How do South African individuals complete the VAT ID field?

I created my account in 2011 and submitted a few apps up till 2014 when I let it expire. In 2025 I renewed it and submitted an app to iStore and MacStore. All without a hitch... Now that I want to update my app (2 months later) I am told I first have to complete my Tax information. Huh? 🤔

So I check and I see it wants my VAT ID but in South Africa that is only issued to companies, not individuals. I am registered as an individual so now what?

Companies that make over R1 million in a year HAVE to register for VAT

Companies that made over R50,000 in a year CAN apply for VAT

Individuals need to use their Tax Reference Number in place of a VAT ID

When I use my TRN it tells me the number is invalid and won't allow me to submit. So what do I do? Change over to a company registration instead? Since I have made $0.00 on the App Store so far I definitely still don't qualify to apply for a VAT ID so even if I do, I still won't have the number I need to even submit my app to try and make $0.01.

Did any other South Africans run into this problem and how did you go about resolving this? My app is updated and uploaded and now just laying there waiting to be submitted but it won't let me submit the update until I complete my tax information.

I submitted a support request to Apple a few days ago. They said they would revert back within 2 business days but I’m still waiting. I am getting a bit restless / concerned. Is this a bug on their end and I have to wait until they fix it for the world or is it something to do with my account only?

Thanks for any assistance