Telkom Trade Route Mall Store A Story of Deception, Neglect, and Emotional Distress That Ruined My Finances and Credit Record

I write this message deeply disappointed, exhausted, and emotionally drained after months of being tossed around by Telkom at Trade Route Mall branch. What I’ve experienced is nothing short of *********, unjust, and damaging not just financially, but mentally and emotionally too.

In November 2024 I walked into the store with the intention of purchasing an iPhone 16. My credit was in good standing, and my affordability was never in question. However I was manipulated, pressured, and misled by a consultant named Isack, and ended up walking out with an OPPO Reno12F — a device I never wanted. Confused and overwhelmed I returned the very next day to cancel the contract. I was reassured by both Isack and the manager Vally that it had been canceled.

But that was the beginning of my nightmare. Despite being dismissed from the store with empty reassurances, I later discovered that the contract had not been canceled and was still active under my name. I was refused a waybill, any proof of cancellation, or a letter nothing to show that my return had even happened. My attempts to follow up were ignored or brushed aside, with the store manager claiming it was Telkom Head Office's issue. For months I’ve made countless calls, sent emails driven back and forth, been transferred from department to department hung up on, and spoken to more than 30 consultants. I was even told by a team leader to open a ***** case against the store manager — a shocking admission of how bad this situation truly is. To this day: I never received the iPhone I originally requested. I’m still stuck with a contract I tried to cancel within 24 hours.

My credit score has been negatively affected.

My business line was suspended, causing me to lose over R80,000 in income.

My mental health has deteriorated, and I’ve had to shoulder this burden alone as a single mother and sole provider.

The only person who showed any care or willingness to assist was Thulisile Brenda Khatywa. Everyone else simply passed the buck, or worse — ignored my cries for help.

I am not just another number. I am a human being, and Telkom has completely failed me. I have lost time, money, peace of mind, and trust in a company I once believed in. My name and finances have been damaged due to no fault of my own — and still, no accountability.

I demand the following actions immediately:

A full, independent investigation into the actions of the Telkom Trade Route Mall store and staff.

Immediate cancellation of this *****ulent contract.

Complete removal of any negative listings from my credit report.

Written confirmation of resolution.

Compensation for the financial and emotional losses I have suffered.

And most importantly the iPhone 16 I originally requested.

This has been a traumatic experience, one that no honest customer should ever go through. If Telkom continues to ignore my plea, I will not hesitate to escalate this matter to the Consumer Protection Office, the National Credit Regulator, and the Telecommunications Ombudsman.

Enough is enough. Telkom, do the right thing.

Case numbers for *** ************9

Customer numbers: *** / *** Device: OPPO Reno12F Orange 256GB – TCA008450 Name: Julia Tshaotsane ID: *** Cell: ***