Going nowhere slowly

How long does it take for a loan to get approved? I was told that the loan was pending. I bank with Absa so my salary gets deposited into my account and my additional money I earn gets deposited into my account as well, yet I needed an additional letter on a letter head stating I provided a service and was earning x amount even though you could see the money coming every month into my account. When mailing the consultant it takes forever to get feedback unless I call and leave a message. It feels like I am getting nowhere slowly.