Useless is putting it lightly. You people are the worst

I am writing this message in a state of utter frustration and deep disappointment with the way my shipment has been handled.

For context: I am currently pregnant and expecting my third child after suffering the devastating loss of my baby due to a stillbirth in December last year. I live with chronic depression, severe anxiety, and insomnia – conditions that have significantly worsened during this pregnancy. Despite consulting medical professionals, I have not found any safe and effective options for managing my insomnia in South Africa. After extensive research, I found that Unisom is considered safe for pregnancy and received the green light from my gynecologist to use it.

I therefore arranged for a trusted friend in the U.S. to ship the medication to me via FedEx. I paid nearly R3000 in total – with R2700 going purely toward shipping. The package was expected to arrive on 14 July. Instead, it was delayed in customs, and I was asked to submit a letter explaining the purpose of the medication, which I promptly sent to Kwazi Nkosi on 15 July. Days later, the tracking status changed to “On the way,” leading me to believe that the issue had been resolved and delivery was imminent.

Today, 25 July, I received an email from Cynthia Malope informing me that my shipment had been detained by Port Health because the product is “available in South Africa,” and therefore cannot be imported. With all due respect, this is completely untrue. My medical team was not even aware of Unisom until I brought it to their attention. If it were widely available here, I would not have gone to these lengths – emotionally, logistically, and financially – to obtain it.

Now I’m being told the case is closed? What does that even mean? I paid a significant amount of money for a product I desperately need for my mental and physical wellbeing – and your response is to simply dismiss the issue and keep both the medication and my money?

Let me be absolutely clear: This is unacceptable. Either release the shipment and allow me to receive my medication, or refund me in full – immediately. But under no circumstances is “the case is closed” an acceptable resolution.

I am already under immense pressure trying to protect this pregnancy after my previous loss. The stress and runaround caused by this situation are not only outrageous but could genuinely endanger my health and that of my unborn child. I will not sit back and allow that to happen.

Resolve this. Today.