Applied for renewal of Spouse's temporary family permit in June of 2011. Received SMS on Nov.1, 2011 that permit has been issued. Phoned toll-free number to inquire. Was told that outcome is waiting in Paarl. Visited Paarl office where it was speculated that permit is "probably still in Pretoria". Phoned toll-free number several times since then. "System off-line, will give feedback in 24 hours, sir", but never does. Phoned Paarl today (Febr, 15, 2013). Phone rings for long time with Blue Danube Waltz added in, BEFORE phone is answered initially. Was told that I will be put through to "Miss April". Rang for MUCH LONGER with more Blue Danube, ending in a hang-up tone. Tried again, this time phone rang for 8 minutes, before I hung up myself. Eventually got through to Miss April after third attempt, who had to be called from across the room after two transfers. "System failure, sir". I get one off-day per month and am not allowed to make personal calls from work. This elusive family permit expires in June, 2013. Can't even leave the country, as spouse doesn't have legal documents in passport (although it was issued in 2011).
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