Telkom Billing Mismanagement, Incorrect Penalties, False Information & Failed Customer Support

I am extremely frustrated and exhausted by the ongoing billing confusion, poor communication, and unprofessional service from Telkom.

In January 2026, I signed 2 phone contracts through a Telkom store. The sales consultant clearly explained that:

- My monthly installment would be R598 - Billing would start end of February - There would be once-off SIM/activation fees

However, from the start, Telkom failed to clearly explain the full billing structure, including pro-rata charges.

Problems began immediately:

- February debit did not go through as expected - I proactively followed up with the sales consultant multiple times - I was repeatedly given conflicting explanations and different payment dates - I was initially told I only needed to pay R598 - Later, I discovered amounts of R796 and eventually R833.46 - These amounts were never properly explained

Contradictory explanations from Telkom staff included:

- SIM card and activation fees - Late payment charges - Failed debit penalties - Historical charges dating back to February

Each time I asked for clarification, I received inconsistent and often contradictory responses.

Additional serious concerns:

- I was threatened with service suspension - I was charged/at risk of being charged penalties despite actively trying to resolve payment - I was not provided with clear statements when requested - Telkom’s customer service email inbox was full when I attempted formal escalation - A billing dispute case was supposedly logged in-store, but later I was informed the case was never properly posted for action - Different agents gave different timelines: - 72 hours - 7–13 working days - Then “disposed” - Then “never posted”

Current issue:

I am being charged R833.46, allegedly for a failed debit from February, yet:

- This was never clearly communicated at the time - No proper billing breakdown has been provided - Staff cannot explain why this was not resolved months ago - I continue to face possible penalties for Telkom’s own billing failures

My concerns:

Telkom has demonstrated:

- Billing inconsistency - Misleading sales information - Poor customer service - Failed case management - Lack of transparency - Unfair financial pressure

What I want:

1. Full account statement from contract inception 2. Detailed breakdown of all charges and penalties 3. Immediate reversal of unfair or incorrect penalty charges 4. Correction of my billing to the agreed contractual amount 5. Proper written communication and case management 6. Assurance that my credit/account standing will not be negatively impacted by Telkom’s errors

I have made every effort to pay correctly and resolve this professionally, but Telkom has continuously failed to provide clear, consistent, or competent assistance.

This experience has been deeply stressful, financially confusing, and unacceptable.

I am requesting urgent intervention and resolution.