Still waiting for REFUND!

I was really looking forward to travel with shosholoza meyl (December 2020) which we booked with South African Railways. We drove to Johannesburg for 2 hours to take the train, ONLY to be informed at the ticket counter that the trains have been canceled! What a disappointment!(SINCE the travel agent knew about the canceled trains 1 week prior) Why was this not communicated with the passengers earlier? We were told by shosholoza meyl that we needed to apply for a refund though the agent we booked with. I have communicated with the agent numerous times. 3 months later and we are still waiting.