FNB lack of service

I am frustrated beyond belief. I made a booking for the Kruger National Park on Sunday. At the end of the booking the required amount was debited from my account, but the reservation was never confirmed.

I phoned SANPARKS and they said I will have to do the booking again and then ask my bank to reverse the previous amount. I did that and it worked.

The problem is: Now there is a large amount pending on my account and FNB reckons I have to complete a transactions reversal form, accompanied by a letter from SANPARKS to say the amount can be reversed. The transaction doesn't show on SANPARKS's system, which means they can't help me.

I phoned FNB again and they reckon I will have to wait for 30 days before the transaction will be reversed. How in the world is this possible!? I need those funds to be available in order to survive the next while. They just simply refuse.

To make matter worst. The same thing happened to my friend who banks with ABSA. They had no problem in reversing the transaction two days later, without anything needed from SANPARKS. So it's TWO DAYS vs THIRTY DAYS.

I would love to know how one bank can do this, but not the next bank!?

I feel helpless and don't know where to turn from here. Can someone please help!?