Shocking service and massive levels of incompetence

After signing up for a contract on the Vodacom website, I realised that I didn't remember seeing a question regarding porting my current number in the form process. I immediately discussed the issue with several Vodacom staff, with mixed opinions, but one staff member suggested it was easy, all I had to do was get a pay-as-you-go SIM card and port the number by calling a number. It didn't work and I found out later that was nonsense.

Another Vodacom staff member said that I have to go into a shop to sort it out, so I went into a Vodacom shop and the very helpful lady there said that was also nonsense. After that, it took several attempts to get them to collect the device from me; I then had to keep calling them several times to cancel the contract.

All of this took 2 months. Management was friendly but ultimately didn't really care about my situation because nothing was arranged for me. The plan was to re-apply for a Vodacom contract in the friendly Vodacom shop so I could keep my number, but after this treatment I'm tired of dealing with Vodacom. I then find out that Vodacom has affected my credit record for non-payment. I just have no words for this level of shocking service and incompetence.

If Vodacom actually cared, when I spoke to management, they would have arranged for a new phone with new contract to be delivered on the spot. It seems like their corporate structure is unable and unwilling to deal with customers on a personal basis. Like so many corporates, they're like an automated machine with zero customer service.