SARS - Apparently unable to rectify a system problem

I am trying to get my return done but there's a problem in that there are suddenly two active tax numbers for me. The was supposedly closed in 2012 and a new number allocated, Since then I have been successfully doing my returns until 2021, where I encountered the problem I have had a number of calls with them and finally met with them in person in person. The SARS tax person tried extremely hard to have it resolved to no avail. Apparently its a system problem, and when she tried closing the old number, it prompts her to allocate a new number, which she does not want to do, as I already have a new number and my returns have been going there without any problems up to now. She has logged a call to have this rectified, but says it could take months to resolve! This is so frustrating as its being going on since the beginning of June, with no end in site. I understand the pressures under which they are working, but surely they can get this done, as apparently there others affected in the same way.