8 month odyssey with VFS... how *********** can they be ?!

<p>Despite meticulously following Eldean Brooks' from VFS advice with regards to my permanent residency application (PRP***), my application was rejected by DHA. When I called to appeal and get feedback from VFS, Belinda Mushwana assured me she would review my documents and raise my issue with Brooks (her manager). Despite following up four times (15 Dec, 17 Dec, 4 Jan and 24 Jan) since our conversation on 15 Dec, Mushwana finally only responded on 26 Jan that she would "follow up with Mr Brooks" - I chased twice (1 Feb and 16 Feb) with no feedback.</p> <p> </p> <p>After my initial Hello Peter complaint (16 Feb), I received an email from Dikonelo Motsapi on 22 Feb requesting information which I provided, followed up by a call requesting my rejection letter from DHA. I emailed everything requested and received no response. I sent chase emails 25 Feb and 2 March.</p> <p> </p> <p>On 7 March I posted a new complaint on Hello Peter, following this I received a call from the elusive Brooks (14 March). He (re)requested the DHA rejection letter and a copy of my new work permit, which I emailed to him immediately and he confirmed receipt while on the phone. He promised to review my documents and revert via email with the way forward. He stated there would not be an additional VFS fee (even if we had to lodge a new application), and if it was an appeal there would not be an additional DHA fee. I chased on the 31 March (no response), 6 April (responded he was busy), 25 April (responded he was busy) and 4 May (no response). </p> <p> </p> <p>Today I called Brooks 4 times, each time he promised to call me back and never did. Finally Willy Stevens answered the phone, said he had been briefed on my situation and that I would have to reapply and pay the fee.</p> <p> </p> <p>VFS was supposed to facilitate the process with Home Affairs. Instead they have just made it expensive.</p>