Faulty devices, poor service and ********* conduct

On 12 December 2022 I took out a new 24 month contract with Vodacom for a Lenovo tablet.

The device is faulty. Its response time is extremely slow, it freezes and has to be restarted several times a day, it is frequently not responsive to touch, and often cuts off calls or the other party can no longer hear me.

I took the device to a Vodacom4U shop today, and the service consultant tested the tablet and agreed that it is unacceptably defective. However, he also informed me that I was not permitted to cancel the contract, and said the only way to remedy the situation would be to take out yet another contract with a new device, while continuing to pay for a contract that includes a device that doesn't work, until December 2024.

In terms of the Consumer Protection Act, this conduct by Vodacom is *******. I have tried to raise the matter with your customer care line, but was directed to a bot that was unable to assist me. It was impossible to find an actual human to assist me.

In terms of applicable legislation, I have the following rights:

The supply and use of goods that are free of defects and of a quality that consumers have a right to expect. Suppliers are required to remedy defects in goods supp**** or refund.

Goods of good quality, in good working order, and free of defects.

In terms of the Act, Vodacom imp**** a warranty of quality by making the offer, i.e. that I should have been provided with goods that are good quality. It is my right to return the defective tablet, without penalty and at Vodacom's risk and expense, within 6 months if it is of inferior quality or defective - which it is, as confirmed by your representative this morning. I then have the right to choose whether Vodacom refunds, repairs or replaces my device, and I want a complete refund.

Naturally I also want to cancel this contract due to poor quality & defects in the device you supp****, and the Act clearly states that Vodacom may not use this as grounds to enter into a new agreement (which is what your consultant to whom I spoke this morning tried to do).

I am justifiably frustrated with the poor performance of the device, the untruthful advice from Vodacom that I may not cancel the contract, and that Vodacom's customer care call center is, in fact, a bot.

As a loyal and longstanding client, I am disappointed in your service and the obstacles Vodacom has put in the way of resolving these issues. Please reply with a confirmation that this contract has been cancelled and details of my refund. I expect this matter to be resolved within 24 hours of making this complaint.