A South African inventor faces a 13 million rand bill from the Constitutional Court after judges ordered new proceedings in his dispute with Vodacom over mobile messaging technology. Nkosana Makate claims he created the Please Call Me service in 2000 while working as a trainee accountant, but received no payment despite the feature generating substantial revenue. The Supreme Court of Appeal will rehear arguments on Monday, November 18, after the top court ruled earlier proceedings invalid because of problems with the judicial panel.
Makate rejected a 47 million rand settlement in 2019 and seeks 29 billion rand based on calculations linking his contribution to total earnings since 2001. Records show competitor MTN patented similar technology months before Vodacom launched its version, raising questions about whether either party can claim exclusive rights. Legal experts note patents typically expire after 20 years, though the earlier filing could affect any future award.
The case has divided public opinion between supporters who view Makate as an underdog fighting corporate power and critics who question his originality claim, given the MTN patent.
Makate rejected a 47 million rand settlement in 2019 and seeks 29 billion rand based on calculations linking his contribution to total earnings since 2001. Records show competitor MTN patented similar technology months before Vodacom launched its version, raising questions about whether either party can claim exclusive rights. Legal experts note patents typically expire after 20 years, though the earlier filing could affect any future award.
The case has divided public opinion between supporters who view Makate as an underdog fighting corporate power and critics who question his originality claim, given the MTN patent.
