Makro refuses to replace item under 2 year warranty 6 months post purchase.

I purchased three Defy coffee machines from Makro Online 29/05/21, delivered a week later, On 16/12/21 I reported to Makro Customer Services that the one machine had ceased to work as the hot plate was no longer heating. I aske for the collection of the machine as they deliver to my area daily, and replacement thereof. The machine has a 2 year factory warranty. I attached my receipt, photos of the warranty, the model and serial number. the response I received was that they did not replace items that are defective more than 6 months after purchase, and that I needed to go to Defy for the warranty replacement. they also refused to collect the item (we live 2 hours from the nearest Makro) stating that we must bring the machine to the nearest branch if under 6 months post purchase.

I am wondering what factory warranties are about if one can't return an item under warranty to the store from which it was purchased? It seems to me that warranties are totally ineffectual and the customer is left vulnerable.

Hence, my decision is to withdraw all my support of Makro, from whom I purchase frequently on-line, and rather purchase from a reliable, friendly and flexible company that offers excellent post-purchase support-namely Takealot! No more Makro for me!