City Max Home ignores consumer rights- (defective goods)

I am absolutely disturbed that in 2019 a client can still be told that nothing can be done. City Max Home in Pinecrest Mall in Pinetown Durban told me that they do not have a warranty over defective candles but their receipts clearly states that exchanges can be done within 7days which mean that they are aware of the consumer rights but chose to blatantly ignore them. I feel that I was deprived of my consumer rights. I still have the receipt and I was within the 7days return period. The store's staff just totally dismissed my complaint about a newden candle that had no string. they blatantly said I could not be assisted... this is actually not about the money but about principles and being ethical.