False Black Friday advertising by Takealot?

I purchased an ADO DECE 300 Hybrid Commuter e-bike from Takealot during their Black Friday Sale on 19 November 2023, benefiting from a 30% discount. The order, confirmed with an estimated delivery date of 28 November 2023, was placed with Takealot's supplier, Stink South Africa. My account was promptly debited.

However, on 27 November 2023, Takealot unexpectedly cancelled my order, citing an inability to source the item from their supplier. This was perplexing, as a check on Stink.co.za the same day revealed the bike was still available, albeit at the full price, indicating stock availability.

This situation suggests that the supplier preferred to sell the bike at a higher price, rather than honor the discounted rate. Had Takealot informed me of the stock issue at the time of purchase or soon after, I could have sought similar Black Friday deals elsewhere. Their delayed cancellation has now cost me the opportunity to secure a similar deal.

I find this situation highly unacceptable and misleading, bordering on false advertising. It has deprived me of a fair chance to seek alternatives during the sale period. Due to the lack of a direct complaint mechanism on Takealot's platform, I am compelled to use alternative channels. Consequently, I intend to lodge a complaint with the National Consumer Commission and consider further legal action to address this grievance. My preference would have been to resolve this matter expeditiously and amicably directly with Takealot, but this route has not been made available to me.

The most appropriate course of action is for Takealot to promptly address this issue with their supplier, Stink. They should source the product, which evidently remains in stock, and supply it to me at the initially agreed discounted price. Should this not be feasible, Takealot ought to credit my account with the price difference between the agreed sale price and Stink's current offering. This adjustment will allow me to purchase the bike at the price advertised and agreed upon during the Black Friday Sale.