Virgin Active - false membership

I joined Virgin Active in November 2019. The sales guy who signed me up informed me of this great young adults special for under 26s (R499 a month for access to all clubs which is what I needed). I told him that I was currently 25, turning 26 in March 2019. He assured me that the monthly fee would not increase for my 2 year contract period as I had signed up before I turned 26. I got this confirmation in writing and reviewed my contract to ensure there was no mention of a possible price increase for the contract period.

On 1 April 2019, I was debited R890 from Virgin Active without warning. I called to query and was told that my membership plan was no longer valid. I sent the written confirmation which promised no price increase, and was told that regardless they could not continue to offer the R499 fee, but would allow me to cancel my contract at no fee. I asked about possibly changing the plan, to which they said I would have to pay another joining fee! I don't understand why this would be required considering I was already a member.

The staff were rude and unapologetic about the whole thing. I was sold a membership and then debited an amount which was not agreed upon! It's false entrapment and outright bad business. Virgin Active should have apologized and tried to find a solution to rectify this, but instead gave me no option but to cancel.

I am incredibly disappointed in the brand, and I had enjoyed my time as a member. Will NEVER recommend them again!