Backlog of applications resulted in my disqualification due to my age

I app**** for business assistance last year (2021) I was 34 years old at that stage. I submitted all the relevant documents and stated that I'm based in KwaZulu-Natal (Durban).

I further spoke le to the branch manager (Nompumelelo Zuma via telephone) enquiring about my application and was told that since I have already app**** through their ERP system and have emails with the same documents submitted to the Durban branch as further proof and paper trail for my application since I was worried that sooner or later my age will be used against me in the year 2022 when I had completed the application when I was within the age limit of 34 years.

I'm a business graduate with a background in banking, sales and retail and asked to be assisted in establishing a barbershop in my township but the branch manager is telling me that there's nothing she can do since there was a backlog of applications and has resulted in me not being eligible even though my application was done last year when I was very much eligible with all the relevant documents.

This is a frustrating realization and although I'm unhappy and on hellopeter I would still prefer being assisted by NYDA given the time of my application and fairness.