South African Postal System (International)

Evening South African People, I am Greyson.

I have some friends who live in South Africa, and I am a person who loves sending little trinkets and letters to my friends abroad. But my friends have told me not to bother because the 'postal system is a wreck' and it will 'likely get stolen/never arrive'.

This seems nonsensical to me but I am not South African. I plan on sending very small parcels such as letters and little packages to colleges/apartments. I can't fathom a postal system not working in a structured country so.. what am I to do? They recommend a literal courier to get something to them, but I can't be paying courier fees unless its a lot of letters.

Advice?

Greyson

Edit: Damn dudes .. Thank you for the advice.