Refusal to Cancel Expired Contract

<p>On Monday 13th May 2016 i called Vodacom regarding my mother's contract which had expired and would not be renewed. I was assured by the guy that I do not need to send a letter but to be aware that for the number to be swoped to pre-paid it would take 24 to 48 hours. Well since then we have called, visited the Vodacom shops, queried to no avail. On 22 October 2016 we visited the Alisom Communications T/A Vodacom shop in Menlyn and we were told that the reason for it not being cancelled yet was because the account was in arrears. when proof of the debit order being deducted monthly was shown we were asked to pay the latest amount of R165.49 which was due on 31 October 2016 only. So we paid the amount immediately. After almost another hour of waiting the girl told us that they still could not cancel the contract immediately, we then asked for a new handset seeing that the contract is still running but she informed us that this process will take a couple of days before they can issue a new phone. Today 2 November 2016 I get told again that the contract shows active and no record of the cancellation can be found. Is Vodacom out to keep clients by manipulating them into staying contracted to them? Never have I met a bunch of people more unhelpfull then at this company no wonder everyone who hears our story have at some time moved their contracts to other servise providers. This is pathetic to say the least!</p>