Bond settled in May 2025 but cancellation delayed over a year – now being asked to pay again

I settled my Standard Bank home loan in May 2025 after losing my job. The settlement amount was paid in full, and I provided proof of payment to the attorneys handling the cancellation. At the time, I was informed via email that the cancellation process would be initiated and would take approximately 90 days. However, after the 90-day period passed, no progress had been made. I made numerous follow-ups with both Standard Bank and the appointed attorneys but received no feedback or assistance for almost a year. Only when I contacted the attorneys again recently did they ask me to come in yesterday to sign an affidavit that should have been signed in May 2025 when the bond was settled. This was never arranged at the time, and the file appears to have been left unprocessed. During this visit, I was presented with the same cancellation documents and cost breakdown that were given to me in May 2025. I had already paid the required insurance amount of approximately R3,000 at that time and submitted proof of payment. I have now been told that the cancellation process will only begin now and will again take 90 days, and I am being asked to pay an additional R10,000. These costs have arisen purely due to delays and administrative failures by the bank and its attorneys, not because of any action on my part. I am currently unemployed and unable to pay any further amounts. I fulfilled all my obligations in May 2025 and supp**** all required documentation and payments at the time. It is unfair and unreasonable for me to be penalised financially for delays caused by the bank and its legal representatives. I am requesting that Standard Bank urgently investigate this matter, proceed with the bond cancellation without any additional charges, and provide written confirmation that the process is being finalised.