Refusing to take back defective devices

I am finding it nearly impossible to get a working contract through MTN! I went to MTN at forest hill with all my paperwork in order to take out a new contract. The whole process of filling in forms took around 3 hours. I was told to come back once my contract has been approved to pick up my device. When I came to fetch my device, I was told it takes about 15 minutes for the safe to open. After hanging around for about 2 hours, I eventually gave up. When I came back the next day, my device was out of the safe but MTN was unable to do a sim swop with my EXISTING MTN sim. I had to purchase a new sim, which took 2 days to activate. I left MTN for a third time with still no device. After my fourth attempt, and another 2 hours later I eventually got my device. My device was about fully charged when I took it home and a few days later when I tried to recharge it for the first time, the device refused to recharge (I am assuming due to a battery malfunction as the charger works fine in my other devices). I returned to MTN for the FIFTH time and was told they cannot help me because I didn't notice the defect within 7 days. IS THIS NOT AGAINST THE CONSUMER ACT?! So in summary, I have been to MTN 5 times, wasted about 16 hours in their store and I still have no device (even though I am paying for one). In comparison, when I took out a contract with Vodacom the ENTIRE process took 2 hours and I got a functioning device. As per the consumer act, I want to return my faulty device and cancel my contract with MTN! I do not recommend anyone wasting their time with MTN's useless customer service.