SIM SWAP DISASTER

So my number put in the recycle bin without no form of communicationa all from MTN , my sim card (which I still have) gets damaged ,

Now when I ask to do a sim swap I ma told that I cannot get the number back because I am not using it , I mean my whatsapp/banking/and all other forms of communication are linked to that number . Then I called the call centre and the lady that answers just rubs it all in my face and does not have a care in the world as to how this affects me negatively and yet they call themselves "service champions" ...... I WANT/NEED MY NUMBER BACK .