Nkosi Nathi
‘Please Call Me’ inventor Nkosana Makate. (picture courtesy Simphiwe Nkwali)
Mamello Maila
Vodacom, a telecommunications company, is currently facing a complicated legal issue that may lead to a significant compensation payment to its former employee, Nkosana Makate. However, Vodacom claims that it is not financially equipped to handle such a large settlement and deems a billion-rand payment unreasonable. Sitho Mdlalose, the CEO of Vodacom, has emphasised that the situation is uncertain, and the exact amount of compensation owed is not clear yet. He said, “We are uncertain about the exact amount at this stage, and we would need to prepare ourselves once we have a clear understanding of the outcome.”
Behind the scenes, the revenue generated by the ‘Please Call Me’ service paints a picture of immense profitability. Not only do other network providers, including MTN, Cell C, and Telkom’s 8ta, pay Vodacom a percentage of their monthly revenue generated through the service, but every advertisement attached to a call-back also adds to Vodacom’s coffers. This revelation underscores the substantial stake surrounding the invention, which Makate claims was never shared with him as the original inventor.
Makate’s compensation demands have been under scrutiny. He claimed that Vodacom owes him a settlement of R10.2 billion, excluding interest and legal fees. Despite Vodacom’s offer of R47 million to resolve the matter, Makate remains unwavering in his pursuit of what he believes to be fair compensation. He has taken legal action by seeking judicial review and setting aside the determination made by Vodacom’s Group CEO.
As the legal battle rages on, the public’s sympathy increasingly lies with Makate. Social media campaigns and petitions have rallied behind his cause, decrying Vodacom’s perceived injustice. The hashtag #PayMakate has become a rallying cry, symbolizing the public’s demand for fairness and accountability.
At its core, the ‘Please Call Me’ saga is not merely a legal dispute; it is a battle for generational wealth and recognition of an individual’s contribution to innovation. Makate’s fight transcends monetary compensation; it is about justice, dignity, and the acknowledgment of his role in shaping South Africa’s telecommunications landscape.
The legal battle over the “Please Call Me” case is ongoing, but one thing is clear: people want fairness and justice. We don’t know if Vodacom will keep its purported promise to Makate, or if the legal fight will continue. However, what we do know is that the whole country is watching and hoping that justice wins over corporate power.
As the legal battle over the “Please Call Me” case nears its conclusion, many are wondering what the potential outcomes and implications will be for both Vodacom and Nkosana Makate. Will Vodacom finally agree to compensate Makate as he seeks, thereby avoiding further harm to its reputation and finances? Or will the company continue to fight the case, risking further damage to its public image and potentially facing legal consequences?
The resolution of the ‘Please Call Me’ dispute will have far-reaching consequences for both parties involved and the broader corporate ecosystem. Regardless of the outcome, the case serves as a stark reminder of the power of perseverance, principle, and public pressure in holding corporations accountable for their actions.
Vodacom and Nkosana Makate are currently awaiting the final verdict in the ‘Please Call Me’ legal battle. However, this presents an opportunity for both parties to reflect and learn from this experience. The focus should be on prioritizing fairness, transparency, and mutual respect in all future dealings. By embracing the principles of corporate responsibility and ethical conduct, Vodacom can emerge from this ordeal stronger, more resilient, and better attuned to the needs and aspirations of its employees, partners, and customers.
About the Author
