Vodacom

Dear Vodacom

I have told this story to countless individuals representing Vodacom over the past few months, but let me repeat it once again. Our account with Vodacom used to be on my wife's name as she was the one who app**** for an account 18 years ago whilst I was still establishing my business. As I have not been able to deduct my cellphone expenses for tax purposes due to the fact that the account was on my wife's name, I decided to change that when I was due for an upgrade during April 2019. I app**** for an account in my name which would allow me the benefit of deducting these expenses from my tax in future. I however made a small mistake - I continued to make payments to Vodacom without changing the reference number to my new account number when making EFT payments. I continued to make payment on the old reference number for a few months. Much to my surprise my services was suspended for non-payment. Only when I started to send the proofs of payment to Vodacom did we realise the mistake I had made. If my memory serves me right, this was roundabout July or August 2019. Of course I informed the representative of Vodacom with whom I was discussing this matter of the mistake I had made, and it was seemingly corrected. However, that is where I was wrong. Since then Vodacom has suspended my services on more occasions than I care to remember. For a period of approximately 6 weeks, you suspended my services every single day at 18H00. After a long explanation on the phone, every night with a different individual which would sometimes be the supervisor, I would receive an apology and my services would be reinstated with a promise that this matter will be permanently rectified, just to have it suspended again the next day at 18H00.

I must have repeated this story to 30 or 40 individuals employed by Vodacom in the recent past. Everyone of them would promise to permanently rectify this matter, only to have my line suspended AGAIN the next day, and I would have to retell this whole story to yet another person employed by Vodacom. The story goes on...

How many times do I have to tell this story again? How many times will Vodacom suspend my services although my account is indeed paid up to date? How many times will Vodacom apologise once again? How many times will your promises prove to be empty? For how long does Vodacom intend to perpetuate this cycle of complete and utter incompetence? For how long will Vodacom continue to be the epitomy of everything that is wrong with South Africa? To how many other individuals employed by Vodacom would I need to send the same proofs of payment for the 37th time? Can you answer these questions? Do you even care?

I have requested an updated statement of my account which I am yet to receive. I have also requested a copy of the terms and conditions of my contract with Vodacom, as I intend to formally serve notice of default on the big and mighty Vodacom if this matter is not resolved soon. Yes, you have heard me correctly. In failing to honour the terms and conditions of our contract Vodacom has repeatedly repudiated the agreement between us.

Vodacom, if you do not care about me, please take note that every other Vodacom customer out there is watching how you handle this situation. The ball is now officially and publicly in your court.