VODACOM SETTLES "PLEASE CALL ME" DISPUTE WITH NKOSANA MAKATE AFTER 18 YEARS

Nkosana Kenneth"Please Call Me"Makate

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief of The Azanian

Vodacom has finally put an end to the long-standing dispute with Nkosana Kenneth Makate over the "Please Call Me" service, settling the case out of court on November 4, 2025.

The settlement brings to close a nearly two-decade-long battle that has garnered significant attention in South Africa.

The dispute began in 2007 when Makate, a former Vodacom trainee accountant, claimed he was promised compensation for his idea, which became the popular "Please Call Me" service. Vodacom denied any agreement, leading to a protracted court battle.

Makate's idea allowed users to send messages to contacts with call-back requests. The service became a huge success, but Makate claimed he was never paid for his contribution. In 2008, he launched a court application against Vodacom, seeking compensation for his idea.

The case has seen numerous twists and turns, with Makate winning judgments in the Constitutional Court in 2016 and the Supreme Court of Appeal in 2024. The Constitutional Court ruled that an agreement existed between Makate and Vodacom, and that the company should negotiate reasonable compensation with him.

When negotiations broke down, Vodacom's CEO, Shameel Joosub, was designated as the deadlock breaker. Joosub offered Makate R47 million, which he rejected, sparking another round of legal battles.

The Supreme Court of Appeal later ruled that Vodacom should pay Makate 5% to 7.5% of the revenue earned from the service between 2001 and 2021. Vodacom appealed this decision, but the parties have now settled out of court.

The terms of the settlement remain confidential, but Vodacom has accounted for it in their interim results for the six months ended September 30, 2025. The company will release more details in their upcoming results on November 10, 2025.

"Shareholders are hereby advised that on 4 November 2025, the Vodacom Board approved a settlement agreement, and the matter was settled by the parties out of court," Vodacom said in a statement. "The parties are glad that finality has been reached in this regard."

The settlement brings to an end a lengthy and complex dispute, with both parties able to move forward. The case has highlighted the importance of clear agreements and communication in business dealings. For many South Africans, the dispute became a symbolic case about recognition and fairness.

Makate confirmed the development in a brief social media statement, saying, "In response to media queries, indeed, the 'Please Call Me' matter has been settled and is subject to confidentiality."

The settlement between Vodacom and Makate marks the end of a long and complex dispute. While the terms of the settlement remain confidential, it is clear that both parties are relieved to have reached a resolution. The case will serve as a reminder of the importance of clear agreements and communication in business dealings.