STA Travel WILL NOT REFUND - TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE

I booked a trip with STA travel in February 2020, due to unforeseen circumstances I had to move my trip to December 2020. However I had already paid STA Travel in September 2019, but I DID NOT book any flights, date, accommodation tours or anything with them for December 2020.

Because of the Pandemic I asked for a refund as its not safe to travel and i'm not sure when it will be safe to travel again. Some guy Ben, refused to give me a refund and told me that they have updated their policy.

Their policy was updated on the 12 June 2020, this updated policy was NEVER communicated to me, I did not accept or consent to any new terms. So by law their "updated" policy can not apply to me.

I thought i was going to still do business with STA and told them they can move my money to my unplanned December trip. I engaged with Melissa in January 2020 under your old policy whereby it was possible to receive a refund, as was evidenced by the emails between myself and Melissa.

Since i have NOTHING booked with STA Travel, it means that by law STA Travel have been with holding my money without providing me with anything. This goes against the consumer protection act of South Africa. STA Travel is not a financial institute, they can not dictate what to do with my money. I paid for something which they are / will not be able to perform any time soon so they can not with hold my money.

They offered me a credit note / voucher. I did not pay with a credit note / voucher. I paid in cash, and would like to receive my refund in the same manner that I have paid it.

My next step will be to go to the media if i do not get a refund.