Black Friday deal withdrawn after 2 months due to Vodacom's own "internal vetting error" - then ghosted

I app**** for a Vodacom Black Friday cellphone deal on 29 November 2025. Submitted all my documents. On 4 December, I received an email confirming everything was "successfully uploaded" and that I'd be notified via SMS. Then... nothing.

After weeks of chasing, two phone calls promising follow-ups that never came, and escalation to the CEO's office, I finally got an answer on 22 January: my deal was being withdrawn because of an "internal vetting error" on Vodacom's side.

Let me be clear — not a credit issue, not missing documents, not stock availability. Their own system failed, and somehow that's my problem. Their solution? "Consider alternative deals."

When I pushed back and cited the Consumer Protection Act, they sent me a link to their general terms and conditions. That's it. No explanation. No specific clause. Just a link.

I responded with a detailed letter giving them 5 business days to sort this out.

That was over a month ago. Complete radio silence since.

So to summarise:

App**** in good faith Documents confirmed received Waited patiently for weeks Missed out on all other Black Friday deals while waiting Told it's Vodacom's internal error Offered nothing in return Now being ignored

I've now filed a formal complaint with the National Consumer Commission.

But I wanted other consumers to know what they're dealing with here.

If Vodacom can confirm your application, sit on it for two months, then cancel it because of their own mistake — and face zero consequences — what's the point of applying for anything?

Reference: VODACOMDIREC-***

Vodacom, if you're reading this: my number is 083 26x ***x. You have my email. You have every piece of correspondence. The ball is entirely in your court.