have refused to provide one, stating that my cell number itself serves as the reference. I have made several attempts to resolve this issue with Cell C. On my most recent call, I insisted on receiving a reference number, which was finally provide.

What kind of customer service is this?? The sms cell c sent itself looks like a ****.