Gobsmacked, in the best way

Buffalo city Municipality appointed a service provider for prepaid electricity last year - but I was less than impressed when the registration needed a premium rates sms to enable registration - only 6.00, but a pretty poor "Shop window". Figuring that with this attitude, there would doubtless be further charges along the way, I steered clear. 12 months later a report in the local press told us loyal readers and ratepayers that the existing service provider was being replaced by Prepaid 24, so exploring I went. What a contrast to the previous provider, with Prepaid 24, their website registration was straightforward and intuitive. Reading their T & C's, I couldn't find any downside, only a promise of excellent service. My only cost above the prepaid purchase is the bank transaction fee that will be minimal as transfers between accounts with the same bankers are minimal - and they list the 5 primary domestic bankers. Certainly less than the cost of visiting a local filling station to purchase electricity. OK, After registering, using my mobile number and been given E082******* as my account number I decided to give it a go (I was short of units at the time), so within a few minutes I had set-up a new beneficiary at my bank, and transferred a trial 200 to Prepaid 24. OOPS - when I reviewed my EFT printout, I saw that my dyslexic keyboard had entered an R instead of an E - Aw shucks, I would need to use their on-line chat facility to rectify the matter. In the interim, ensuring that my keyboard was behaving, I purchased 250, for which I received, within minutes, an sms and an email with the voucher and token - which worked fine. I also received a welcoming email including a direct log-on link to their website from where I can analyse my electricity usage - what a pleasure. I decided to open their website and use there on-line chat facility to explain the incorrect account number used for the first purchase and ask for it to be rectified at their end - but first a decent 2nd morning mug of Jacobs. I was telling my assistant about my early morning activities and error, when I received a phone call from a very articulate, well spoken and attractive young lady (Judging from her voice) firstly announcing her name and Company, welcoming me and telling me that if there is anything that she can help me with, she is there for that purpose - first time that I have hear that for years. I mentioned my account number error which she immediately sorted (May have been picked up their end and been part of the reason for her call). I received the 200 voucher and token within minutes of ending our conversation - Bravo. If only our local municipality as well as government departments could emulate the attitude of Prepaid 24, who's motto is "Consistently Exceeding Your Expectations", South African customer service could become World class. Thank you Prepaid24 (And the good lady from Mossel Bay) for restoring my faith. Barrie Kennett