Misleading Data Deals, Removed Options & No Follow-Through From Vodacom

I am extremely disappointed with Vodacom’s handling of a simple query regarding my data bundle options. For months I have been purchasing a 2.5GB / 30-day bundle for R49. Without warning, this option disappeared — replaced with more expensive or shorter-validity “specials”, some of which are even listed under the 30-day category despite only lasting 14 days. This is misleading and feels like a bait-and-switch tactic.

When I raised this issue with Vodacom on Facebook, they initially responded. They asked for my email address and promised to contact me formally in writing. They also said they would escalate my concerns to their product team.

They have not emailed me at all. They have now stopped responding to my messages, even though the matter is ongoing and unresolved.

To make things worse, they insisted on calling me, despite my clear request — for personal and practical reasons — that all communication must remain in writing. This is a fair and reasonable request, especially for consumer-related disputes that may require documentation.

Vodacom then claimed they could “assist me with a bundle” but only if I spoke to them on a call — which defeats my request and feels like another barrier rather than a solution.

As of today, they have:

• Removed affordable 30-day bundle options • Offered misleading “specials” with shorter validity under 30-day categories • Failed to follow through on promised email communication • Stopped responding to my messages altogether

This experience has left me with no confidence in Vodacom’s transparency or willingness to resolve customer issues. I will be escalating this matter to ICASA, as advised by the Consumer Goods & Services Ombud.