PERMANENTLY DEACTIVATED SIM CARD

I am very disappointed in Cell C. Since December 2023 I have attempted to reactivate a sim card that was deactivated because I did not purchase airtime or make calls on it. I was given no forewarning of the deactivation. Having being a customer of Cell C for over 12 years, I am very disappointed. I need this number desperately for work purposes but I am being given the run around. I was told to fill in an affidavit and take it into store but the workers at the store said that it could not be reinstated. I was then told to email *** but that has not helped. I have spent hours on the phone with customer service who say that my number cannot be reactivated yet it has also not been given to someone new. CELL C PLEASE HELP. I have heard of people being assisted with this issue... I need some assistance.