Sim-Swap-****!!!

Trying to do a simple sim-swap... Not even contract. My pay-as-you-go sim, seems to be damaged. Like all other SA networks, I already bought a new sim card, and had it Rica'd (at my nearest small rural shop). With disbelieve, I had to hear from the Telkom assistant that I had to personally go to my nearest Telkom store, which is 100kms from my home, and during the lock-down period. We are staying in a rural area, and very isolated - just how we prefer it during these times- but it seems there is no way for Telkom to make me keep my existing number on a new sim card????! GOOD BYE TELKOM!!!!