********* billing practices

On the 15th of February 2022 my regular Telkom debit order bounced due to cashflow. On the 16th of February my funds became available. On the 17th of February 2022 I called customer support and asked how I could pay the outstanding account and was told not to worry, that the debit order would run again. On the 25th of February 2022 the regular debit order amount was collected. On 5th March 2022 I received my March invoice – this invoice has February’s fees + March’s fees + payment rejection fee of R202.70. On 6th March 2022 I called customer care and am told that this is standard practice On 7th March 2022 I received an SMS from Telkom confirming payment and restoration of my services (not that I’d noticed my services being down).

These are the obvious issues with this situation: 1. From the above course of events it would seem that Telkom are handing over accounts for collection after a single missed debit order run 2. At no point after the missed debit order run did I receive any notification (SMS, whatsapp, call or email) from Telkom that the debit order was unpaid 3. At no point has Telkom messaged or called me to advise me on how to rectify the outstanding amount 4. At no point do I see any additional re-presentment of the debit order for payment to my bank 5. At no point has Telkom messaged or called me to give me notice that the outstanding amount would be handed over for collection

So let’s look at that again: Telkom is charging me for collection of a single missed debit order run – no re-presentment – after no communication with me of any kind regarding the missed debit order or how to rectify it (make payment).

We are not talking large amounts of money here - it's the principle.

This is a completely unacceptable and ********* way to treat your customers.

I have been a Telkom mobile customer for approximately 15 years but will now be closing my account.

Byeee!