Penalties for reducing Sanlam retirement annuity

I left South Africa to work abroad for four years. During the four years I increased my Sanlam retirement annuity because I could afford to contribute more. I return to South Africa in December and contacted Sanlam about reducing my annuity beginning in January 2016. I was advised that I would be charged a penalty of R10000 for reducing my annuity contribution. I was then advised that I could take a 'premium holiday' for one year in case I could not afford my insurance policies. This seems discriminatory and manifestly unfair. I can no longer afford to pay such a high premium and am told that I will be penalised for not being able to pay despite me wanting to reduce (not cancel) my premiums. Please can somebody help me. It doesn't seem legal, fair or respectful to the consumer. Thanks