Disappointing waste of time and money

Really disappointed at the lack of flexibility of this bank. I've got a student achiever account I've had for years. I never really used it much, but I've always transferred in a small amount every month to cover fees and create a small reserve pocket. Literally no other transactions. Lately I've noticed that the fees have gone up from the advertised 9 rand or so, to 70 rand a month? This is an obvious waste of money; so I've tried several options to resolve the matter, none of which the bank is willing to accommodate. They refuse to convert the account to the basic monthly account; when I asked why the fee is suddenly 70 per month, I get told thats the fee for the account these days; and they can't/ won't / don't want to assist with closing the account unless I go to a branch. Also wouldn't be an issue except for the fact that since half the branches have been axed, there is literally always a queue around the block just to get through the door.