TOLD 7 YRS LATER THAT MY RETURN HANDED IN ISNT IN

I recently app**** for a TCC as an individual because I would like to better my future by applying to write my SAIPA exams & a letter of good standing is required.My request was declined & when I called SARS to find out why,I was told because my 2008 return wasn't filed.I queried as to how that is possible when I sat for 3 hrs in their PE office to register & submit my 1st return.The response was just that things have changed over the years & I have no choice but to go back to the companies now after 7 yrs (bear in mind co's are only required to keep data up to 5 yrs) & request my IRP5's again & then go into a SARS office to resubmit my return even though they have all that information on record as my registration because I gave them my originals.I was told by ZAN case#*** that even tho I registered with sars with all my documents,I had to take those same documents to submit it.I specifically remember asking the gentleman that helped me with my registration if I needed to do anything else & he told me no that I was now registered & my return is submitted.when asked how they never communicated this to me for 7 yrs i was told they would have but cant answer for postal services