Is MTN a crap network?

Why are MTN sms delayed? I'm an MTN contract and prepaid subscriber and have been for as long as I can remember, however, i noticed about six months ago that sms' are delayed, intended recipients call or respond about 2hr to a day late. it's not all sms' that are delayed, sometimes i'm lucky and the reciepient will get it immediately but i have gripes with the fact that the network is getting away with this. i've tried contacting their contact centre but usually i'm on hold for about 20 minutes before anyone answers my call. is it just me or do all MTN subscribers - contract and prepaid experience this? i've tried both Vodacom and Cell C but their service is appalling to say the least. Maybe i should pay Mr. Branson a visit.