Parcel RP***NL in SA since 10th August, no local tracking number yet

Hello, I have ordered books from Europe. They left the netherlands on the 1st of August and arrive in SA on the 10th of August. Since then no further news. I called customer service (very nice) and I was told that there was no local tracking number and I just have to wait and keep on calling. How can it take more than 2 weeks to sort and process a parcel. I have ordered these books for a gift long in advance to make sure i will have it on time, now I am wondering if I shouldn't have ordered it last year. please assist. Best regards, Maud