Non-transferable data bundles

I have a 3G ****le with Vodacom sim card that I load data on. I last used the sim card in Feb and did not realise that the number is recycled after 6 months. I loaded data onto this number on Tuesday and was not given any notification that it was no longer in my possession. I have been calling the call centre since Wednesday and have been strung along from one agent to the next, to only find out that this data cannot be transferred to my Vodacom contract number?? HOW IS IT POSSIBLE THAT VODACOM CAN SEE THAT I HAVE LOADED DATA AND IS NOT ABLE TO TRANSFER THIS ACROSS TO MY OWN NUMBER???? The answer I get is "sorry, you have lost out, I must call the new owner of that number and ask them to give me this data back"??? Really????