Tax Return Penalty

I was notified of a penalty of R2999.45 last week Thursday on 8 May 2025. I contacted the call center to confirm if it was true. I requested a statement today and I noticed that I was charged R500 every month since November 2024 but I did not receive any communication from SARS about the penalty when it started being charged. Why was I only notified 6 months later when the balance due is already R3000. My number and email address have not changed for over 10 years. Why was I not informed when the penalty was first charged so that I could afford to pay? I am now sitting on a penalty of R3500 as of 10 May 2025. I honestly feel ******... If you were able to inform me now what stopped you from communicating with me 6 months ago?