Vodacom will be the reason I can't feed my family and pay my bills - Unable to downgrade!!

I recently noticed that my Vodacom contract fees are rather high. I pay a device fee and then I pay a separate contract fee for the data and minutes that I use. I am 1-year into my contract it seems like somewhere along the line, my monthly fees have increased.

I am struggling to afford my bills and instead of doing a "runner" and not paying, I approached Vodacom to ask them if I could downgrade from the 4GB plan I have to 1GB so I can cut a few hundred rand off my bill. I was told that I could downgrade but it was going to cost me more than R2000. How is someone who is genuinely approaching Vodacom for help supposed to fork out over R2k when they don't have money to pay their lower monthly installment? When I expressed concern, I was basically told to take it or leave it. This was at a Vodacom outlet in Hazyview. I am from Durban, and not used to this sort of service. I have tried to reach Vodacom for assistance in many ways. I have tried the online chat, email, and calls and I can't get any help. However, I am sure that if I miss a payment, Vodacom won't be quite so elusive with contact anymore.

This sort of situation where you lock someone into a contract is unfair and inhumane. I have been a loyal customer of Vodacom's for way over 10 years and I find it shocking that they are only in it for the good times. When a customer goes through tough times, they basically give you the finger. Vodacom only wants your money - not a good relationship.

I can only hope that SOMEONE at the company will help me to reduce my data from 4GB to 1GB without having to pay in thousands of rands...otherwise when I am unable to feed myself and my family in the coming months, I hope that Vodacom has some bad feelings at least.