Porting procedure

I waited for some time to finish my contract. Called to cancel and was told to wait 30 days. After more than 30 days I called again because I was still on contract. The reason for my cancellation was to move directly to Vodacom with the same number. Autopage said once my contract is finished I will go to pre paid and then can move to vodacom. Today I tried to sign a new contract with my existing number but couldn't. Autopage said I have to wait 90 days for the number to be available to port. I spend roughly R2000 per month on my contract now I have to wait on prepaid for another 3 months. This will cost me a fortune. I would never have done this if I was informed correctly. I can't even renew my contract with Autopage. So no matter what, if I want to keep my number I have to wait for the 3 months to pass. Is this all that is possible? Surely not?