MTN *******ly Blocking Exit of Contract

We have been with MTN for many years. They seem no longer able to provide us with adequate signal in the area we live in. We therefore decided to move to Vodacom, but in order to port our existing numbers, we needed to cancel our MTN contracts. I was required to pay to escape the contract, even though MTN was unable or unwilling to provide an adequate signal. Cancellations can only be done telephonically, or by email. After numerous phonecalls failed to be answered by MTN, email was successful in getting the required amount to pay to escape the contract, I deposited the amount in their Postpaid account, with the cell number as reference as requested by them, on 22/7/22. On 27/7/22 at 13h38, I managed to phone a consultant, who said the money had been received, and the phone will revert to SIM only on 1/8/22. On 1/8/22 I noticed the SIM was still active. I managed to get consultant, and the consultant stated the payment was not reflected, and thus the contract was not cancelled. I complete contrast to the consultant spoken to on 27/7/22. I have had emailed retentions numerous times before as well, but the only answer we ever get now is a reference and that we are in the queue for assistance. It seems MTN is trying to trap us into a contract they do not provide an adequate service for. They don't record calls, and you always get a different consultant, so its very difficult to follow up. There is always at least a 15 minute wait before they answer phones, and when you do get a consultant, each was has a completely different story. It seems we will need to take legal and whatever to escape from what appears to be a ******** attempt to bind us indefinitely to a contract. They will not assist at any of their branches, only email or phone.