100% Cancellation Fee with more than two months notice!!!

I pre booked a vehicle for Dec 2017 in Cape Town, which I understand is peak season. To confirm the booking I had to pay in full. Due to circumstances out of my control I had to unfortunately cancel this booking. The booking was made in September 2017 more than 2 months before I was meant to travel and cancelled less than 10 days later, I am now informed that the cancellation fee is 100%, ZERO REFUND, I would like an explanation!!! this is two months ahead of travel, the South African consumer act is very different to your terms and conditions, how are you trading above the law. I understand some type of cancellation or handling fee within reason, but this is outright THEFT!! I have paid for a service I in no way received or ever will, you have more than 60 days warning, I have called on three separate occasions with a promise to call me back but to no avail.... My company and I have used your rental service on numerous occasions but this truly does leave a sour taste in ones mouth... I really would like a call and explanation and of course some sort of refund.