Latest Twist in Please Call Me Battle
Johannesburg – The long-running legal fight between Nkosana Makate and Vodacom over the “Please Call Me” service has taken another dramatic turn. After 17 years of court battles starting in 2008, Makate has been hit with a R13 million legal costs order from the Constitutional Court. Most of this amount will go to Vodacom, even as the case heads back to the Supreme Court of Appeal for a fresh hearing on 18 November 2025. Adding to the complexity, revelations about MTN’s earlier launch of a similar service raise questions about potential patent disputes that could upend the entire saga.
Makate, who claims he invented the idea while working as a trainee accountant at Vodacom in 2000, believes he is owed billions in compensation. He turned down a R47 million settlement offer from Vodacom in 2019, insisting on a figure closer to R29 billion based on the service’s revenue over the years. With the offer now off the table, it’s an all-or-nothing showdown, and the gloves are truly off.
The Ongoing Legal Marathon: From Invention Claim to Court Orders
The “Please Call Me” feature, which lets users send a free message asking someone to call them back, became a massive hit for Vodacom after its launch in 2001. Makate argues that he came up with the concept and shared it with his superiors, expecting a share of the profits. Vodacom, however, maintains that no binding agreement was made for compensation, sparking a dispute that has bounced between courts for nearly two decades.
In a key ruling earlier this year on 31 July 2025, the Constitutional Court declared the previous Supreme Court of Appeal proceedings a mistrial due to issues with the bench. This led to the order for a re-hearing, but it also slapped Makate with the hefty legal bill for Vodacom’s costs in that round. The R13 million figure covers counsel fees and other expenses, putting further financial strain on Makate as he prepares for the next battle.  He has publicly questioned the fairness of the apex court upholding Vodacom’s appeal while blaming the SCA judges for the mistrial, calling it surprising and inconsistent. 
The re-hearing will focus on the compensation amount, with Makate pushing for payment based on an 18-year contract period tied to the service’s success. Previous court decisions have sided with him on the principle of compensation, with the SCA once ordering Vodacom to pay between 5% and 7.5% of the total revenue generated since launch.  Vodacom’s initial R47 million offer was based on their calculations, but Makate’s team has presented models suggesting much higher figures, up to tens of billions.
MTN’s Shadow: Did They Invent It First?
A bombshell element in the case is the involvement of MTN, South Africa’s other major mobile network. Historical records show that MTN launched a similar “Call Me” service in late 2000, patented by their employee Ari Khan, before Vodacom rolled out “Please Call Me” in February 2001.  Reports indicate MTN’s version went live almost three months earlier, though some accounts pinpoint it to just weeks ahead. 
Vodacom has admitted in court that MTN patented the concept first, but argues this does not invalidate their agreement with Makate or the service’s development.  Makate was not involved in MTN’s creation, and his idea was pitched internally at Vodacom around the same time. However, the patent held by MTN raises the possibility of infringement claims.
Why has MTN not sued Vodacom? It remains a mystery, but past statements suggest they chose not to enforce the patent aggressively.  If MTN decides to step in now, especially if Makate wins big, they could pursue legal action against both parties for patent infringement – not copyright, as some have mistakenly called it. This could mean any compensation awarded to Makate might be redirected or challenged, diverting funds back to MTN as the original patent holders. 
Experts note that patents protect inventions for a limited time, typically 20 years, so MTN’s might have expired by now. Still, the historical precedence adds a layer of doubt to Makate’s claim of originality and could influence the upcoming hearing.
Financial Stakes and Public Sentiment: A High-Risk Gamble
Makate’s rejection of the R47 million in 2019 now looks even riskier with the mounting legal costs and potential third-party complications. He has argued that the service generated billions for Vodacom, estimating his share at R29 billion or more based on revenue models presented in court.  Vodacom counters that the idea was not unique and that their development team brought it to life.
Public opinion is divided. Many South Africans see Makate as a David fighting Goliath, a symbol of employees standing up to big corporations for fair recognition. Others question the validity of his invention claim given MTN’s prior art, suggesting he might deserve minimal or no compensation.  Social media buzzes with debates, with some calling for the madness to end and others rooting for a miracle win for Makate.
As the case heads to its potential finale, the financial implications are huge. A win for Makate could set precedents for inventor rights in corporate settings, while a loss might leave him buried in debt. Vodacom, meanwhile, aims to close the chapter on what they call a drawn-out distraction.
What Lies Ahead: Re-Hearing and Possible Resolutions
The Supreme Court of Appeal re-hearing on 18 November 2025 will feature a new bench and fresh arguments from both sides. Makate’s team will likely emphasise the need for fair compensation tied to the service’s long-term success, while Vodacom pushes back on the quantum and highlights external factors like MTN’s patent. 
If MTN enters the fray, it could prolong the dispute further, potentially leading to new lawsuits. For now, all eyes are on the court to decide if Makate’s persistence pays off or if the odds stack too high against him. This saga, blending innovation, corporate ethics, and legal intricacies, continues to captivate the nation, reminding us of the high stakes in protecting ideas in the digital age.
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