Vodacom: signal problem

We have intermittent signal strength in the Karoo (Laingsburg), for almost 2 weeks: from zero bars to maybe (if you are lucky) 3 bars, where we always enjoyed a full strength signal. The service was initially down, and technicians were climbing the tower, but I don't know what they did, because there still is mostly no signal. (Even in the old age home next to the tower!) I know several people in the town tried to contact Vodacom, with no results. I held on for more than 20 min on the customer care number 082 135, I tried to get an email address to send an email, I tried to log the fault online, but the website is user unfriendly: all you get is FAQ's. Please can somebody tell us what is going on? Do they know there is a problem? When will Vodacom be working again? Do we have to switch to another service provider, or what??