Hey guys. Just got back from the 8ta local branch. As I expected, it went badly. As soon as I explained the situation, the guy began to smile and clearly did not take the situation seriously. It was only when I informed him of my credentials that he took me seriously. I asked for a contact who I could deal with. He said that there is no one to talk to but rather, I have to write a letter of motivation explaining why I want to cancel (section 4.2 of the contract agreement). However, the contract says one can terminate “for no particular reason or cause” which is why there should be no need to motivate, one has to simply send a written notice. When I said I would be contesting the remaining balance of the contract and that I wanted to cut out this middle process and deal with someone immediately so that I do not have to pay in the meantime, he said them receiving the letter and sending it off to another division was the only process available, where they would decide the balance to be paid. When I said that I would not pay he threatened that I would be blacklisted. Furthermore, he kept on saying that I signed a 24 month contract and that that was standard procedure. However, I stressed that the contract that I signed ONLY mentioned a ‘reasonable’ cancellation fee and not the remainder of the contract (section 4.2). The only option I now have is to contest this through the judiciary, based on the CPA and other relevant laws. This would hopefully create a precedent if the courts rule against them, that would ensure that all unsatisfied customers can cancel without having to pay the remainder. I will be drafting a letter to the more senior divisions within 8ta to hopefully resolve the matter before it ends up in court. I will keep you up to date with the progress. Despite the poor service of the internet, the service delivery regarding in store help and the complaint mechanisms are even worse. Hopefully, this **** storm will force 8ta to reconsider their services.
