Still waiting for PR

I submitted my application for PR (reference PRP**********) through VFS Rivonia in November 2018 and I am still waiting for an outcome. According to DHA and VFS websites, PR processing should take 8-10 months meaning at the latest I should have received an outcome in September 2019. This is now almost a 1.5 year delay and counting. I have made numerous follow-ups with no success. Officials do not respond, calls go unanswered and unfortunately the people at the call centres consistently give me the same response that my application is still under review!!! My current visa expires in May 2021 so I am again forced to renew while waiting for PR. What baffles me is the inconsistency in that it seems some people get their PR, particularly those who apply based on critical skills, in record time (4 months even and it seems this was still happening despite the COVID-19 restrictions!). This then begs the question of whether those who apply for PR on grounds of marriage to a SA citizen, which is my case, are systematically deprioritised and left to wait indefinitely? It has been a frustrating journey and I am unfortunately forced to consider legal avenues to get some action to be taken.