1 reviews | Active since Mar 2013
Vodacom Refusing Advertised R229 Upgrade – Predatory Pricing for Pensioner
I am writing this on behalf of my mother, as I handle her technical affairs, though the contract remains in her name.
Vodacom is currently advertising a SIM-only deal for R229 PM x 24 months (specifically the RED Core 3GB + 100min contract [https://www.vodacom.co.za/shopping/deal-details-page/dv6d50daay]). The website explicitly lists this deal as available for both "New Contracts" and "Upgrades."
Despite this, when my mother attempted to upgrade her existing line to this specific deal, she was told by a consultant that it is for "New Deals Only." Furthermore, the consultant attempted to push a similar contract at a price of R309 PM—nearly R100 more than the advertised price for what is essentially the same service.
This is a clear case of predatory pricing and a violation of Section 41 of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) regarding misleading representations. Since this is a SIM-only deal with no hardware subsidy involved, there is no technical or financial reason to refuse the upgrade other than an attempt to force an older customer into a higher-paying tier.
What I require:
Vodacom to honor the advertised price of R229 PM for an upgrade on my mother's existing number.
A formal explanation as to why your consultants are contradicting the "Upgrade" option clearly visible on your own website.
I have screenshots of the deal page showing the "Upgrade" availability.
Thank you for making us aware of your complaint.
Kindly be advised that a consultant will make contact with you in due course to assist with your query.
***Please note*** Beware of phishing ****s.
Vodacom will not contact you via Whatsapp to request your personal details
Regards,
Vodacom Consumer Website Team
Thank you for making us aware of your complaint.
Kindly be advised that a consultant will make contact with you in due course to assist with your query.
***Please note*** Beware of phishing ****s.
Vodacom will not contact you via Whatsapp to request your personal details
Regards,
Vodacom Consumer Website Team
However, we have hit a snag. Tumi noted there was a vague "issue" with the account—which is strange, given it’s an active account successfully debited every single month. They promised to find a resolution and call back.
A follow-up call was made to my mother, but it came at 19:00 (7 PM). Because it was outside normal hours, she missed the call. Since then, it has been complete radio silence, and the upgrade is still outstanding.
What I require now:
A callback from Tumi to confirm if this account issue has been resolved, or a clear explanation of what the blocker actually is so we can sort it out.
Finalization of the upgrade at the advertised R229 PM rate as promised.
While I genuinely appreciate Tumi’s individual effort and professionalism, it is incredibly frustrating that a customer has to resort to posting a negative HelloPeter review just to get Vodacom to honor its own advertised pricing. Had we not gone public, my mother would have been forced into paying R100 more per month due to a consultant's misinformation.
I look forward to Tumi reaching back out during regular hours so we can finally put this matter to bed.
However, we have hit a snag. Tumi noted there was a vague "issue" with the account—which is strange, given it’s an active account successfully debited every single month. They promised to find a resolution and call back.
A follow-up call was made to my mother, but it came at 19:00 (7 PM). Because it was outside normal hours, she missed the call. Since then, it has been complete radio silence, and the upgrade is still outstanding.
What I require now:
A callback from Tumi to confirm if this account issue has been resolved, or a clear explanation of what the blocker actually is so we can sort it out.
Finalization of the upgrade at the advertised R229 PM rate as promised.
While I genuinely appreciate Tumi’s individual effort and professionalism, it is incredibly frustrating that a customer has to resort to posting a negative HelloPeter review just to get Vodacom to honor its own advertised pricing. Had we not gone public, my mother would have been forced into paying R100 more per month due to a consultant's misinformation.
I look forward to Tumi reaching back out during regular hours so we can finally put this matter to bed.