The lengthy legal battle between Vodacom and “Please Call Me” creator Nkosana Makate has escalated, with a significant financial ruling against the inventor. South Africa’s Constitutional Court has ordered Makate to cover Vodacom’s legal costs, estimated at a staggering R13 million....Click to Read More >>➤

This decision stems from Vodacom’s successful appeal, which overturned a prior ruling from the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA). That earlier judgment had compelled the telecommunications company to pay Makate a portion of the revenue generated by his idea. The core compensation dispute will now be sent back to the SCA for a new hearing, prolonging the years-long conflict.

Court Points to Complexity and High Financial Stakes

The Constitutional Court’s ruling included another substantial blow to Makate: it granted Vodacom the costs for three legal counsels. This type of order is not common and underscores the case’s gravity. The court defended its decision by pointing to the intricate legal arguments, the voluminous case record, and the exceptionally large amount of money involved in the dispute.

Nkosana Makate originally conceived the “Please Call Me” concept in 2000 while working at Vodacom. The service allows users to send a free text message requesting a call back. He has been engaged in a protracted struggle to secure what he believes is fair compensation for his innovation for many years. He previously turned down a Vodacom offer of R47 million, arguing that he is entitled to a share of the revenue the service has produced over its nearly two-decade lifespan.

Despite this recent legal setback, Makate remains resolute. Sources close to the inventor confirm his determination to continue the fight. “He will return to the SCA,” a source stated, indicating that the battle for compensation is far from concluded. The ongoing “Please Call Me” saga continues to capture national attention, highlighting tensions between corporate entities and individual innovators. As the case heads back to the appeals court, the public awaits the next chapter in this protracted dispute over the “Please Call Me” invention. The outcome of the fresh SCA hearing will be critical in finally determining the rightful compensation for the “Please Call Me” idea that became a telecommunications staple.