Following news that Vodacom will have 139 stores remain open across the country during the national lockdown, Stuff Magazine reached out to MTN to determine how it’ll be handling the situation. We now have an official statement from the service provider regarding the state of stores and it doesn’t look great for consumers. But it might just be good for the population.
With the lockdown in full effect, one of the more essential services that plenty of people overlook is that of telecommunications. It’s more important than ever to stay connected with both loved ones and world news in general. For most that’s a process that requires a smartphone, a signal and some data. While Vodacom has confirmed that it is keeping a selection of stores across the country open, other service providers will be far less accessible, including MTN.
After reaching out to the service provider, Stuff can confirm that the vast majority of MTN stores will be closed over the next 21 days. “From the 30th March, only 20% of MTN stores will be opened,” stated Jacqui O’Sullivan, executive for corporate affairs at MTN South Africa.
Percentages are fairly meaningless though. What does that number actually mean? While it’s difficult to figure out how many MTN stores are in South Africa, there should be roughly 133 outlets spread around the country. That’s not an official number, mind you, that’s been drawn from localstore.co.za which may not be entirely up to date. We tried to use MTN’s “find a store” option on their official website, but the site only shows data coverage from what we could discern. If one were to take 20% of that 133, it turns out that only 26 MTN outlets will remain open during the lockdown.
Now, this data isn’t 100% accurate given that localstore.co.za did not list smaller outlets in towns such as Grahamstown and Queenstown, but the majority of stores are included. Which isn’t exactly great news for MTN customers.
We’re obviously unsure of which stores will remain open but can assume MTN will make an official statement soon, given that all branches were closed this weekend. The open stores will probably be located in large city centres around the country but for those of you stuck in Brakpan? Probably not a great time to be paying R150 for 1GB of data, huh?
24 Comments
Hi Brad
My phone got stolen yesterday outside checkers in Noodrhoek. I have blocked and gotten an ITC number. I have spoken to two different people on the 083 135 number … both were unaware that any stores were open. i.e. management have not informed them their heldesk staff. I also cannot get through to their website to find out which stores are open, getting blocked by some meaningless database access error. I am in the IT industry and support a company that is an essential service. Do you know if it’s possible to get a new phone during lockdown. Mine was a pay as you go and not on contract. Please let me know if you find anything out and please do write more about MTN’s shocking service and communication.
Hi Peter!
So we looked into it and it seems like even Takealot isn’t selling phones, which makes things tough. Your best bet would probably be to try Pick ‘n Pay because I know they sell some cheap phones that should last until MTN gets back into action. That being said, I’m not sure if even PnP is allowed to sell them. I’ve queried with MTN as to see which stores have remained open, so I’ll get back to you if I find anything useful.
MTN La Lucia Mall downstairs have shocking service
Hi just desperately need to know which mtn stores are actually open during lock down
I need to Rika my wi- fi router’s simcard. Please. tell me which outlets in Vereenging or Meyerton will be open tomorrow.
I lost my phone i want to do mtn sim swap
Which mtn stores are open during lockdown in cape town please, in need of a cellphone urgently
Hi, which store is open in Joburg? My number is been suspended for days and i did the payment. Or any store that is open around Midrand.
Hi can you please open my line I payed today I need my phone to work thank you
The MTN customer service also seems to have shut down. I have been promptly removed from the network for no reason. Logged a call and am on day 4 waiting for a response. Great stuff MTN. You will hear from me when I cancel my contract for BREACH OF CONTRACT!!!!
Which MTN stores are open near Bluff. I am working from home and my fone just stopped charging
I need to make payment now Mtn to keep my account active, I’ve seen bank details, but now I want to know whether is it a cheque or savings account to carry on with transaction.
I need to make payment on my account using Absa app they need me to choose whether it’s a cheque or a savings account need clarity. Ive got mtn banking details from Google. Pls help Asp.
MTN downstairs at La Lucia Mall helped people coming in before me and never bothered that I stood standing with a crutch.
YOU SAY BIG CONTACT US. YOU PHONE AND NOBODY ANSWERS. THE REASON VODACOM IS BETTER THAN YOU
MORE STORES OPEN AND THEY LOOK AFTER THE CUSTOMERS. You website do not help anybody.
How do I get hold of a Mtn Consultant i have a contract and ii need you to extend it or freeze due to Lockdown…I’m currently at home No work no Pay
THE SITUATION IS TOTAL MADNESS, MESSAGE ARE BEING SENT ALL THE TIME REGARDING THE DATA ETC USAGE AND HOW LOW IT IS, YOU ARE EXTREMELY FORTUNATE TO GET A BREATHING LIVING PERSON TO ANSWER THE PHONE AT MTN. I CANT WAIT FOR THEM TO OPEN THEIR STORES, I HAVE A FEW ISSUES TO SORT OUT WITH THEM. SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC, WHAT SERVICE. TAKE CARE EVERYONE.
I need a landline number for a store in Canal Walk(Century City or Cavendsh square Cape Town .or an open store at these centers I need to physically see someone. I am having trouble with a Sim card, am partially sighted and am rubbish with the computer .
PLEASE HELP GERALDINE PRICE
My MTN simcard got disconnected since 10th April 2020 for an unkown reason. I’m very dissapointed with the service.
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MTN worst service ever! they gave me half my data provision for the month and have not responded to the 50 complaints I left on their corporate site. Their stores are not open and they have no idea of what working from home means because they can solve nothing. Cant wait for my contract to end. Liars.
Masixole
Hi I have a contract with MTN ,I have been trying to contact MTN with no success, I don’t knw where to go to pay my phone .I am very disappointed with their service ,now am worried because my phone can be blocked due to payment. I wrote to them on their APP I email to them I even phone them they do not answer or reply
Hello there is my time to upgrade what I must do right now… help me with more information
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