Lost parcel in Uber

Uber from Sandton to Houghton hotel, immediately realised after drop off that a left a parcel in the Uber car. Immediately logged a request with Uber to have the parcel returned. Uber platform makes it impossible to get hold of the driver immediately and direct. I only received feedback after 24 hours only to inform me that the parcel was not found. Had I been able to contact the driver direct this would have been avoided.