VFS not aware of DHA regulations in South Africa

My brother is applying for a study permit in South Africa and I am his fee payer. They refused to have him give his application on the basis that I have a receipt of application for a work permit. The DHA announced that under the ZEP which I am applying for, I am allowed to work and travel without being undesirable until such a time my permit comes out. How then can this receipt be disqualified from being attached as proof? I have made deposits to the University, I have paid VFS fees which are all non refundable and will be affected by the fact that officials at VFS have no clue what is happening at their DHA. Their landline never goes through.