Paying for something i canceled!!

I knew my contract was ending with Planet Fitness in May/June this year and i emailed them in APRIL on how I can go about canceling the membership as we were all on lockdown and no walk-ins were happening. I didn't receive any response at all. When gyms were allowed to be opened, they didn't respond or debit me so i considered that every was sorted. On the 25th of September i get a debit notification to my surprise. I emailed and no response. I eventually called and they advised me that no one was working during that time and they automatically renewed my contract!! They informed me that they are now canceling my contract and this is my notice period so my last debit order will be on the 25th of Oct!! Planet Fitness Randfontein or HO did not put any measures in place to communicate to their customers during lockdown to ensure that those who may not want to renew/cancel can do so properly!