Dismal first time service from MTN

I received my new phone and contract more than a week ago. Since then, despite multiple attempts, MTN's automated system has not been able to activate my new SIM card and as a result I am not able to make use of the new service for which I am now obliged to pay. <br> I have attempted also to speak to an operator to do a manual activation and immediately get cut off each time I select that option. I then tried calling the MTN general help desk. When I eventually got through I was told that I needed to try again on the Monday as the activation people should be available then. Subsequent attempts were not answered by the MTN call centre despite waiting in the callcentre queue for more than 17 minutes. ALSO I have logged an issue on the MTN active website on 29 April and have received no response from this channel either.<br> In total I have tried 3 different communication channels over a period of more than a week and have received either no response or an indifferent response. This is my first taste of customer service from MTN and it is absolutely dismal.