“Constitutional Court Orders ‘Please Call Me’ Inventor to Pay Vodacom R13 Million in Legal Costs”

In a dramatic new twist to South Africa’s longest-running innovation dispute, the Constitutional Court has ordered “Please Call Me” inventor Nkosana Makate to pay Vodacom’s legal costs, reportedly amounting to R13 million.

The ruling, delivered earlier this year, overturned a previous decision by the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) that had largely favored Makate. The case has now been sent back to the SCA for fresh consideration, marking yet another chapter in a legal battle that has lasted for more than two decades.

⚖️ Background: The Idea That Changed Mobile Communication

In the early 2000s, while working at Vodacom, Nkosana Makate came up with the idea for “Please Call Me” — a free text message service allowing users without airtime to ask someone to call them back.

The concept became a game-changer in South African telecommunications, connecting millions of users daily and boosting Vodacom’s network traffic and revenue.

Despite the success, Makate received no initial compensation. After years of negotiations and lawsuits, Vodacom offered him R47 million, but Makate insists he deserves at least R9 billion, based on the profits the company made from his idea over the years.

⚖️ The Constitutional Court Ruling

In July 2025, the Constitutional Court (Case CCT 51/24) ruled in favor of Vodacom, setting aside the SCA’s previous decision. The court also ordered Makate to pay Vodacom’s legal costs, including those of three counsel.

While the judgment itself did not fix an amount, several media reports estimate Vodacom’s legal costs to be around R13 million.

Makate’s reaction:
“This fight has been long and painful, but I remain resilient. We will go back to the SCA.”

💼 What Happens Next

The matter will now return to the Supreme Court of Appeal for a new hearing, where the amount owed to Makate — if any — will once again be debated.

Legal experts note that the ruling underscores the high stakes of intellectual property disputes in South Africa, as well as the financial risks individuals face when challenging large corporations.

💬 Public Reaction

The decision has sparked strong public emotion. Many South Africans see Makate as a symbol of innovation, perseverance, and the fight for fairness, while others emphasize the importance of following due legal process.

📊 Quick Facts

• Inventor: Nkosana Makate

• Idea: “Please Call Me” free text service

• Offered by Vodacom: R47 million

• Makate’s claim: R9 billion

• Legal costs (reported): R13 million

• Next step: Case returns to the Supreme Court of Appeal