Pathetic Cell C process

Im self employed person and Cell c knew this when I took up my cellphone contracts 4 years ago. Due to COVID-19 I could not pay the service provider although I did notify them that once the wave has settled I'll definitely make arrangement with paying. My accounts were than handed over to a legal company called SSDA. I have now paid up my contracts and called in to enquire how i can "open" my number again, only to find out that the number was given to someone else, I'm told it was permanently deactivated, now I'm wondering how is it that you permanently deactivate a number that's under contract and handed over to the lawyers for payment collection. I was clever enough to call one of the stores to verify the process and the lady at the Boulders Shoping centre was the one who advised that the number in question was already activated in february and there is nothing they can do on their side. I want my number back because that number is linked to my Current Business, alot of my clients are only aware of that number. I had pushed dispite all of the other accounts I had to pay to prioritize cell c, so that I can have my number activated but it seems all is in vain. As a loyal customer for such a long time i deserve atleast that much. I WANT MY CELLPHONE NUMBER BACK.