Vodacom's 18-year legal battle ends with settlement in Please Call Me case

By Staff Writer

Kenneth Makate, the creator of “Please Call Me,” whose persistence secured a landmark settlement from Vodacom after 18 years of legal battles.

South Africa’s telecommunications giant Vodacom has finally reached a confidential settlement with Kenneth Makate, bringing to a close nearly two decades of legal battles over the iconic “Please Call Me” service.

The settlement, while undisclosed, will be reflected in Vodacom’s interim results for the period ending September 2025.

The “Please Call Me” concept, pitched by Makate in 2000 while he was a trainee accountant at Vodacom, allowed users without airtime to send a free message requesting a callback. The service quickly became a lifeline for millions, especially in low-income communities and reshaped mobile communication across South Africa and beyond.

Makate’s claim that he had never been compensated led to years of litigation, stretching from the High Court to the Constitutional Court. In 2016, the Constitutional Court ruled in Makate’s favour, declaring Vodacom legally obliged to pay fair compensation.

Offers from Vodacom, including one around R47 million, were rejected by Makate, who estimated his share could range between R29 billion and R63 billion. The case continued through appeals until 2025, when the Supreme Court of Appeal determined Vodacom should pay 5% to 7.5% of the revenue generated by the service.

For Vodacom, settling the case avoids prolonged legal exposure, potential multi-billion-rand payouts and negative publicity. For innovators across Africa, the outcome reinforces that ideas have value, even within corporations, and that perseverance, proper documentation, and knowledge of intellectual property rights are crucial.

Beyond business and law, “Please Call Me” remains a symbol of innovation, inclusion, and empowerment. Makate’s victory highlights the importance of fair recognition and compensation for ideas that transform industries and lives. The case leaves a lasting legacy for entrepreneurs, employees, and corporations throughout South Africa and the continent.