Consumer ripoff on myiStore and Apple South Africa

I bought apple AirPods a year and a three months ago. My right AirPod failed and I am out of warranty send it in to get a repair or replacement. They quoted me R2 200, 00 for fixing the airpod.

Now here is my issue. New AirPods cost R2499. In America they charge $69 a side. So 69 x 15 + 15% is a R1190.

Are they out to ******* the consumer?Why was that option not presented to me to buy a single AirPod and why did their product only last a year and 3 months.

Lastly how many people are experiencing this with apple South Africa and is AirPods a reliable product.

I posted a review on my iStore about the AirPods and My experience, got a massage on screen that they are moderating my review. Looked this morning , they have not posted my review.

So it looks like no negative reviews are expected on their website