Importing small items - and the ransom the local carriers charge

I'm in the process of importing a small package, customs value is $49. The local carrier, CourierIT wants me to pay over R690.00 for the release of the item (of which R230 is due to SARS). They claim in their email this is government fee's.

They also have this in BIG RED on the email, what I see as a subtle threat in:

************Please note that you have 3 days from receipt of this email to arrange payment ,Should we not receive within this time frame the necessary arrangement will be made to transfer your package/s to SARS Customs and excise States Warehouse where an addional fee will be charged for storage space***************

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Is there an easier way to get this released? I know if it comes through the post office its just a matter of paying over the duties and waiting for the item.