Recycled Cellphone Number

My phone had been ****** earlier this year and I had my cell number number since 2002 that’s over 17 years. Due to work commitments I had to do extensive travelling and have used my work phone in during this time. I did not have an opportune time to go to a Vodacom store.

When I did go to get a sim swap I was told that my number had been recycled. I have been trying for months to get some one to assist me but to no avail. My Whatsapp profile is still linked to this number as well as other critical means of communication.

Please assist as I am desperately trying to retrieve my number back