When is Vodacom not Vodacom?

<p>Answer: when it is a franchise! I bought an Android tablet plus SIM package deal at Makro and for a week I have been trying to get the SMS service (send and receive) working. Makro said to go to a Vodacom shop for support. Vodacom Newlands tried twice, but no joy, so sent me to Vodacom Data in Cavendish square. They tried to fix, even trying to use the SIM in another phone and then said I'd have to phone the support centre. After 2 calls, I was told to go to Vodacom4U in Cavendish as they have 'technical' support. Vodacom4U then said the SIM was faulty and I'd have to do a SIM swap. So they did a SIM swap and then demanded R20 for the new SIM!!!! When I complained they said they were a franchise and not part of Vodacom (despite the BIG red sign outside and everyone there wearing Vodacom shirts) and that I'd have to claim the refund from Makro. So we have a Vodacom4U shop refusing to stand up for the quality of a Vodacom SIM. The mind boggles. Now I have to try to get the refund from Makro</p>