Disappointing service from Signal Boosters South Africa and TNT Express World Wide

I have quite poor connectivity at home and after investigating a few options online during lockdown on 1 May 2020 I ordered a cell phone signal booster 4G LTE – 150 sq. m. for R3,990.00 and a Wifi Booster for R606.20 (total cost R4,596.20) from Signal Boosters South Africa [Order #***]. This included free shipping. I subsequently received a notification that my order had been shipped, as well as details of the courier and my TNT tracking number: Courier: TNT, Tracking No: ***. I was led to believe that my goods would arrive around 11 May 2020. On 17 May 2020 I followed up with Signal Boosters and on 20 May received a request from Khosi Mpiti, the Stops Clerk, Operations at TNT Express World Wide for a copy of my invoice and proof of payment for the goods. I sent this information to him immediately. He acknowledged receipt of the documents and then asked for my ID number which I provided on the same day. At the bottom of his email I noted the following disclaimer for late clearance:

"Please be advised that a penalty of R 1,500.00 will be imposed by Customs if goods are not cleared within seven days of arrival in terms of Section 38(1) read with Section 39(1) of the customs and Excise Act 1964."

The only communication I received from Signal Boosters South Africa was an automated email message which stated: "We would like to acknowledge that we have received your request and a ticket has been created. One of our customer care agents will be reviewing your request and will get in touch with you shortly for further assistance." I received a subsequent email from Julie Walker at Customer Care at Signal Boosters South Africa stating: "I see there are some delays in delivery. Awaiting customs clearance instructions." I responded by letting her know that I had provided TNT with all documents/information requested and asked her to please monitor the situation as TNT had not contacted me to request any information or documentation until I followed up on the delivery of my goods. I heard nothing further from TNT or Signal Boosters South Africa and therefore followed up again on 25 May to obtain a status update. I heard nothing from either company and followed up again on 1 June. I then received an email from Mia Davis, Sales and Support Agent from Signal Boosters South Africa which stated "There has been a delay on the delivery due to the covid 19 issue. However, please note that there is no issue the order is on its way. " On 2 June I received an email from Khosi Mpiti, the Stops Clerk, Operations at TNT stating that: "Kindly note that we are having trouble with our printers. I have attached documents for clearance and also will give banking details so that you can pay and get consignment released." I was then asked to pay VAT, a penalty and an admin fee totalling R2 695.40. (A penalty of R1 500 was included). I have since emailed both TNT and Signal Boosters South Africa asking why I have now been asked to pay this amount. Any delays in obtaining customs clearance were entirely TNT's fault. I have received the standard automated response from Signal Boosters South Africa stating that a customer care agent would contact me. I am not surprised that there was a delay due to Covid-19 but I would have expected Signal Boosters South Africa to monitor the situation and liaise with their couriers (TNT) to ensure delivery of goods that have been paid for, especially since I asked them to do so. TNT has been highly inefficient and it is outrageous that they are attempting to pass the customs clearance penalty on to me when they have caused the delay (as they are having trouble with their printers). I was not asked for any information by TNT until I followed up (this was 3 weeks after I paid for the goods). In their communication yesterday they attached the customs documentation (I don't know why - I am not sure what I am supposed to do with this documentation - no instructions have been provided). I am extremely disappointed with the services that I have received to date from both Signal Boosters South Africa and TNT Express World Wide.