SAFAIR DON'T REFUND MONEY WHEN THEY CANCEL FLIGHT

At the end of last year, I was asked to make a booking for a colleague to fly from JHB to PE and return. The return date being 31/12/2020. On the 30th December my colleague saw an sms from Flysafair to say his flight had been cancelled. - No reason - no getting him onto another flight - nothing - just cancelled.!! Although is was peak festive season, he and his girlfriend were able to get a flight back to JHB but at additional costs. I only learned recently that SAFAIR had not refunded him his money for the cancelled flight. I took this up with SAFAIR and their response is - he should have requested a refund before his flight ???? They cancelled the flight - they should refund - does not matter when he requests this. If they cancel they should look after their passengers - Do not book with SAFAIR unless you are absolutely sure you will get your money back if THEY CANCEL.