Deputy Minister Gina Urges Stronger IP Protection for Grassroots Innovators: Lessons from ‘Please Call Me’ Case Highlight Risks for Township Entrepreneurs
South Africans in townships and rural areas are losing out on owning their bright ideas because of gaps in knowledge about intellectual property rights, warns Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Nomalungelo Gina.
Speaking at a key event in Durban, she called for better education and support to help everyday creators protect their work and turn it into real economic wins. Her message comes as the country looks to boost innovation amid tough times, stressing that no one should miss out on the rewards of their creativity due to lack of know-how.
Gina’s push shines a light on a problem that hits hard for young dreamers and community problem-solvers, who often see their concepts snatched or copied without fair pay. With events like the WIPO Summer School and recent awards for local innovators, there is hope for change. But she warns action is needed now to stop more losses. As SA aims to grow its economy through new ideas, protecting them is key to making sure benefits reach all corners. Here’s a closer look at her call, the real-world examples, and steps forward.
The ‘Please Call Me’ Story: A Wake-Up Call for Innovators
Gina pointed to the famous “Please Call Me” case as both a win and a warning for grassroots creators. Inventor Nkosana Makate came up with the idea for the popular Vodacom service back in 2000, but a long court fight followed because he did not secure his rights early on. After years of battles, including wins at the Constitutional Court, Makate got a massive payout of R20 billion in 2024 – but the drawn-out process shows the dangers of not protecting ideas from the start.
She called it “inspirational and cautionary”, noting how many young innovators and researchers still miss big chances because they are not equipped to safeguard their work. In townships and rural spots, where resources are slim, this gap lets others profit from local genius. Gina stressed that early IP steps, like patents or trademarks, can lock in ownership and open doors to deals or funding.
This echoes wider worries in SA, where the IP Commission reports thousands of ideas go unregistered yearly, costing creators millions. For example, traditional healers with herbal remedies often lose out when big firms patent similar products without sharing benefits.
Bridging the Gap: Role of Education and Government Support
To fix this, Gina praised programmes like the WIPO Summer School for building skills in IP management. “The WIPO Summer School is helping to bridge this gap by expanding access to IP education and equipping emerging innovators to benefit from their own work,” she said. The event, now in its 17th year, trains people to become IP managers, tech transfer experts, and innovation leaders across Africa.
Hosted by Mangosuthu University of Technology in Durban from 24 November to 5 December 2025, it positions SA as a hub for such learning. MUT’s tech transfer deputy director, Dr Mandla Hlongwane, noted how it boosts the university’s research push. Gina linked this to government efforts through the National IP Management Office, which has led to more patent filings, licences, and start-ups at universities and science councils.
She also tied it to the Grassroots Innovation Awards in Pretoria two weeks ago, where community creators got recognition but many still lack tools to protect or sell their ideas. “Government has a responsibility to ensure township and rural communities do not lose ownership due to inadequate access to IP education,” Gina said. These awards spotlight inventions like low-cost water purifiers or eco-friendly stoves, but without IP help, they often stay small-scale.
Protecting Indigenous Knowledge: A National Priority
Gina stressed the need to safeguard Indigenous Knowledge Systems, like traditional herbs, medicines, and cultural assets. “Protecting Indigenous Knowledge Systems is crucial, emphasising that traditional herbs, medicines and heritage assets must be formally recognised and owned by the communities that created them,” she said.
This builds on SA’s Indigenous Knowledge Systems Act of 2019, which aims to protect community rights and stop biopiracy – where outsiders patent local knowledge without sharing benefits. For example, the Rooibos tea industry now shares profits with Khoi and San communities after years of fights. Gina’s call urges more funding for registration and legal aid, ensuring rural healers and artisans keep control.
Broader Push: SA’s IP Policy and Innovation Drive
Gina’s words fit SA’s bigger plan under the 2018 IP Policy, which aims to make rights easier to get and fairer for all. It includes lower fees for small businesses and help for startups to file patents. The policy also pushes for more women and youth in innovation, noting they file fewer IPs due to barriers like costs and know-how.
Government bodies like the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission offer free workshops and online tools, but uptake in rural areas stays low. Gina’s ministry runs grants for IP filings, helping over 500 innovators last year. Yet, challenges like high legal fees – up to R50,000 for a patent – keep many out.
In a country where innovation drives growth, like in tech hubs or green energy, strong IP is key. SA ranks 59th in the Global Innovation Index 2025, up from 61st, but lags in patent output compared to peers like Brazil.
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