VFS Global - let down by Home Affairs being a mess

I app**** for a permanent residence permit with the Rivonia VFS branch, and was informed that the processing time would be 8-10 months (as per the website). However, 2 years later, I am still waiting for it! When the tracker is used, it says there has been no status change since 2 November 2017!

I must say that the application process and the facilities were really wonderful in Rivonia. Everyone was helpful and kind, the process was efficient and I didn't get turned away to fetch documents that I wasn't informed I didn't need. Even the lady on the phone who must deal with distressed people all day is polite and seems to know what's going on (she even remembered me from my multiple calls).

The immigration lawyers and I contacted VFS multiple times to escalate the matter, so this matter must really be with the president himself now. I was informed that the matter was at quality control, and that it wouldn't be long until I'd have a response - but apparently quality control is just 4 people (with one on leave), and they're suffering under huge backlogs that they just never seem to be able to clear.

I have contacted the presidential hotline, the director general of home affairs, as well as a million people within the department of home affairs, and no-one really seems to be able to help.

I can't share a bank account with my husband, let alone complete my training in the public healthcare sector. I am basically being held hostage by home affairs. It is so disappointing that a government office is so ineffective.