Kenneth Makate Finally Wins Justice in the “Please Call Me” Battle Against Vodacom

A Two-Decade Fight for Recognition and Fair Compensation

After nearly 20 years of legal battles, South African innovator Kenneth Makate has finally reached a confidential settlement with telecom giant Vodacom over the invention of the famous “Please Call Me” service — one of the most widely used mobile features in the country’s history.

Makate first came up with the idea in the early 2000s while working as a trainee accountant at Vodacom. His idea was simple yet revolutionary: a free message service that allows users without airtime to request a callback from another mobile user. The concept went on to transform mobile communication across Africa.

From Idea to Legal War

Although Vodacom adopted the service and profited enormously from it, Makate never received any compensation or acknowledgment.
In 2008, he decided to take legal action — a move that turned into one of South Africa’s longest and most dramatic corporate disputes.

Courts eventually confirmed that Makate was indeed the rightful originator of the idea. However, the battle over how much he should be paid dragged on for years.

At one point, Makate demanded R10 billion, while Vodacom reportedly offered around R47 million, which he rejected. Public opinion strongly favored Makate, seeing his fight as a symbol of justice for innovators whose ideas are often exploited by big corporations.

A Landmark Settlement

In November 2025, Vodacom confirmed that both sides had reached a confidential settlement, ending all court actions.
The company stated that the settlement amount would appear in its financial results for the period ending September 2025, but the figure remains undisclosed.

Industry analysts estimate that the payout could range between R353 million and R748 million, based on Vodacom’s financial filings — a figure that, while short of billions, still marks a significant victory for Makate.

Symbol of Perseverance and Innovation

Makate’s story has become more than just a legal victory — it’s a powerful message about patience, determination, and the importance of intellectual property.
For nearly two decades, he stood his ground against one of Africa’s largest corporations, proving that creativity and integrity can prevail even against enormous odds.

His win inspires countless young entrepreneurs across Africa to protect their ideas and believe in their value.

Conclusion

The “Please Call Me” case is now closed, but its legacy will continue to echo throughout South Africa’s business and innovation landscape.
Kenneth Makate’s triumph serves as a reminder that great ideas deserve recognition — and that justice, though delayed, can indeed be achieved.