Sneaky contract roll-overs

I phoned Vodacom yesterday to inform them that I will not be renewing my contract, even though I didn't think it was necessary, I thought I'd do so anyway to make doubly sure. I was then informed that I will still be charged for July (my contract expires 30 June) as I did not give a month's notice of cancellation.

I then asked why I'm supposed to cancel a contract which has expired and I was told to read the small print, at which point I ended the call. I see R520 has come off my account this morning, most of which is payment for the actual device - a device which is paid up. This really added insult to injury, so I consulted the CPA and here you go VODACOM!!!

Firstly according to Section 14(2)(c) of the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (CPA), service providers need to provide you with 40–80 business days’ written notice or “any other recordable form” of the fact that your cell phone contract is coming to an end, thereby giving you the opportunity to cancel the contract on time.

On top of that, service providers are no longer allowed (according to the CPA) to immediately renew your cell phone contract without your express permission. At all times it is up to the consumer to decide whether to continue, wish to cancel or wish to terminate early.