Unfriendly service.

I have a data contract with Telkom, and my debit order was originally scheduled for the 25th of each month. I recently requested that the debit date be changed to the last day of the month, and the debit was successfully processed on 31 July.

However, on 14 August, another debit was processed from my account, and the amount deducted was higher than expected. I immediately visited the nearest Telkom branch, where I was informed that the debit was not reflecting on their system. Since there was no agreement for a debit to be processed on the 14th, and I had not received any communication advising me of a missed payment or outstanding balance, I approached my bank and reversed the transaction.

While at the branch, I was placed on a call with a consultant who advised me that my account was in arrears and that I needed to pay approximately R580. This was very confusing, as I have never knowingly missed a payment on this account. I was also informed that my account had already been handed over to debt collectors.

Thereafter, I received numerous messages from Nudebt requesting payment of R581. To resolve the matter, I made the requested payment on 3 September. At the same time, I wanted to cancel the contract because I have been dissatisfied with the service. However, I was told that I could not cancel the contract while the account was in arrears and under collections.

I am extremely unhappy that I continue to receive SMS notifications stating:

"Hi Mr Tsoarello Sello. Your Telkom account is in arrears. Please note that a collection attempt will be made this month."

I do not understand why my payment made on 3 September has not been allocated or reflected on my account. What makes this situation even more frustrating is that I have not been using the Telkom SIM cards for over two months due to poor network coverage in my area.

I would appreciate an urgent investigation into this matter, confirmation that my payment has been received and allocated correctly, and clarification regarding the current status of my account. I would also like assistance with cancelling the contract, as I no longer wish to continue with the service.

Thank you.