Makate not backing down in ‘Please call me’ fight

July 31, 2025 74

“Please Call Me” inventor, Nkosana Makate, says he will not stop fighting for what, he believes, he rightfully deserves.

This comes after the Constitutional Court referred his long-standing legal battle with Vodacom back to the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) for reconsideration.

The SCA previously overturned Vodacom’s initial R47 million offer, saying Makate should be paid between R29 and R53 billion. However, Makate is demanding R9.4 billion.

Delivering the much-anticipated ruling in the Apex court on Thursday, outgoing Chief Justice, Mbuyiseli Madlanga, found that the SCA failed to discharge its duty to properly consider the matter.

“The SCA failed to decide the question whether Vodacom’s determination was in fact inequitable; a shortcoming of this nature on such a crucial issue constitutes a breach of the duty of proper consideration.”

Madlanga added that the appeals court disregarded or was not aware of certain material facts and issues that were before the court. He believes it also failed to assess the evidence adduced.

The Apex Court’s decision has added another layer to the already protracted litigation.

Despite this, Makate says he is prepared to continue for as long as necessary.

Speaking to journalists outside the court in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, Makate said the Constitutional Court could have finalised the matter.

“Well I’m still resilient, I’ll forever be, we’ll go to the SCA and the SCA must just re-look at the case and provide us with a judgement that will then stand the test. We will do what we have to do,” he added.

Makate has been embroiled in the legal battle with Vodacom since 2008. He wants the mobile communications company to compensate him for his “Please Call Me” idea, which he conceptualised in 2000 while working as a junior accountant at the company.

In 2016, the Constitutional Court ruled in his favour, ordering Vodacom to negotiate reasonable compensation. The dispute over the amount has, however, dragged on.

The courts of South Africa have betrayed Nkosana Makate. They have bowed to corporate power and turned their backs on justice. Vodacom has mocked the sweat and brilliance of a Black innovator while the courts remain silent. But if the courts choose silence, the people will rise… pic.twitter.com/KbGfrrAGPc

— Mayibuye Melisizwe Mandela (@Cde_MM_Mandela) July 31, 2025

As a people, we must make sure that Vodacom loses those billions one way or another.

Either by paying Nkosana Makate or we bring them to their knees. For once, let’s show these corporations & the questionable a united South Africa.

— Siz 🖤 (@SimplySiz) July 31, 2025

My view is that you are all useless. How can a black government not intervene when @makate_nkosana continue to be abused by vodacom. U are out here posting rubbish on a full stomach whilst the majority continue to remain oppressed.

— Just Believe (@BossBGlobal) July 31, 2025