‘Please Call Me’ Inventor Ordered to Pay Vodacom Millions in Legal Fees
The protracted legal battle surrounding the “Please Call Me” invention has taken another turn, with the Constitutional Court ordering Kenneth Nkosana Makate to pay Vodacom R13 million ($755,227) to cover the telecommunication giant’s legal expenses. This ruling follows Vodacom’s appeal after a previous Supreme Court of Appeal decision that mandated the company to compensate Makate with 5% to 7.5% of the revenue generated from the “Please Call Me” service over the past 18 years.
Constitutional Court Ruling
Vodacom contested the Supreme Court of Appeal’s verdict in the Constitutional Court, arguing that it had been denied a fair hearing due to the Supreme Court’s alleged failure to consider crucial evidence. The R13 million payment is intended to cover the costs associated with Vodacom’s legal representation, including the fees for three counsels. The case is now scheduled to return to the Supreme Court on November 18, 2025, for further deliberation.
This latest development adds another layer of complexity to a long-running dispute that has captivated the South African public and raised important questions about intellectual property rights and corporate responsibility within the African tech landscape. The upcoming Supreme Court hearing will undoubtedly be closely watched as both parties seek a definitive resolution.
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