Sim swap nightmare and line barred thereafter

My son has lost his phone and I had that sim suspended. The next step was to do a 'simple' self service sim swap via the call centre. After 2 days and various calls later (also trying the self service pin) with no joy, I had to go to a Cell C shop and do the sim swap for R114.00. After the 'normal' two hours waiting period the sim was registered and all seemed good to go until I wanted to make a call. Long story short, we can receive incoming calls but the line is BARRED for all outgoing calls. We have tried the self service USSD codes, but with no luck. The call centre can not help my wife as she is not listed as a contact and I am stuck overseas for work. I REFUSE TO PAY THE CELL C BILL for that number until such time the BARRING has been cancelled. And I'll then expect something else to be/go wrong. My contracts are due for renewal early next year, but I think it is time to move on from Cell C. Thank you.