Extremely Disappointed with Vodacom – Faulty Handset and Terrible Service

I am utterly disappointed with the unprofessional service I’ve received from Vodacom, particularly the Cresta Shop branch.

On November 29th, I signed up for a cell phone contract for the Real Me C67 handset. From the very next day, the handset showed multiple issues:

-No audio on video recordings. -Distorted sound on WhatsApp voice notes. -Call functionality problems (either the receiver couldn’t hear me, and incoming calls showed as "Private Number/Unknown").

I immediately returned to the shop on November 30th to report these issues. The technician suggested running software updates, which took 4-5 hours. After testing one phone call, I left for an international trip, trusting their assurance that the issues were resolved. However, while in Tanzania, the same problems persisted, and the phone was unusable. Upon returning on December 10th, I went back to the shop and requested a replacement handset of a different brand, as I had lost all trust in Real Me. The Admin Manager assured me that my case would be escalated, and I’d receive feedback by December 13th. What followed has been nothing short of shocking:

-No feedback was provided by the promised date or even after my follow-up call on December 17th. -Despite requesting the manager to contact me, no one did. -When I returned to the shop on December 23rd to cancel my contract, I was told it wasn’t possible and was given the contact center’s number instead. To make matters worse, I received a debit order notification for R615—far higher than the agreed contract amount—despite the handset being faulty and not in my possession. The lack of communication, accountability, and respect for my time is unacceptable. I refuse to pay for a product that doesn’t work and a contract riddled with unprofessional handling. I demand immediate action:

-Cancel the contract without penalties. -Waive all charges related to this faulty handset. -Clear communication and confirmation of the cancellation.

Vodacom, this is not the level of service expected from a leading telecom provider. I urge you to address this matter urgently, or I will escalate it further.