Absurd cancelation fees

I tried cancelling my contract (I have 6 months left) but they told me I basically have to pay a cancellation fee of R2800. How do they expect people to pay basically 70% of what is still left on the contract in times like these? i was then told I could freeze my contract for half of the price even AFTER i told them I can't afford it anymore!?

is it even legal to charge that much?