Extremely unhappy - 3GB recurring data charged without my consent.

During the month of May a substantially higher debit order amount was subtracted from my account by Vodacom.

I logged onto the Vodacom site to view why this would be the case....it seems that Vodacom decided to add a recurring 3Gb data package to my monthly subscription to the value of R173. This was something that I did not authorise nor ask for.

I phoned the Customer Care on 27 May to ask them to deactivate this data package. They informed me that they have logged the request and it will be deactivated.

I logged on to the Vodacom website yesterday (24 June) just to discover this was never deactivated and I will yet again be charged R173 for something I did not authorise AND AFTER I asked them to deactivate it. This was something that I did not authorise nor ask for.

I phoned again and the lady explained to me that I was charged for this because, after I upgraded my contract I received 3Gb data for free for 3 months. BUT after this 3 month period I should've received an SMS (That never came), during which it had been noted that this 3GB data package will expire and if I don't want it to be charged to my account I should call Customer service! This is an obvious example of negative option marketing. Section 31 of the Consumer Protection Act clearly prohibits negative option marketing.

The lady yesterday informed me she deactivated the data package. I phoned an hour or so after the discussion with and spoke to another consultant. The second consultant told me that it yet again was not deactivated but she will deactivate it.

I phoned again today (25 June) to speak to a lady whom informed me that my Cell number is registered on an old system and they won't be able to deactivate the data. She registered a ticket for me and mentioned they will probably only be able to resolve it come Wednesday or Thursday! This is completely unacceptable as it seems I will again be charged for something I DID NOT AUTHORISE!!!!

I want all my money *******LY debited from my account repaid to me and this 3GB cancelled or I will take the necessary steps to report Vodacom to the National Consumer Commission and/or the National Consumer Tribunal! This is utterly unacceptable from Vodacom!!!