Damaged SIM card

I’ve completed a contract online with MTN, on the 3rd of October my parcel was delivered ( Wireless WIFI router) it came with a SIM card which couldn’t connect to the network. I’ve contacted MTN several times to date to get help…. Till now I’ve never received any help. I went to the nearest MTN store for help thats where at least I got assistance which didn’t take me anywhere.. they told me that the SIM card I received was damaged…they tried to get me help from the online customer service, they were told to inform me that I must do a SIM swap at a cost of R150 for something that wasn’t my fault.. the Sim which was delivered to me already damaged. Its been 20 days now since I’ve received the parcel I haven’t been able to use it till today….. please advise me on what to do about this issue.. i don’t believe that I have to bear financial responsibility for this.