Vodacom Resolves Decades-Old Legal Dispute Over ‘Please Call Me’ Service Innovation Settlement Reached After Lengthy Legal Battle

Vodacom resolves ‘Please Call Me’ Dispute wiht Makate After 19 Years

November 5, 2025

Johannesburg, South Africa – After almost two decades of legal contention, Vodacom has finalized a settlement with Nkosana Makate concerning the innovative “Please Call Me” service. The agreement, reached out of court on Wednesday, brings an end to one of South Africa’s most prominent intellectual property disputes.

The Evolution of the Battle

Initially, the dispute centered on whether Makate was the originator of the “Please Call Me” concept. though, the latter stages of the legal proceedings focused intensely on the appropriate financial compensation Makate deserved for his contribution to Vodacom’s revenue stream.

Confidential Settlement Reached

Details surrounding the financial terms of the settlement remain confidential, as confirmed by a Vodacom spokesperson. The mobile operator has stated that the settlement amount has already been incorporated into its interim financial results for the period ending September 30.

Legal Maneuvering Before Settlement

Prior to the out-of-court resolution, Vodacom had sought to appeal a supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) ruling that mandated a new offer be made to Makate. The company argued that the SCA’s judgment was fundamentally flawed and could have potentially resulted in payouts ranging from approximately R186 million (based on a minority SCA judgment) to a considerable R29 billion (according to the majority judgment).

As part of the settlement, Vodacom has withdrawn its appeal to the SCA and abandoned a previous high court judgment delivered on february 8, 2022.

Key Figures and Potential Payouts

Ruling	Potential Payout to Makate
Minority Judgment (SCA)	Approximately R186 million
Majority Judgment (SCA)	Minimum of R29 billion

Did You Know? The “Please Call Me” service, originating in south Africa, has become a globally adopted feature by numerous mobile network operators.

Pro Tip: Intellectual property disputes, like this one, highlight the importance of clearly defined agreements and documentation when innovating within a corporate structure.

The resolution of this case marks a significant moment for both Vodacom and Makate, concluding a protracted legal battle that captured national attention. The lack of transparency regarding the settlement amount is likely to be scrutinized by market analysts and observers.

The Enduring Legacy of the ‘Please Call Me’ Service

The “Please call Me” service revolutionized mobile interaction in South Africa, providing an affordable way for individuals without airtime to request a call back. Its simplicity and effectiveness contributed to its widespread adoption and popularity. According to Statista,mobile penetration in South Africa reached 87.8% in 2024 [Statista], demonstrating the crucial role of accessible communication solutions.

This case serves as a cautionary tale for large corporations regarding the importance of recognizing and appropriately compensating individuals for their innovative contributions.It underscores the potential legal and reputational risks associated with undervaluing intellectual property.

What factors do you think contributed to the length of this legal battle?

How might this outcome influence future intellectual property disputes in South Africa?

Frequently Asked Questions about the ‘Please Call Me’ Dispute

What is the ‘Please Call Me’ dispute about?

The dispute revolves around Nkosana Makate’s claim that Vodacom failed to adequately compensate him for his idea that led to the creation of the “Please call Me” service.

What was the outcome of the Supreme Court of Appeal ruling?

The SCA ruled that Vodacom must make a new offer to Makate, wich led the company to seek leave to appeal to the Constitutional Court.

Why did Vodacom settle out of court?

Vodacom likely settled to avoid further legal costs and potential reputational damage, as well as to reach a final resolution.

Is the settlement amount public?

No, the terms of the settlement, including the financial details, are confidential.

What is the significance of this case?

This case highlights the importance of protecting intellectual property rights and fairly compensating innovators.

Share your thoughts on this story! Leave a comment below and let us know what you think.

What are the potential implications of the Vodacom-Makate settlement for intellectual property law in South Africa?

The history of the ‘Please Call Me’ Dispute

For over two decades, a legal battle has raged between Vodacom and Kenneth Nkosana Makate, the originator of the “Please Call Me” service. This dispute centered around compensation for makate’s innovative idea, which revolutionized mobile communication in South Africa and beyond. The core of the argument revolved around weather Makate was entitled to a share of the substantial revenue generated by the service, estimated to be in the billions of Rand. Initial claims focused on a verbal agreement and subsequent alleged breaches of contract by Vodacom.

The ‘Please Call Me’ service, launched in 2001, allowed prepaid mobile users without airtime to send a free request to be called back. This proved incredibly popular, particularly amongst South Africa’s large population of prepaid users, and quickly became a cornerstone of Vodacom’s offerings. The legal proceedings involved multiple court appearances, appeals, and a complex examination of intellectual property rights and contractual obligations.key terms frequently searched related to this case include “Makate Vodacom settlement,” “Please Call Me inventor,” and “Vodacom compensation.”

Key Turning Points in the Legal Battle

The case saw several pivotal moments:

1. Initial Court Ruling (2016): The High Court initially ruled in favor of Makate, ordering Vodacom to negotiate in good faith to determine a fair compensation amount.
2. negotiation Impasse: Despite the court order, negotiations between Vodacom and Makate repeatedly stalled, primarily over the methodology for calculating the revenue attributable to the ‘Please Call Me’ service.
3. Constitutional Court involvement (2018): The Constitutional Court upheld the high Court’s ruling,reinforcing the obligation for Vodacom to negotiate with Makate.
4. Further Delays & Appeals: Vodacom continued to challenge aspects of the ruling, leading to further delays and legal maneuvering. The term “Vodacom legal battle” became synonymous with the protracted nature of the dispute.
5. Court-Ordered Mediation (2023): The courts ultimately mandated mediation in an attempt to break the deadlock.

Details of the Landmark Settlement

On November 5th, 2025, Vodacom announced a final settlement with Kenneth Makate, bringing an end to the decades-long legal saga. While the exact financial details remain confidential, Vodacom confirmed the agreement includes a “important” financial payment to Makate.

* financial Terms: Even though undisclosed, sources suggest the settlement is a substantial multi-million Rand sum.

* Intellectual Property Rights: The settlement clarifies the ownership of intellectual property related to the ‘Please Call Me’ service.

* Non-Disclosure Agreement: Both parties have signed a non-disclosure agreement, preventing them from publicly revealing the specific terms of the agreement.

* Vodacom’s Statement: Vodacom expressed its commitment to innovation and acknowledged the importance of recognizing the contributions of individuals who develop groundbreaking ideas.

Impact on Innovation and Intellectual Property in South Africa

This settlement has far-reaching implications for innovation and intellectual property rights in South Africa. It sends a strong message to corporations about the importance of protecting the rights of inventors and recognizing the value of their contributions.

* Protecting Inventors: The case highlights the need for clear contractual agreements and fair compensation mechanisms for innovators.

* Encouraging Innovation: A positive outcome for Makate is expected to encourage further innovation and entrepreneurship within the South African telecommunications sector.

* Strengthening IP Laws: The legal battle has prompted discussions about strengthening intellectual property laws and enforcement mechanisms in the country. Related searches include “South Africa intellectual property law” and “innovation rights.”

* Precedent Setting: This case sets a legal precedent for future disputes involving intellectual property and revenue sharing in the tech industry.

Real-World Examples & Case Studies

The ‘Please Call me’ dispute isn’t isolated. Similar cases involving intellectual property rights and revenue sharing have occurred globally in the tech industry. For example, the legal battles surrounding the growth of the smartphone touchscreen technology demonstrate the complexities of attributing value and compensating inventors in rapidly evolving technological landscapes. The Vodacom-Makate case serves as a cautionary tale and a valuable learning experience for companies and innovators alike.

Benefits of the Settlement for Vodacom

While the financial cost of the settlement is significant, Vodacom stands to benefit in several ways:

* Reputational Repair: Resolving the long-standing dispute improves Vodacom’s public image and demonstrates a commitment to ethical business practices.

* Reduced Legal Costs: Ending the litigation