Deactivate MTN

I have had my mobile number deactivated 3 times by MTN with a fight every time i land back in SA. I still use my MTN number and ensure i top up monthly to keep the number active. However, MTN recently deactivated my number in beginning of June, when last i used it in mid April. I did not receive any notices or sms of deactivation. But now I am in the UAE, unable to get a hold of their offices, keep getting through to the wrong number and have been emailing them for 3 weeks to no response. I have had this number for 16 years and i am absolutely sick and tired of MTN doing what they please- with no recourse on their side. I called the MTN shareholder group as it was the only number that would connect internationally, and the lady said she would not help by getting the international customer care line because its not her department.

3 Times of losing a number i have had for decades, and at no fault of mine this time- i played by the rules, but it looks like from MTN side its just another number to them.

I am sick and tired of fighting so hard for something that is mine, that is rica'd to my ID. And now my hands are tied as I am abroad, and there is silence on the other end of the line.