Sim swap failed, forced to keep a number I don't want, can't use new phone

I'm not one to complain much but there's only so much a person can take. This past Saturday I was due for an upgrade on 2 of my cellphone contracts (one with MTN and another with Cell C). I explained to the assistants at the MTN store in Lakeside that I would like to have my number changed due to safety and convenience reasons as the previous contract taken was for an ex and with the upgrade I would be in full use of the contract, data and minutes. It would be extremely awkward and unsettling to use the same number. They advised me it is not possible and I would have to perform a sim swap. I agreed, I mean what can one do? Upon that they noticed she had deactivated the sim card, she had access to my ID number, had my banking info etc. so you can understand she could do a lot. On top of that i had to pay R115 for reactivation and to perform a sim swap. Fine, I agree, what can one do and I get the phone and sim card. Amanda from the store was very helpful in that regard. She told me turnaround time for sim swap is 2 to 24 hours. 25 hours later my sim card was still inactive, I called the number registered on my contract and it rang. It was still in service. I call into the customer care center with another number and spoke to Nonkululeko who advised the sim swap had failed. Trying to keep my cool I requested she deactivate the number and I had to go back to the store to fix the sim swap issue. I get there and speak to Amanda again who advised me their systems were down and could not assess the problem at the time, I understand, these things happen. She told she would give me a call once she can access the system information and advise me further. I did get a missed from an MTN number. 48 hours later my sim is still not in service and I am unable to use a phone I've always wanted that I am paying money for. I paid an activation fee for nothing and for all I know the old sim could still be in service. None of this would have happened if my number change had been done as I asked, not only am I paying for services I am not receiving, I am bound to a number I don't want for TWO YEARS. I had no issues getting a number change from Cell C. It took them 10 minutes to have me sorted and provided a random but new number (for the same reasons listed, which they didn't even need they just came out as part of the conversation with the assistant). Which reminds me, I need to give a very positive review for that. I am honestly more disappointed than upset. I keep restarting my Huawei P30 Pro hoping for a different result and all I get is "Emergency calls only". On so many levels the customer is *****ed over.