How to cancel Soul and protect your rights in south africa
What Soul offers and why you might want to cancel
Soul is a spiritual wellness platform delivering guided meditations, healing workshops, and energy-centred coaching through both mobile applications and a web portal. You access this content via subscription, paying recurring fees for meditation libraries, live sessions, and personalised wellness programmes designed to support emotional healing and personal transformation.
Your reasons for cancellation may vary: the service no longer aligns with your wellness goals, you have completed the programme you purchased, billing complications have arisen, or you simply wish to explore alternative providers. Whatever your reason, Yafee is here to guide you through the cancellation process with legal clarity and confidence, ensuring you understand your consumer rights in South Africa.
Understanding soul's subscription structure
Soul operates on a recurring subscription model. This means you authorise the service to charge your payment method at regular intervals, typically monthly or annually, depending on your selected plan. The platform renews your subscription automatically unless you actively cancel before your renewal date. Your account data, progress logs, and preferences remain stored on Soul's servers even after cancellation, unless you separately request account deletion.
Automatic renewal is a critical detail: if you do not cancel before your renewal date, Soul will charge you again. This is why timing your cancellation request correctly is essential. South African consumer law protects you here, but only if you take action proactively.
Why cancellation timing affects your costs
Soul charges your payment method shortly before or on your renewal date. If you cancel after this date has passed, you have already paid for the next billing cycle. Consequently, timing your cancellation request to land before your renewal date prevents unexpected costs and strengthens your position if a dispute arises. Yafee recommends checking your account settings or email confirmation to identify your exact renewal date before proceeding.
Your consumer rights in south africa
South African law grants you specific protections when cancelling digital services, even if Soul's terms suggest otherwise. Understanding these rights is essential before you submit a cancellation request.
The consumer protection act and your statutory position
The Consumer Protection Act (Act 68 of 2008) is the primary legal framework governing your relationship with Soul. This Act applies to all consumer transactions, including digital wellness subscriptions, regardless of what Soul's website or app terms state.
Under the CPA, you have the right to cancel contracts and request refunds if Soul fails to deliver goods or services as promised, or if the service is defective. The CPA also protects you against unfair contract terms, meaning Soul cannot override your statutory rights through their terms of service. If Soul marketed specific meditation outcomes, healing benefits, or workshop availability and failed to deliver these, you may have grounds for cancellation and refund even if Soul's policy states fees are non-refundable.
Furthermore, the CPA requires that Soul act fairly, honestly, and in good faith. If you can demonstrate that Soul misrepresented its service or failed to disclose material information (such as cancellation restrictions or hidden charges), the National Consumer Commission (NCC) will consider this a violation of the CPA.
Your 14-day cooling-off right
If you subscribed to Soul through a distance contract (meaning online, by telephone, or by email, without face-to-face negotiation), South African law grants you a 14-day cooling-off period. This period runs from the date you subscribed, not from the date you received your first service.
During this 14-day window, you may cancel without providing a reason and request a full refund. This right exists regardless of Soul's stated cancellation policy. Soul cannot impose penalties, require explanations, or declare your fees non-refundable if you cancel within 14 days of purchase. Yafee strongly recommends documenting your subscription date by saving confirmation emails and screenshots of your first account access.
If you cancel outside the 14-day period, you retain the right to cancel if Soul breached its obligations or misrepresented the service, but you will need evidence of the breach.
Your legal position: summary
Within 14 days of purchase: You may cancel unconditionally and request a full refund under the distance contract cooling-off right. Soul cannot refuse this request.
After 14 days: You may cancel immediately if Soul failed to deliver promised services, misrepresented the service, or if the service is defective. You retain the right to request a refund proportional to the undelivered portion of your subscription.
Automatic renewal: Soul must provide clear notice of renewal dates and charges. If Soul failed to disclose renewal terms prominently before you subscribed, you may cancel and claim a refund for any charges made after your subscription began.
Escalation to the national consumer commission
If Soul ignores your cancellation request, refuses your refund, or disputes your claim, you can escalate the matter to the National Consumer Commission (NCC). The NCC is South Africa's statutory body responsible for investigating consumer complaints and enforcing the Consumer Protection Act. The NCC investigates unfair contract terms, misleading advertising, failure to refund, and bad-faith trading practices.
To lodge a complaint with the NCC, visit the NCC's online complaint portal or submit a formal written complaint to the NCC offices. Include copies of your subscription confirmation, all communication with Soul, and evidence of your cancellation request and Soul's refusal. The NCC typically responds within 10 business days and can compel Soul to refund your money if they find Soul breached the CPA.
Step-by-step cancellation methods
Your cancellation path depends on where you subscribed: Apple's App Store, Google Play, or Soul's web portal. Each platform handles billing and cancellation differently, so follow the exact steps for your subscription method.
Cancel your Soul subscription via apple app store
If you subscribed to Soul through your iPhone, iPad, or Mac device using Apple's App Store, you must cancel through Apple, not directly through Soul. Apple manages your billing and renewal, so Soul cannot process your cancellation through their own platform.
- Open the App Store on your Apple device and tap the profile icon in the top-right corner.
- Select "Subscriptions" from the menu that appears.
- Find "Soul" in your active subscriptions list.
- Tap "Soul" and select "Cancel Subscription" or "Edit" followed by "Cancel."
- Apple will display a confirmation message; confirm the cancellation.
- Check your email for an Apple cancellation confirmation within minutes.
Your cancellation is effective immediately, though you retain access to Soul content until your current billing period ends. Apple will not charge you again after this date. Save the cancellation confirmation email for your records and as proof if Soul attempts to charge you after the cancellation date.
Cancel your Soul subscription via google play
If you subscribed through Google Play on an Android device, Google manages your billing, not Soul. You must cancel through Google Play to stop charges and disable automatic renewal.
- Open Google Play on your Android device and tap your profile icon in the top-right corner.
- Select "Payments and subscriptions" and then "Subscriptions."
- Find and tap "Soul" from your list of active subscriptions.
- Select "Cancel subscription" and follow the prompts to confirm.
- Google will display a cancellation confirmation on-screen and send a confirmation email.
Your subscription cancels immediately; you will retain access until your current billing period expires. Google will not process further charges after your cancellation date. Retain your cancellation confirmation email as proof of cancellation and for future reference.
Cancel your Soul subscription via the web portal
If you subscribed directly through Soul's website (getsoul.ai or equivalent domain), you may cancel through your account settings or by contacting Soul's customer support team directly.
- Log into your Soul account on the web portal using your email and password.
- Navigate to your "Account Settings" or "Subscription" section, typically found in a menu or profile dropdown.
- Locate the "Cancel Subscription" or "Manage Billing" button.
- Click to initiate cancellation and follow Soul's on-screen prompts to confirm.
- Soul should send a cancellation confirmation email within 24 hours.
If you cannot locate the cancellation option in your account settings, contact Soul's customer support team by email at the support address listed on their website. In your email, state: "I wish to cancel my Soul subscription effective immediately. Please confirm your cancellation and provide the date of my final billing charge." Reference your subscription date and request a written confirmation of cancellation within 48 hours.
What happens after you cancel
Cancelling your subscription triggers a clear sequence of events. Understanding what to expect helps you confirm the cancellation worked and protects you if problems arise.
Access and data after cancellation
After you cancel, your access to Soul's meditation library, workshops, and live sessions typically terminates immediately or at the end of your current billing period, depending on Soul's policy. Your account data, progress logs, and personal information remain stored on Soul's servers. If you wish to delete your account entirely and have your personal data removed, you must submit a separate data deletion request to Soul's support team, referencing the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
Refund timelines and payment processing
If you are entitled to a refund (within the 14-day cooling-off period or due to Soul's breach), the refund timeline depends on your payment method. Apple and Google typically process refunds within 5 to 10 business days. Direct bank transfers may take 7 to 14 business days. Credit card refunds post to your statement within one to two billing cycles.
If you do not see a refund within 10 business days of your cancellation, contact Soul's support team with your cancellation confirmation email and request a refund status update. If Soul does not respond within 5 business days, escalate your complaint to the NCC with evidence of your cancellation request and the delayed refund.
Preventing re-billing and automatic charges
After cancellation, monitor your bank statements and credit card charges for the next 60 days to ensure Soul does not attempt to re-bill you. If an unauthorised charge appears after your cancellation date, contact your bank or payment provider immediately and report the charge as fraudulent. Provide your cancellation confirmation email as evidence. Your bank can reverse the charge and open a dispute with Soul on your behalf.
If Soul continues to charge you after cancellation, document every unauthorised charge and lodge a complaint with the NCC, your payment provider, and the relevant financial regulator (the Financial Sector Conduct Authority, if applicable). Yafee recommends keeping cancellation confirmations and statements showing post-cancellation charges for at least one year.
Common cancellation mistakes to avoid
Many consumers inadvertently weaken their cancellation position by overlooking simple steps. The good news is that these mistakes are entirely preventable with careful planning.
Failing to document your subscription date and terms
Your 14-day cooling-off right begins on the date you subscribed, not when you first used the service or made your first payment. If Soul later disputes your cooling-off claim, you must prove when you subscribed. Save your subscription confirmation email, your first account access date, and screenshots of Soul's terms before cancelling. These documents are your evidence if the NCC investigates your complaint.
Cancelling through the wrong platform
If you subscribed through Apple App Store, cancelling through Soul's website will not stop Apple from charging you. Conversely, if you subscribed directly through Soul's website and attempt to cancel through your bank, the cancellation may fail and Soul will continue to charge you. Verify your original subscription method before proceeding. Check your confirmation email or payment statements to confirm whether Apple, Google, or Soul itself processes your billing.
Missing your 14-day cooling-off deadline
The 14-day cooling-off period is time-sensitive. Once this period expires, you lose the unconditional cancellation right. If you are considering cancellation, submit your cancellation request as soon as possible within this 14-day window. If you realise you subscribed more than 14 days ago but Soul breached its obligations or misrepresented the service, gather evidence of the breach (screenshot of promised features versus actual features, etc.) immediately. This evidence, not the 14-day period, becomes your basis for cancellation.
Not requesting a refund explicitly
Cancelling your subscription and requesting a refund are two separate actions. Cancelling merely stops future charges; it does not automatically trigger a refund unless you explicitly request one and are entitled to it. When you cancel, always include a clear statement: "I request a refund of my most recent subscription fee(s) in accordance with the Consumer Protection Act's cooling-off right" or "in accordance with Soul's failure to deliver promised services." Without this explicit request, Soul may cancel your subscription but retain your money.
Understanding Soul's pricing structure helps you calculate refunds and identify unexpected charges.
| Plan type |
Frequency |
Typical cost (ZAR) |
Renewal notice |
| Monthly meditation |
Monthly |
R149 - R199 |
Soul sends renewal notice 7 days before charging |
| Annual wellness |
Annual |
R1,490 - R1,990 |
Soul sends renewal notice 14 days before charging |
| Weekly sessions (most common) |
Monthly |
R99 - R149 |
Soul sends renewal notice 7 days before charging |
| Premium coaching |
Monthly |
R299 - R399 |
Soul sends renewal notice 7 days before charging |
Soul's exact pricing may vary based on promotions, your location, and the platform through which you subscribe (App Store, Google Play, or web). Always verify your current billing amount in your account settings before cancelling. If you believe you were charged incorrectly or charged for features you did not use, request an itemised billing statement from Soul and submit a complaint to the NCC if Soul refuses.
Common questions about Soul cancellations
What if Soul claims i signed a long-term contract?
Soul's subscription terms may state that you have committed to a fixed term (e.g., 12 months). Nevertheless, South African consumer law does not permit companies to lock consumers into long-term contracts without explicit, separate consent. If you subscribed primarily through a mobile app or website without signing a distinct, written contract, the CPA's 14-day cooling-off right still applies. Even outside the cooling-off period, the CPA permits you to cancel if Soul breached its obligations. Yafee recommends requesting Soul's written contract if they claim you committed to a long-term term; if they cannot produce a signed document, their claim is likely unenforceable.
Can i cancel partway through a billing cycle?
Yes. You can cancel immediately, even if you have only used Soul's service for a few days of your monthly subscription. If you cancel within the 14-day cooling-off period, you are entitled to a full refund of your most recent payment. If you cancel after 14 days, you may be entitled to a refund for the undelivered portion of your subscription, depending on Soul's policy and South African consumer law. Contact Soul's support team to clarify their refund policy for mid-cycle cancellations.
What if Soul refuses to cancel my subscription?
Soul must honour cancellation requests. If Soul refuses or ignores your cancellation request for more than 5 business days, lodge a formal complaint with the National Consumer Commission. The NCC can compel Soul to cancel your subscription, refund your money, and pay damages if Soul's refusal violated the CPA. Provide the NCC with copies of your cancellation request email(s), proof of sending (e.g., email read receipt), and Soul's refusal response. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel subscriptions through NCC escalation when companies refused to comply voluntarily.
How to strengthen your cancellation claim
The following steps maximise your chances of a successful cancellation and refund if Soul disputes your request.
Create a cancellation paper trail
Send your cancellation request by email rather than through an online form or in-app button. Email creates a time-stamped record that you can use as evidence if Soul later denies receiving your cancellation. Include the date, your full account name or email address, and a clear statement: "I request cancellation of my Soul subscription effective immediately, with refund of my most recent payment(s)."
Reference the consumer protection act
In your cancellation email, reference the Consumer Protection Act (Act 68 of 2008) and your cooling-off right (if within 14 days) or your right to cancel due to breach. This signals to Soul that you are aware of your legal position and expect compliance. Example: "In accordance with section 16 of the Consumer Protection Act, I exercise my right to cancel this distance contract within 14 days of purchase."
Request written confirmation within a specific timeframe
Ask Soul to confirm your cancellation in writing within 48 hours. State: "Please confirm your receipt of this cancellation request and provide the date of my final billing charge and expected refund date." This forces Soul to respond and creates an audit trail. If Soul fails to respond within 48 hours, escalate to the NCC immediately with evidence of Soul's silence.
After cancellation: what to do next
Once you have cancelled, your responsibility is to verify the cancellation worked and pursue a refund if you are entitled to one.
Monitor your statements for 60 days
Check your bank statements and credit card charges every few days for the next 60 days. If you spot any charge from Soul after your cancellation date, contact your bank immediately and report it as fraudulent. Your bank will investigate and can reverse the charge. Provide your cancellation confirmation email as supporting evidence.
Follow up on refunds within 10 business days
If Soul promised a refund and you do not see it within 10 business days, email Soul's support team again and request a refund status update. Reference your original cancellation email and request receipt confirmation. If Soul does not respond within 5 business days, lodge a complaint with the NCC with copies of all your emails and bank statements showing no refund.
Retain all documentation permanently
Keep your subscription confirmation, cancellation confirmation, refund confirmation (if applicable), and bank statements for at least 12 months. If Soul attempts to re-bill you or disputes your cancellation later, you will have complete evidence to support your position.
Key takeaways and next steps
Cancelling your Soul subscription is straightforward if you follow the correct procedure for your subscription platform (Apple App Store, Google Play, or web portal) and reference your legal rights under South African consumer law. You have the unconditional right to cancel within 14 days of purchase if you subscribed online. Beyond 14 days, you retain the right to cancel if Soul breached its obligations or misrepresented the service. The National Consumer Commission enforces your rights if Soul refuses to honour your cancellation or refund request.
Send your cancellation request by email, reference the Consumer Protection Act, request written confirmation within 48 hours, and monitor your bank statements after cancellation. If Soul disputes your claim or delays your refund, escalate to the NCC with evidence of your cancellation request and Soul's refusal. Yafee has supported thousands of consumers through subscription cancellations and refund disputes, ensuring they understand their rights and recover their money when companies fail to comply. Visit Yafee (yafee.com) today for guidance tailored to your specific situation and jurisdiction.