Denied a contract because I do not have a credit record

I app**** for a contract with Telkom mobile in Sandton only to get a call a week later advising me I had been denied because I do not have a credit record. I asked what I can do to remedy that because why am I being punished for not being in debt and I was advised to open a clothing account. I do have a clothing account with TFG the consultant advised me to open another one with Truworths. Now I should have a string of clothing accounts to get access to a phone? Really!